ABSTRACT
Commercialization of biotechnology-based processes for the improvement of human life would be impossible without the supporting engineering disciplines. Biochemical engineering has a crucial role in economically transforming the laboratory discoveries in biotechnology into large scale manufacturing. This chapter examines the processing, considerations common to many biological systems. It studies bioreactors used in the production of biochemicals and biocatalysts (enzymes, microorganisms, cell cultures) and the fundamentals of design of these reactors and supporting systems. The chapter examines some of the design considerations for bubble column and airlift bioreactors. The following comments on scale-up apply to stirred tank type of fermenters. The output of a bioreactor usually undergoes one or more downstream separation, purification, stabilization and packaging operations to produce a saleable product. The chapter examines some of the more common unit operations employed in downstream bioprocessing. To ensure safety and efficacy, all aspects of manufacture of certain food and pharmaceutical products must comply with the standards of Good Manufacturing Practices.
