> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess.md).
# Bioprocess
A bioprocess uses living [cells](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#cell) to produce a [Bioproduct](/mpd/encyclopedia/bioproduct.md).
In the context of BactoBox®, we focus on [microbial](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#microbial) bioprocesses. That is, bioprocesses with cells in the micrometer range.
A bioprocess is the result of [Bioproduct](/mpd/encyclopedia/bioproduct.md).
## Upstream and downstream
A bioprocess has two subprocesses: Upstream and downstream.
## Upstream bioprocess
In practical terms, an upstream bioprocess is everything that goes on inside a [vessel](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#vessel-or-reaction-vessel) (e.g., inside a bioreactor).
The key steps are:
* 🌱 You seed (inoculate) the [vessel](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#vessel-or-reaction-vessel) (e.g., bioreactor) with your [seed culture](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#seed-culture-or-starter-culture-or-inoculum).
* 🌿 You wait for your [culture](/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md#culture-or-cell-culture) to grow inside the controlled environment of the vessel.
* 🌽 You harvest the culture for further processing downstream.
The goal of the upstream bioprocess is to get a high-quality culture for harvest.
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