Microtechnology in space bioreactors

Space biology is a young and rapidly developing discipline comprising basic research and biotechnology. In the next decades it will play a prominent r ole in the International Space Station (ISS). Therefore, there is an increa sing demand for sophisticated instrumentation to satisfy the requirements o f the future projects in space biology. Bioreactors will be needed to suppl y fresh living material (cells and tissues) either to study still obscure b asic biological mechanisms or to develop profitable bioprocesses which will take advantage of the peculiar microgravity conditions. Since more than tw enty years, the Space Biology Group of the ETHZ is carrying out research pr ojects in space (Space Shuttle/Spacelab, MIR Station, satellites, and sound ing rockets) that involve also the development of space-qualified instrumen tation. In the last ten years we have developed, in collaboration with Meca nex SA, Nyon, and the Institute of Microtechnology of the University of Neu chatel, a space bioreactor for the continuous culture of yeast cells under controlled conditions. Sensors, pH control, nutrients pump and fluid flowme ter are based on state-of-the-art silicon technology. After two successful space flights, a further improved version is presently prepared for a fligh t in the year 2000.