Biochemical Engineering
Theory: 2 hours/week | Practicals: 3 hours/week | ECTS Units: 4
Tutoring in the English language is offered to Erasmus students
Learning outcomes
The subject of Biochemical Engineering encompasses the fundamental biochemical processes utilized on an industrial scale for the production of fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products, and diagnostic medical products. Emphasis is placed on the systematic analysis, design, control, and optimization of bioprocesses to achieve efficiency, sustainability, and product quality.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze and interpret general flow diagrams of industrial biochemical processes.
- Formulate and apply mass and energy balances to biochemical systems.
- Characterize the rheological properties of fermentation slurries.
- Evaluate the factors influencing fluid mixing within bioreactors.
- Explain the fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer in bioreactor systems.
- Assess the parameters affecting oxygen transfer in biochemical processes.
- Describe the various types and fundamental operating principles of bioreactors.
- Explain the essential principles and characteristics of sterilization in bioprocess engineering.
Syllabus
- INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING. Steps in bioprocess development. Factors affecting the evolution of bioprocess. Analysis of a general flow chart of biochemical processes in industry.
- MATERIAL BALANCES. Law of conservation mass. Procedure for material balance calculations. Stoichiometry of cell growth and product formation. Material balance worked examples.
- ENERGY BALANCES. Basic energy concepts. Procedure for energy balance calculations without reaction. Energy balance equation for cell culture. Energy balance worked examples.
- FLUID FLOW. Classification of fluids. Viscosity. Momentum transfer. Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Rheological properties of fermentation broths. Factors affecting broth viscosity. Turbulence.
- MIXING. Mixing equipment. Impellers. Mechanisms of mixing. Improving mixing in fermenters. Effect of rheological properties on mixing. Role of shear in stirred fermenters.
- HEAT TRANSFER. Heat transfer equipment. Mechanisms of heat transfer. Heat transfer between fluids.
- MASS TRANSFER. Role of diffusion in bioprocessing. Oxygen uptake in cell cultures. Factors affecting oxygen transfer in fermenters.
- BIOREACTORS. Bioreactor Configurations. Factors affecting the operation of a bioreactor. Bioreactor Design.
- STERILISATION. Heating, chemical treatment, radiation, filtration.
In addition, an educational visit is organized to a biochemical production facility, during which students undertake a study of the overall production process.
Student performance evaluation
The overall course performance is determined by the results of the written examination, active participation in educational visits, and the assessment of reports submitted in connection with these visits.
Suggested bibliography
- M. Doran, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, Broken Hill Publishers LTD, 2019 (in greek).
- L. Shuler and F. Kargi, Bioprocess Engineering: Basic Concepts, N.T.U.A. PRESS, 2005 (in greek).
- Lymperatos and S. Paulou, Introduction in Biochemical Engineering, Tziola Publications, 2018 (in greek).
- Zoumpoulis and K.A. Matis, Processes in Biotechnology, Tziola Publications, 2010 (in greek).
- E. Bailey and D. F. Ollis, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, 2 nd Edition, Mc-GrawHill, 1986.
- W. Blanch and D. S. Clark, Biochemical Engineering, Marcel Dekker, 1997.
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturer
