Modular 3D printed lab-on-a-chip bio-reactor for the biochemical energy cascade of microorganisms

The paper presents the sandwiched polymer 3D printed lab-on-a-chip bio-reactor for the biochemical energy cascade of microorganisms. Euglenas and yeasts were separately and simultaneously cultured for 10 days in the chip. As a result of the experiments, euglenas, light-initialized and nourished by carbon dioxide – a product of ethanol fermentation handled by yeasts – generated oxygen, based on the photosynthesis process. The presence of oxygen in the bio-reactor was confirmed by the colorimetric method – bicarbonate (pH) indicator. Preliminary studies towards the obtainment of an effective source of oxygen are promising and further research should be done to enable the utility of the bio-reactor in, for instance, microbial fuel cells.