Content (Syllabus outline)

Need for technical knowledge and skills in biotechnology. Septic and aseptic processes in biotechnology.  Material and energy balance in biological systems. Bioprocess equipment and machines. Up-stream processes for substrate preparation, sterilisation. Bioreactors, classification regarding substrates (fluid/ solid state), size, usability. Principles of bioreactor characterisation. Mixing and aeration issues and mass and heat transfer. Case of calculation for mixing, Oxygen transfer rate, kLa, heat exchange for sterilisation optimal processing regime. Terminology and operation of bioprocessing: batch, feed batch, continuous, recycle. Measurement and bioprocess control: On-line, in-line, off-line. Measurement of chemical parameters (pH, rH, pO2, effluent gasses). Measurement of biological parameters (substrate, sugars, cell mass, proteins). Measurement of   physical parameters (temperature, pressure, mixing power, foam, stream, viscosity). Downstream processing with equipment and processing. Initial steps in downstream processing, separation of intracellular and extracellular products, (e.g. filtration, centrifugation, cell lysis/destruction), organic solvents extraction and separation, membrane separation technology (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) chromatographic techniques (ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, gel filtration, affinity chromatography). Evaporation, distillation, separation with precipitation, crystallization, drying and formulation of final products.

Prerequisites

The student must be enrolled in the first year of MSc study program. A prerequisite for the final exam are accomplished all obligations under the program, lectures and laboratory and field practicals.