FlavorReactor (Pioreactor for larger volumes)

[curro99]

Hello friends!

I’d like to share a project I started a few months ago with the goal of expanding the amount of data that can be gathered using the PioReactor. Let me start by saying that I’m new to both CAD and programming, so far from being a perfect prototype, this is a project that has a lot of room for improvement. I’ve called it FlavorReactor because my work revolves around fermentation research in the field of gastronomic sciences. I’d love to keep improving the project and will try to keep you updated. I’m sharing it here in case anyone is interested in joining the adventure, especially in linking Atlas Scientific’s software with PioReactor’s. The ultimate goal is to share this in educational environments such as universities and schools

The system consists of a continuous flow circuit (thanks to Martin Currie for the inspiration). Using this setup, I use the PioReactor to measure cell growth while the FlavorReactor gathers other data—in my case, pH, dissolved oxygen, and CO₂ gas (the lid is fully customizable depending on the sensors you need)

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At the following link, you’ll find 3D designs as well as an Excel file listing the different parts I’ve used (though I’m sure I’ve missed a few):

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gXTnvB49CT3pUsR5KFsqaY4H5lT7Bkz1?usp=drive_link

Key Goals for Improvement:

1. Create plugins for the various sensors so that the setup only requires downloading them—no coding necessary.
2. Optimize the temperature control system: My idea is to connect the Atlas temperature sensor to the PioReactor software so that it sends instructions to the heating pad. The goal is to control the temperature of the 500ml vial rather than the standard 20ml vial.
3. Synchronize stirrers: Connect the PioReactor fan and the FlavorReactor fan to the same PWM.
4. Review the 3D designs for better functionality and efficiency.
5. Develop a dedicated webpage/github/post to explain the entire setup in simple terms, making it easy to share with universities, schools, and other educational institutions.

Helpful Resources:

• To use Atlas Scientific sensors, I highly recommend converting them to I2C using their I2C Toggler gadget: I2C Toggler.
• The InterLink description is a great resource for understanding the HAT’s logic: InterLink.
• For understanding specific sensors like pH, the datasheet is a great resource: pH EZO Datasheet.

Calibration Tips:

Atlas offers free calibration software. The EZO sensors have volatile memory, so you can calibrate them using their software and then use them with the PioReactor software without having to integrate calibration steps into the PioReactor UI for all sensors.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and looking forward to your feedback and ideas!

Here some fun pictures as well of the project!

Warm regards,
Curro

[olivetree]

This is really cool, appreciate you sharing. I’m still a beginner so kind of got lost in some of whats done here, would be great if you can provide more insight on what kind of experiments can be done. Do you still use the 20ml vial given that you have an expanded 500ml vial- if so, what is that one used for?

PS: i’m coming from a software engineer + hobby hydroponics background so would love to contribute where i can

[curro99]

Hello! Thanks for your interest

Regarding the vial, yes, I’m still using it. The system works as follows:

There is a continuous liquid flow (hence the two 12V pumps) between a 20ml vial and a 500ml vial. The 20ml vial is used to obtain the type of data you would typically get with the Pioreactor (in my case, cell growth), while the 500ml vial houses a sensor system. I use sensors from Atlas Scientific—they offer many types, including pH, O₂, Redox, and CO₂. This setup allows for a broader range of data collection.

I work in the Food Science sector, so here’s an example of how the FlavorReactor could be useful:

I’m interested in studying how fast acetic bacteria grow in a broth made of tea, sugar, and 2% alcohol. Using the Pioreactor’s optical system, I can monitor the bacterial life cycle, while the sensors in the 500ml vial can measure oxygen consumption, pH changes in the medium (due to acetic acid production), etc. (This, of course, depends on the sensors installed in the 500ml vial and assuming the continuous liquid flow is not disrupted. Some bacteria can produce cellulose, which might clog the system and interfere with the flow, for example.)

Hardware Considerations

To collect data from the sensors, I added a HAT to the Pioreactor, which, using Atlas Scientific’s EZO system, sends signals to the Pioreactor via I2C. These signals can be interpreted by the Pioreactor and displayed in the UI.

• The 500ml vial has a 12V heating pad connected to the Pioreactor’s PWM.
• The 500ml vial also has a fan with two magnets underneath (just like the Pioreactor), connected to the same PWM channel (Channel 1). This means that when the Pioreactor’s stirrer turns on, the FlavorReactor’s stirrer does as well.
• The other two PWM channels are assigned to the peristaltic pumps.

Since additional power is required for this setup, you’ll need to supply extra voltage to the Pioreactor. The instructions explain how to do this—it’s a simple process.

Current Issues

I don’t have much experience with coding or hardware, so I’m sure there are things I haven’t accounted for. Right now, I need to solve the following issues (I recently started my PhD, so the FlavorReactor project has been put on hold for a bit):

1. I’m having trouble integrating Cameron’s code on how to connect these sensors. I’m certain it’s something I’m doing wrong, as I know he got it working.
2. To cut costs, I bought the Pioreactor without the heating pad PCB, and now, when I turn on the stirrer, it tells me it won’t work without the PCB. The solution would be to purchase one and test it.

Let me know if you need anything! Big hug!

[Matt_int]

We’ve also been trying to integrate Atlas Scientific sensors with the Pioreactor, would you be able to share Cameron’s code or put me in contact with them?
Thanks!

[curro99]

I think is this one! [wip] Integrating pH / DO probes (software only) · Issue #483 · Pioreactor/pioreactor · GitHub

Keep us posted on how it goes!! Bests

[ColabsAG]

Very cool project, imagining the PWM could feed into a tunable microcontroller to modulate a stirrer through an H-bridge for mammalian cell cultures. Although you’d need some way of preventing cell damage from the pumps. Could look like a coffee plunger with the plunger locked at a certain height in the 500ml flask. Following this one for sure, best of luck!