a bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal , optionally , of spent medium , medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples . the bioreactor vessel includes a cylindrical wall , two cover plates , two rotary unions , fill ports , and a polymeric filter . a method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is fabricated from a user - selected length of permeable tubing and a peristaltic pump . a polymeric fresh - medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding , perfusion or sample collection . an enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell - free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system consisting of a polymeric porous matrix and a fan . a computer program with graphical user interface for automatically and / or robotically controlling all functions especially including rotation of the reactor vessel , feeding fresh medium , perfusing the reactor vessel , timed collection of samples of fluid from the reactor , selecting between collecting cells or cell - free supernatant . a sealed compartment for sample - collection bags provides a level of chemical containment for safety . a sealed external housing is used for all components of the device except the power supply and computer . an external loop and electronic video microscope provides real - time and recorded and / or transmitted observation of cells in the suspension . all polymeric components are made of low - flammability , non - toxic , heat - resistant polymers such as polycarbonate , polysulfone , polypropylene , polytetrafluoroethylene , or silicone .