526-302 Biotechnology 2: Process Development

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Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should be able to:

• comprehend many of the issues, concepts and difficulties involved in developing new products involving microbial processes;

• describe the principles underlying microbial processes currently in operation in industry;

• recognise the practical difficulties involved in transition between laboratory and large scale modes of operation;

• appreciate the importance of rational, critical and independent thought in biotechnology;

• recognise the past contributions of biotechnology to society, and its potential for further improvement of human welfare.

Content:

Characteristics of reactors for growing different types of cells, and for using immobilised cells and enzymes. Use of batch and continuous cultivation in research and development. Strain development and stability, and problems in scaling-up a process. Industrial processes such as: mixed culture processes which apply to the treatment of waste water, mineral leaching and the bioconversions of toxic substrates. High volume/low value products: single cell protein, yeast, ethanol, methane. Moderate volume/higher value products: amino acids, organic acids, solvents, bulk enzymes, vaccines. Low volume/high value products: antibiotics, pure enzymes, novel biologicals, DNA probes, biosensors, monoclonal antibodies.

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