Mustafa Salli completed his Bachelor's degree in General Engineering Science at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) from 2018 to 2022, specializing in Process Engineering. He then continued his studies in the Master's programme in Process Engineering at TUHH, graduating at the end of 2024. His Bachelor's thesis involved a numerical investigation of mixing behavior inside stirred tanks, conducted at the Institute of Multiphase Flows (IMS). For his Master's thesis, he focused on the numerical and experimental investigation of particle dynamics in a stirred tank reactor.

In 2024, Mustafa Salli began working as a research assistant at IMS, contributing to the multiphase bioreactor research group. His work involves the study and optimization of single-use bioreactors, ranging from 250 mL to 2000 L, in collaboration with Sartorius Stedim GmbH. The research focuses on characterizing these reactors with respect to key process parameters such as mass transfer, bubble size distribution, energy input, and mixing time.

How can bioprocesses be efficiently scaled up in single-use bioreactors (SUBs) across various volumes? With the increasing adoption of SUBs, particularly in small to medium scales, optimizing their performance is crucial for improving product quality and process productivity. SUBs, constructed from sterile, FDA-approved disposable plastics, are designed for single-use applications, making them ideal for flexible and cost-effective biomanufacturing.

Scaling up these systems requires careful assessment and optimization of key process parameters, such as specific power input, mass transfer rates, and mixing time. The focus is on refining reactor design and operation to ensure optimal performance across different bioreactor volumes, particularly in models like the Sartorius Biostat STR® with volumes ranging from 50 L to 2000 L. Effective scale-up strategies enable these bioreactors to meet the demands of modern biomanufacturing by ensuring efficient transfer and scalability of bioprocesses, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity and quality of bioproducts.