A
bioreactor apparatus and
cell culturing
system is provided for the automated cultivation and
processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in
low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and
peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding,
perfusion or
sample collection. An
enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or
cell-
free medium is disposed therein together with a
humidity control system. The
bioreactor is computer controlled in order to control all functions including rotation of the reactor vessel, feeding fresh medium, perfusing the reactor vessel, timed collection of samples of fluid from the reactor, selecting between collecting cells or
cell-free supernatant. A sealed compartment for sample-collection bags provides a level of chemical containment for safety. A sealed external housing is used for all components of the device except the power supply and computer. An external loop and electronic video
microscope provides real-time and recorded and / or transmitted observation of cells in the suspension.