Bioprocess Engineering ― An Introductory Engineering and Life Science Approach

Biotechnology is an expansive field incorporating expertise in both the life science and engineering disciplines. In biotechnology, the scientist is concerned with developing the most favorable biocatalysts, while the engineer is directed towards process performance, defining conditions and strategies that will maximize the production potential of the biocatalyst. Fundamental to the successful realization of the bioprocess is a need for process engineers and life scientists competent in evaluating biological systems from a cross-disciplinary viewpoint.

With this book, the author aims to generate core competencies through an understanding of the complementary biotechnology disciplines and their interdependence. Chapters develop kinetic and mass transfer principles that quantify optimum process performance and scale up. The text is wide in scope, relating to bioprocesses using bacterial, fungal and enzymic biocatalysts, resting and active cells, batch, fed-batch and continuous strategies and free and immobilized configurations.

Kim G.Clarke is Associate Professor in the Department of Process Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. She heads a research group in bioprocess engineering that focuses on the application of chemical engineering principles in the development and optimization of biological processes.