Fermenters and bioreactors in pharmaceutical plants use biological processes to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients such as antibiotics, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. These vessels provide a controlled environment in which microorganisms, cell cultures or enzymes are grown and cultivated to produce desired products.

The process begins with the introduction of microorganisms or cell cultures into the fermenter or bioreactor, together with a nutrient medium. The environment in the reactor is closely monitored and regulated, including temperature, pH, oxygen content and stirring speed, to ensure optimal growth conditions. As the cells grow and multiply, they produce the desired bioactive compounds.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the products are extracted from the reaction solution and purified to obtain the pharmaceutically active substances in the highest purity.