24 Questions
What is the main focus of biochemical engineering?
Applying biological agents for desired chemical transformations
Which of the following is NOT a biological agent used in biochemical engineering?
Chemicals
What is an example of a technically useful operation in biotechnology?
Bioremediation
Why is the development of technologically viable processes important in commercializing biotechnology?
To ensure economic efficiency
Which area is NOT considered under the scope of biochemical engineering?
Construction of buildings
What type of cells are commonly used in biochemical engineering processes?
Bacterial cells
What was the main focus of the Third Wave in the development of biotechnological processes?
Introducing sterility to biotechnological processes
Which of the following is an example of a new and exciting development in the Fourth Wave of biotechnology?
Production of human insulin from E. coli
What was the main focus of the Second Wave in the development of biotechnological processes?
Increasing the yield of desired products through complicated engineering techniques
Which of the following is not considered a development in the Fourth Wave of biotechnology?
Fermentation processes under non-sterile conditions
What was the main focus of the First Wave in the development of biotechnological processes?
Biotechnological processes initially developed under non-sterile conditions
Which of the following is not considered a development in the Fourth Wave of biotechnology?
Increased volumes of biotechnological activities on the production of antibiotics
In what year were the Sumerians and Babylonians already drinking beer?
6000 BC
What did Antoine Philips Van Leeunwenhoek, the Father of Microbiology, observe and describe?
Single-celled organisms
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an example of a microbially-based process?
Butter
Who is considered the Father of Biotechnology and supported the 'germ theory'?
Louis Pasteur
What was known in the near east by the time of the Book of Genesis?
Wine
How were contaminating microorganisms controlled in industrial compounds produced by microbial fermentation at the end of the 19th century?
By careful manipulation of the ecological environment
Which scientific discipline is NOT essential for the successful application of biotechnology?
Chemical Engineering
What is the primary role of a biochemical engineer in the commercialization of biotechnology?
Scale-up, design, and control bioreactors and downstream processes
Which of the following is NOT a tool commonly used in biochemical engineering?
Genetic manipulation techniques
What is the primary goal of biochemical engineering in the commercialization of biotechnology?
Develop technologically viable and economically efficient processes
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a biochemical engineer in bioprocessing?
Performing genetic engineering experiments on microorganisms
Why is substantial engineering input essential in bioprocessing?
To design and optimize various aspects of bioprocessing equipment and facilities
Study Notes
Biochemical Engineering
- Biochemical engineering applies chemical engineering principles to process materials using biological agents like cells or enzymes on an industrial scale.
- The goal is to achieve desired chemical transformations, such as synthesizing compounds or breaking down pollutants.
Biotechnology
- Biotechnology is the practical application of biological agents in technically useful operations.
- Biological agents include living or dead cells, sub-cellular components, microorganisms, plant/animal cells, enzymes, DNAs, and RNAs.
- Biotechnology is useful in manufacturing products (pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, industrial chemicals) and service operations (wastewater treatment, biodegradation of solid wastes, bioremediation).
Evolution of Biotechnology
- The First Wave: Microbial production of food and beverages (6000 BC); ancient production of food and beverages was more of a craft, with unknown microbial involvement.
- Key figures: Antoine Philips Van Leeunwenhoek (Father of Microbiology), Louise Pasteur (Father of Biotechnology).
The Second Wave
- By the end of the 19th century, many industrial compounds were produced by microbial fermentation procedures open to the environment.
- Control of contaminating microorganisms was achieved by manipulating the ecological environment.
The Third Wave
- The introduction of sterility to biotechnological processes led to higher yields of desired products.
- Complicated engineering techniques were used for mass cultivation of microorganisms.
- Development of bioreactors led to the birth of biochemical engineering as a formal discipline.
The Fourth Wave
- Improvements in efficiency and economics of established biotechnological industries.
- Explosive developments in molecular biology and process control.
- New research and development endeavors in biotechnology, including production of human insulin, monoclonal antibodies, plant tissue/animal cell culture, and artificial intelligence for control of bioreactors.
Importance of Biochemical Engineering
- Successful commercialization of biotechnology requires technologically viable and economically efficient processes.
- Biochemical engineering is crucial for commercial realization of biotechnology, involving scale-up, design, optimal operation, and control of bioreactors and downstream processing equipment.
Role of Biochemical Engineers
- Biochemical engineers play a key role in achieving commercial realization of biotechnology through their skills and knowledge in biochemical engineering or bioprocess engineering.
- They are involved in fermentation plant design, quantitative models, and approaches.
Challenges in Bioprocessing
- Biological systems can be complex and difficult to control, but they obey the laws of chemistry and physics, making them amenable to engineering analysis.
- Substantial engineering input is essential in many aspects of bioprocessing, including design and optimal operation of bioreactors, sterilizers, and product recovery equipment.
Learn about how chemical engineering principles are applied to process materials using biological agents like cells and enzymes for chemical transformations on an industrial scale. Explore the synthesis of compounds, breakdown of pollutants, and the importance in biotechnology commercialization.
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