Methods and devices for remediation and fermentation

The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for the continuous culture of biocatalysts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for culturing micro-organisms, or plant or animal cells, or subcellular cell components as three-dimensional arrays immobilized in centrifugal force fields which are opposed by liquid flows. The present invention allows the maintenance of extremely high density cultures of biocatalysts and maximizes their productivity. The present invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which living cells or subcellular biocatalysts are immobilized in an open chamber defined by two rotating disks. The fluid force of nutrient fluids flowing into the chamber opposes the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber and promote cell growth. Use of an open chamber increases the capacity of the device to produce the desired cellular products.