Diffusive Mass Transfer in Immobilised Cell Systems

Abstract

The analysis of the influence of mass transfer on the reactor performance in immobilised-cell reactors is an important topic since the effectiveness of these reactors may often be reduced by the rate of transport of reactants to and products from the immobilised cell system (external mass transfer limitation), and by the rate of transport inside the immobilised cell system (internal mass transfer limitation). External mass transfer limitations can be reduced or eliminated by a proper design of the reactor and immobilised cell system. Several phenomena are involved such as axial dispersion, convective flow, and macro- and micro-mixing. More information about these topics can be found in various (bio)chemical engineering books and several review articles (e.g. [1–6]). Internal mass transfer limitations are often more difficult to eliminate and their knowledge is a prerequisite to analyse and optimise the performance of the immobilised cell system.