Rotating Disk Biofilm Reactor
Biofilm Reactor for Medium Shear and Continuous Flow Research
The Rotating Disk Biofilm Reactor (RDR) is a continuously stirred biofilm growth system designed for medium shear conditions, recognized in ASTM E2196. It is the appropriate reactor when the research requires controlled fluid shear independent of bulk residence time; a key advantage over flow-through reactors where shear and residence time are coupled. This makes the RDR particularly well suited for studies of biocide efficacy, antimicrobial surfaces, and biofilm formation kinetics where shear force is an experimental variable.
The reactor consists of a PTFE and Viton disk containing six recessed 12.7mm (0.5 in) diameter coupons, driven by a bar magnet embedded in the disk base and rotated by a magnetic stir plate at 100-400 RPM. The disk sits inside a 1000 mL side-arm discharge glass vessel with a working volume of approximately 250 mL. Growth media, biocides, or other fluids are circulated continuously through the vessel during operation. Sampling is conducted by aseptically removing the entire disk from the reactor, then removing individual coupons for scraping, microscopy, or viable cell enumeration. With proper technique, a single coupon can be removed and replaced while the disk is returned to the reactor for continued biofilm studies. All components are autoclavable and reusable.
DK 20 Rotating Disk Biofilm Reactor
Holds 6 x RD128 disc coupons
Applications
The RDR is used across biocide and disinfectant efficacy testing, antimicrobial surface and coating evaluation, biofilm formation kinetics studies, and coupon material comparison research. Its compact footprint and independent shear control make it well suited for labs where space is limited or where multiple shear conditions need to be tested simultaneously across separate reactors. Coupons can be manufactured from any machinable material, and 40+ standard materials are available including plastics, metals, rubbers, and ceramics. Biofilm grown on coupons can be sampled individually for scraping and viable plate counts, or imaged directly by microscopy.
Rotating Disk Biofilm Reactor Models at a Glance
| Model | Voltage | Stir Plate Included | Stir Plate Type | Included With Every Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DK 20-1 | 120 VAC | Yes | Standard | Side-arm discharge glass vessel, ported lid, reactor rotor, polycarbonate coupons (6), coupon removal tool, bacterial air vent, glass flow breaks (2), reactor supports, 6-month limited warranty |
| DK 20-1-Int | 220-240 VAC | Yes | Standard | |
| DK 20-1-DH | 120 VAC | Yes | Digital Stir/Hot Plate | |
| DK 20-1-DH-Int | 220-240 VAC | Yes | Digital Stir/Hot Plate | |
| DK 20-2 | N/A | No | Not included | Side-arm discharge glass vessel, ported lid, reactor rotor, polycarbonate coupons (6), coupon removal tool, bacterial air vent, glass flow breaks (2), 6-month limited warranty |
The DK 20-2 is intended for labs that already have a compatible magnetic stir plate. Note that reactor supports are included with stir plate models only.
Replacement Parts
All Rotating Disk Reactor components and parts are available for purchase individually. Check out our full list of replacement parts:
0.5 in. Diameter Sample Coupon
More than 40 materials are already available, and we are always willing to try new materials for specialty projects! Check out our full list of available materials and pricing:
ASTM Standard Method using the Rotating Disk Reactor:
Standard Test Method for Quantification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Grown with Medium Shear and Continuous Flow Using Rotating Disk Reactor:
Selected Publications
Cotter, J.J., et al. “Characterization of a modified rotating disk reactor for the cultivation of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm.” Journal of Applied Microbiology 109.6 (2010): 2105-2117.
Schwartz, K., et al. “The use of drip flow and rotating disk reactors for Staphylococcus aureus biofilm analysis.” JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) 46 (2010): e2470.
Gomes, I.B., et al. “Standardized reactors for the study of medical biofilms: a review of the principles and latest modifications.” Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 38.5 (2018): 657-670.
