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{{Short description|Manufacturing by chemical reactions of biological organisms}}
{{Short description|Manufacturing by chemical reactions of biological organisms}}
[[Image:BTEC Bioreactors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Bioreactor]]
[[Image:BTEC Bioreactors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Bioreactor]]]]
'''Biochemical engineering''', also known as '''bioprocess engineering''', is a field of study with roots stemming from [[chemical engineering]] and [[biological engineering]]. It mainly deals with the design, construction, and advancement of [[unit process]]es that involve biological organisms (such as [[fermentation]]) or organic molecules (often [[enzyme]]s) and has various applications in areas of interest such as [[Petrochemical industry|biofuels]], food, [[Medication|pharmaceuticals]], [[biotechnology]], and water treatment processes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ucdavis.edu/majors/biochemical-engineering|title=Biochemical Engineering|date=2015-11-27|website=UC Davis|language=EN|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/biochemical-engineer|title=Biochemical engineer|last=Ruairi.Kavanagh|date=2014-12-18|website=gradireland|language=en|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref> The role of a biochemical engineer is to take findings developed by biologists and chemists in a laboratory and translate that to a large-scale manufacturing process.
'''Biochemical engineering''', also known as '''bioprocess engineering''', is a field of study with roots stemming from [[chemical engineering]] and [[biological engineering]]. It mainly deals with the design, construction, and advancement of [[unit process]]es that involve biological [[organisms]] (such as [[fermentation]]) or [[Organic compound|organic molecules]] (often [[enzyme]]s) and has various applications in areas of interest such as [[Petrochemical industry|biofuels]], food, [[Medication|pharmaceuticals]], [[biotechnology]], and water treatment processes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ucdavis.edu/majors/biochemical-engineering|title=Biochemical Engineering|date=2015-11-27|website=UC Davis|language=EN|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/biochemical-engineer|title=Biochemical engineer|last=Ruairi.Kavanagh|date=2014-12-18|website=gradireland|language=en|access-date=2019-02-13}}</ref> The role of a biochemical engineer is to take findings developed by [[biologists]] and [[chemists]] in a laboratory and translate that to a large-scale manufacturing process.


== History ==
== History ==
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2020}}
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2020}}
For hundreds of years, humans have made use of the chemical reactions of biological organisms in order to create goods. In the mid-1800s, [[Louis Pasteur]] was one of the first people to look into the role of these organisms when he researched fermentation. His work also contributed to the use of pasteurization, which is still used to this day. By the early 1900s, the use of microorganisms had expanded, and was used to make industrial products. Up to this point, biochemical engineering hadn't developed as a field yet. It wasn't until 1928 when Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin that the field of biochemical engineering was established. After this discovery, samples were gathered from around the world in order to continue research into the characteristics of microbes from places such as soils, gardens, forests, rivers, and streams. Today, biochemical engineers can be found working in a variety of industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. This is due to the increasing need for efficiency and production which requires knowledge of how biological systems and chemical reactions interact with each other and how they can be used to meet these needs.
For hundreds of years, humans have made use of the chemical reactions of biological organisms in order to create goods. In the mid-1800s, [[Louis Pasteur]] was one of the first people to look into the role of these organisms when he researched fermentation. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-24 |title=Louis Pasteur {{!}} Biography, Inventions, Achievements, Germ Theory, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Pasteur |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>His work also contributed to the use of [[pasteurization]], which is still used to this day.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cavaillon |first1=Jean-Marc |last2=Legout |first2=Sandra |date=2022-04-18 |title=Louis Pasteur: Between Myth and Reality |journal=Biomolecules |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=596 |doi=10.3390/biom12040596 |doi-access=free |issn=2218-273X |pmc=9027159 |pmid=35454184}}</ref> By the early 1900s, the use of [[microorganisms]] had expanded, and was used to make industrial products.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Buchholz |first1=Klaus |last2=Collins |first2=John |date=2013-05-01 |title=The roots—a short history of industrial microbiology and biotechnology |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-4768-2 |journal=Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology |language=en |volume=97 |issue=9 |pages=3747–3762 |doi=10.1007/s00253-013-4768-2 |issn=1432-0614|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Up to this point, biochemical engineering hadn't developed as a field yet. It wasn't until 1928 when [[Alexander Fleming]] discovered [[penicillin]] that the field of biochemical engineering was established.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tan |first1=Siang Yong |last2=Tatsumura |first2=Yvonne |date=July 2015 |title=Alexander Fleming (1881-1955): Discoverer of penicillin |journal=Singapore Medical Journal |volume=56 |issue=7 |pages=366–367 |doi=10.11622/smedj.2015105 |issn=2737-5935 |pmc=4520913 |pmid=26243971}}</ref> After this discovery, samples were gathered from around the world in order to continue research into the characteristics of microbes from places such as soils, gardens, forests, rivers, and streams. Today, biochemical engineers can be found working in a variety of industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. This is due to the increasing need for efficiency and production which requires knowledge of how biological systems and chemical reactions interact with each other and how they can be used to meet these needs.


== Applications ==
== Applications ==
Line 11: Line 11:


=== Biotechnology ===
=== Biotechnology ===
Biotechnology and biochemical engineering are closely related to each other as biochemical engineering can be considered a sub-branch of biotechnology. One of the primary focuses of biotechnology is in the medical field, where biochemical engineers work to design pharmaceuticals, artificial organs, biomedical devices, chemical sensors, and drug delivery systems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brown.edu/academics/engineering/undergraduate-study/concentrations/chemical-and-biochemical-engineering|title=Chemical and Biochemical Engineering {{!}} School of Engineering|website=www.brown.edu|access-date=2019-03-18|archive-date=2019-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212025428/https://www.brown.edu/academics/engineering/undergraduate-study/concentrations/chemical-and-biochemical-engineering|url-status=dead}}</ref> Biochemical engineers use their knowledge of chemical processes in biological systems in order to create tangible products that improve people's health. Specific areas of studies include metabolic, enzyme, and tissue engineering. The study of cell cultures is widely used in biochemical engineering and biotechnology due to its many applications in developing natural fuels, improving the efficiency in producing drugs and pharmaceutical processes, and also creating cures for disease.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/biochemical-engineer|title=Biochemical Engineer {{!}} Science & Engineering Career|website=Science Buddies|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref> Other medical applications of biochemical engineering within biotechnology are genetics testing and [[pharmacogenomics]].
{{main|Biotechnology}}
Biotechnology and biochemical engineering are closely related to each other as biochemical engineering can be considered a sub-branch of biotechnology. One of the primary focuses of biotechnology is in the medical field, where biochemical engineers work to design pharmaceuticals, [[Artificial organ|artificial organs]], biomedical devices, chemical sensors, and [[drug delivery systems]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brown.edu/academics/engineering/undergraduate-study/concentrations/chemical-and-biochemical-engineering|title=Chemical and Biochemical Engineering {{!}} School of Engineering|website=www.brown.edu|access-date=2019-03-18|archive-date=2019-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212025428/https://www.brown.edu/academics/engineering/undergraduate-study/concentrations/chemical-and-biochemical-engineering|url-status=dead}}</ref> Biochemical engineers use their knowledge of chemical processes in biological systems in order to create tangible products that improve people's health. Specific areas of studies include [[Metabolic engineering|metabolic]], [[Protein engineering|enzyme]], and [[tissue engineering]]. The study of [[Cell culture|cell cultures]] is widely used in biochemical engineering and biotechnology due to its many applications in developing [[Biofuel|natural fuels]], improving the efficiency of drug production and pharmaceutical processes, and creating cures for diseases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/biochemical-engineer|title=Biochemical Engineer {{!}} Science & Engineering Career|website=Science Buddies|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref> Other medical applications of biochemical engineering within biotechnology are [[genetic testing]] and [[pharmacogenomics]].


=== Food Industry ===
=== Food industry ===
Biochemical engineers primarily focus on designing systems that will improve the production, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of food.<ref name=":0" /> Some commonly processed foods include wheat, fruits, and milk which undergo processes such as milling, dehydration, and pasteurization in order to become products that can be sold. There are three levels of [[food processing]]: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary food processing involves turning agricultural products into other products that can be turned into food, secondary food processing is the making of food from readily available ingredients, and tertiary food processing is commercial production of ready-to eat or heat-and-serve foods. Drying, pickling, salting, and fermenting foods were some of the oldest food processing techniques used to preserve food by preventing yeasts, molds, and bacteria to cause spoiling.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.foodsystemprimer.org/food-processing/index.html|title=Food Processing|last=Driver|first=Kelly|last2=Health|first2=JH Bloomberg School of Public|website=Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2019-03-18|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427012601/http://www.foodsystemprimer.org/food-processing/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Methods for preserving food have evolved to meet current standards of food safety but still use the same processes as the past. Biochemical engineers also work to improve the nutritional value of food products, such as in golden rice, which was developed to prevent vitamin A deficiency in certain areas where this was an issue. Efforts to advance preserving technologies can also ensure lasting retention of nutrients as foods are stored. Packaging plays a key role in preserving as well as ensuring the safety of the food by protecting the product from contamination, physical damage, and tampering.<ref name=":1" /> Packaging can also make it easier to transport and serve food. A common job for biochemical engineers working in the food industry is to design ways to perform all these processes on a large scale in order to meet the demands of the population. Responsibilities for this career path include designing and performing experiments, optimizing processes, consulting with groups to develop new technologies, and preparing project plans for equipment and facilities.<ref name=":1" />
{{See also|Food chemistry|Food engineering}}
Biochemical engineers primarily focus on designing systems that will improve the production, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of food.<ref name=":0" /> Some commonly processed foods include [[wheat]], [[Fruit|fruits]], and [[milk]], which undergo processes such as [[Mill (grinding)|milling]], [[Food drying|dehydration]], and [[pasteurization]] in order to become products that can be sold.  
 
There are three levels of [[food processing]]: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary food processing involves turning agricultural products into other products that can be turned into food. Secondary food processing is the making of food from readily available ingredients. Tertiary food processing is commercial production of [[Ready-to-eat food|ready-to eat]] or heat-and-serve foods. [[Food drying|Drying]], [[pickling]], [[Salting (food)|salting]], and [[Fermentation in food processing|fermenting]] foods were some of the oldest food processing techniques used to preserve food by preventing the growth of entities which cause food to spoil, such as [[Yeast|yeasts]], [[Mold|molds]], and [[bacteria]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.foodsystemprimer.org/food-processing/index.html|title=Food Processing|last1=Driver|first1=Kelly|last2=Health|first2=JH Bloomberg School of Public|website=Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health|language=en|access-date=2019-03-18|archive-date=2021-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427012601/http://www.foodsystemprimer.org/food-processing/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Methods for preserving food have evolved to meet modern food safety standards, but many methods still involve the same processes as were used in the past.  
 
Biochemical engineers also work to improve the [[nutritional value]] of food products, such as in [[golden rice]], which was developed to prevent [[vitamin A deficiency]] in certain locations where this was an issue. Efforts to advance food preserving technologies can also ensure lasting retention of [[nutrients]] as foods are stored. [[Food packaging|Packaging]] plays a key role in preserving as well as ensuring the safety of the food by protecting the product from contamination, physical damage, and tampering.<ref name=":1" /> Packaging can also make it easier to transport and serve food.
 
A common job for biochemical engineers working in the food industry is to design ways to perform all these processes on a large scale in order to meet the demands of the population. Responsibilities for this career path include designing and performing experiments, optimizing processes, consulting with groups to develop new technologies, and preparing project plans for equipment and facilities.<ref name=":1" />


=== Pharmaceuticals ===
=== Pharmaceuticals ===
 
{{Main|Biotechnology in pharmaceutical manufacturing}}
In the pharmaceutical industry, bioprocess engineering plays a crucial role in the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. The development and optimization of bioreactors and fermentation systems are essential for the mass production of these products, ensuring consistent quality and high yields. For example, recombinant proteins like insulin and erythropoietin are produced through cell culture systems using genetically modified cells. The bioprocess engineer’s role is to optimize variables like temperature, pH, nutrient availability, and oxygen levels to maximize the efficiency of these systems. The growing field of gene therapy also relies on bioprocessing techniques to produce viral vectors, which are used to deliver therapeutic genes to patients. This involves scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Shukla, A. A. |author2=Thömmes, J. |author3=Hackl, M. |title=Recent advances in downstream processing of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies |journal=Biotechnology Advances |volume=30 |issue=3 |year=2012 |pages=1548–1557 |doi=10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.04.003}}</ref> As the demand for biopharmaceutical products increases, advancements in bioprocess engineering continue to enable more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing methods.
In the [[pharmaceutical industry]], bioprocess engineering plays a crucial role in the large-scale production of [[Biopharmaceutical|biopharmaceuticals]], such as [[Monoclonal antibody|monoclonal antibodies]], [[vaccines]], and therapeutic proteins. The development and optimization of [[Bioreactor|bioreactors]] and fermentation systems are essential for the [[mass production]] of these products, ensuring consistent quality and high yields. For example, [[recombinant proteins]] like [[insulin]] and [[erythropoietin]] are produced through cell culture systems using genetically modified (or [[genetically engineered]]) cells. The bioprocess engineer’s role is to optimize variables like temperature, [[pH]], nutrient availability, and oxygen levels to maximize the efficiency of these systems. The growing field of [[gene therapy]] also relies on bioprocessing techniques to produce [[viral vectors]], which are used to deliver therapeutic genes to patients. This involves scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.<ref>{{Cite journal |author=Shukla, A. A. |author2=Thömmes, J. |author3=Hackl, M. |title=Recent advances in downstream processing of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies |journal=Biotechnology Advances |volume=30 |issue=3 |year=2012 |pages=1548–1557 |doi=10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.04.003}}</ref> As the demand for biopharmaceutical products increases, advancements in bioprocess engineering continue to enable more [[Sustainability|sustainable]] and cost-effective manufacturing methods.


== Education ==
== Education ==
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*[[McMaster University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://learningin3d.ca/biotechnology.html|title=McMaster University, Faculty of Engineering: Biotechnology|access-date=2016-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920032906/http://learningin3d.ca/biotechnology.html|archive-date=2016-09-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[McMaster University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://learningin3d.ca/biotechnology.html|title=McMaster University, Faculty of Engineering: Biotechnology|access-date=2016-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920032906/http://learningin3d.ca/biotechnology.html|archive-date=2016-09-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Technical University of Munich]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://portal.mytum.de/studium/studiengaenge/bioprozesstechnik_bachelor/index_html?|title = Degree Programs}}</ref>
*[[Technical University of Munich]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://portal.mytum.de/studium/studiengaenge/bioprozesstechnik_bachelor/index_html?|title = Degree Programs}}</ref>
*[[Karlsruhe Institute of Technology]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sle.kit.edu/vorstudium/bachelor-bioingenieurwesen.php?|title = Degree Programs | date=10 August 2025 }}</ref>
*[[University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna]]<ref>http://www.boku.ac.at/lehre/studabt/studien/master/h066418/?selectedTypes=&selectedTGs=&selectedOEs={{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*[[University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna]]<ref>http://www.boku.ac.at/lehre/studabt/studien/master/h066418/?selectedTypes=&selectedTGs=&selectedOEs={{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*[[Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences]] (KGI Amgen Bioprocessing Center)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kgi.edu/faculty-and-research/kgi-centers/amgen-bioprocessing-center.html|title=Amgen Bioprocessing Center (ABC)|access-date=2014-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704035758/http://www.kgi.edu/faculty-and-research/kgi-centers/amgen-bioprocessing-center.html|archive-date=2014-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kgi.edu/academic-programs/master-of-bioscience-(mbs)/career-majors/bioprocessing.html|title=Bioprocessing|access-date=2016-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323045145/http://www.kgi.edu/academic-programs/master-of-bioscience-(mbs)/career-majors/bioprocessing.html|archive-date=2015-03-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences]] (KGI Amgen Bioprocessing Center)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kgi.edu/faculty-and-research/kgi-centers/amgen-bioprocessing-center.html|title=Amgen Bioprocessing Center (ABC)|access-date=2014-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704035758/http://www.kgi.edu/faculty-and-research/kgi-centers/amgen-bioprocessing-center.html|archive-date=2014-07-04|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kgi.edu/academic-programs/master-of-bioscience-(mbs)/career-majors/bioprocessing.html|title=Bioprocessing|access-date=2016-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323045145/http://www.kgi.edu/academic-programs/master-of-bioscience-(mbs)/career-majors/bioprocessing.html|archive-date=2015-03-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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*[[São Paulo State University]]
*[[São Paulo State University]]
*[[Federal University of Pará|Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA]]
*[[Federal University of Pará|Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA]]
*[[Université catholique de Louvain|University of Louvain]] (UCLouvain)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclouvain.be/en-cours-2013-LBIRC2108.html|title=UCL – COURSES DESCRIPTION FOR 2013–2014|first=Bernard|last=Paris|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclouvain.be/en-agro.html|title=Faculty of Bioscience Engineering|first=Réginald|last=Evrard|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517102717/http://www.uclouvain.be/en-agro.html|archivedate=2013-05-17}}</ref>
*[[Université catholique de Louvain|University of Louvain]] (UCLouvain)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclouvain.be/en-cours-2013-LBIRC2108.html|title=UCL – COURSES DESCRIPTION FOR 2013–2014|first=Bernard|last=Paris|date=15 September 2013 |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uclouvain.be/en-agro.html|title=Faculty of Bioscience Engineering|first=Réginald|last=Evrard|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517102717/http://www.uclouvain.be/en-agro.html|archivedate=2013-05-17}}</ref>
*[[University of Stellenbosch]]
*[[University of Stellenbosch]]
*[[North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University]]
*[[North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University]]
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==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Biology|Technology}}
{{Portal|Biology|Technology}}
*Biochemical engineering
*
*[[Biofuel from algae]]
*[[Biofuel from algae]]
*[[Biological hydrogen production (algae)]]
*[[Biological hydrogen production (algae)]]
Line 114: Line 123:
*[[Downstream (bioprocess)]]
*[[Downstream (bioprocess)]]
*[[Electrochemical energy conversion]]
*[[Electrochemical energy conversion]]
*[[Food engineering]]
*[[Industrial biotechnology]]
*[[Industrial biotechnology]]
*[[Microbiology]]
*[[Microbiology]]
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*[[Unit operation]]s
*[[Unit operation]]s
*[[Upstream (bioprocess)]]
*[[Upstream (bioprocess)]]
*[[Use of biotechnology in pharmaceutical manufacturing]]


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 03:31, 10 November 2025

Template:Short description

File:BTEC Bioreactors.jpg
Bioreactor

Biochemical engineering, also known as bioprocess engineering, is a field of study with roots stemming from chemical engineering and biological engineering. It mainly deals with the design, construction, and advancement of unit processes that involve biological organisms (such as fermentation) or organic molecules (often enzymes) and has various applications in areas of interest such as biofuels, food, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and water treatment processes.[1][2] The role of a biochemical engineer is to take findings developed by biologists and chemists in a laboratory and translate that to a large-scale manufacturing process.

History

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". For hundreds of years, humans have made use of the chemical reactions of biological organisms in order to create goods. In the mid-1800s, Louis Pasteur was one of the first people to look into the role of these organisms when he researched fermentation. [3]His work also contributed to the use of pasteurization, which is still used to this day.[4] By the early 1900s, the use of microorganisms had expanded, and was used to make industrial products.[5] Up to this point, biochemical engineering hadn't developed as a field yet. It wasn't until 1928 when Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin that the field of biochemical engineering was established.[6] After this discovery, samples were gathered from around the world in order to continue research into the characteristics of microbes from places such as soils, gardens, forests, rivers, and streams. Today, biochemical engineers can be found working in a variety of industries, from food to pharmaceuticals. This is due to the increasing need for efficiency and production which requires knowledge of how biological systems and chemical reactions interact with each other and how they can be used to meet these needs.

Applications

File:Applications of combinatorial gene circuit optimization strategies.svg
Applications biochemical engineering

Biotechnology

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Biotechnology and biochemical engineering are closely related to each other as biochemical engineering can be considered a sub-branch of biotechnology. One of the primary focuses of biotechnology is in the medical field, where biochemical engineers work to design pharmaceuticals, artificial organs, biomedical devices, chemical sensors, and drug delivery systems.[7] Biochemical engineers use their knowledge of chemical processes in biological systems in order to create tangible products that improve people's health. Specific areas of studies include metabolic, enzyme, and tissue engineering. The study of cell cultures is widely used in biochemical engineering and biotechnology due to its many applications in developing natural fuels, improving the efficiency of drug production and pharmaceutical processes, and creating cures for diseases.[8] Other medical applications of biochemical engineering within biotechnology are genetic testing and pharmacogenomics.

Food industry

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Biochemical engineers primarily focus on designing systems that will improve the production, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of food.[1] Some commonly processed foods include wheat, fruits, and milk, which undergo processes such as milling, dehydration, and pasteurization in order to become products that can be sold.

There are three levels of food processing: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary food processing involves turning agricultural products into other products that can be turned into food. Secondary food processing is the making of food from readily available ingredients. Tertiary food processing is commercial production of ready-to eat or heat-and-serve foods. Drying, pickling, salting, and fermenting foods were some of the oldest food processing techniques used to preserve food by preventing the growth of entities which cause food to spoil, such as yeasts, molds, and bacteria.[9] Methods for preserving food have evolved to meet modern food safety standards, but many methods still involve the same processes as were used in the past.

Biochemical engineers also work to improve the nutritional value of food products, such as in golden rice, which was developed to prevent vitamin A deficiency in certain locations where this was an issue. Efforts to advance food preserving technologies can also ensure lasting retention of nutrients as foods are stored. Packaging plays a key role in preserving as well as ensuring the safety of the food by protecting the product from contamination, physical damage, and tampering.[9] Packaging can also make it easier to transport and serve food.

A common job for biochemical engineers working in the food industry is to design ways to perform all these processes on a large scale in order to meet the demands of the population. Responsibilities for this career path include designing and performing experiments, optimizing processes, consulting with groups to develop new technologies, and preparing project plans for equipment and facilities.[9]

Pharmaceuticals

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In the pharmaceutical industry, bioprocess engineering plays a crucial role in the large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. The development and optimization of bioreactors and fermentation systems are essential for the mass production of these products, ensuring consistent quality and high yields. For example, recombinant proteins like insulin and erythropoietin are produced through cell culture systems using genetically modified (or genetically engineered) cells. The bioprocess engineer’s role is to optimize variables like temperature, pH, nutrient availability, and oxygen levels to maximize the efficiency of these systems. The growing field of gene therapy also relies on bioprocessing techniques to produce viral vectors, which are used to deliver therapeutic genes to patients. This involves scaling up processes from laboratory to industrial scale while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.[10] As the demand for biopharmaceutical products increases, advancements in bioprocess engineering continue to enable more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing methods.

Education

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Biochemical engineering is not a major offered by many universities and is instead an area of interest under the chemical engineering. The following universities are known to offer degrees in biochemical engineering:

See also

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References

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Shukla, A. A., Thömmes, J., & Hackl, M. (2012). Recent advances in downstream processing of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Biotechnology Advances, 30(3), 1548-1557. Walsh, G. (2018). Biopharmaceuticals: Biochemistry and Biotechnology (3rd ed.). Wiley.