Welcome!

Introduction to Biochemical
Engineering
(CHE 461.3/861.3)

Instructor
Dr. G. Kennell
Chemical and Biological Engineering
 Research Area
Mathematical modeling of coupled electric
fields and ionic transport

Crevice corrosion

Lithium-ion cells with multi-dimensional

current distributions and non-homogenous
properties
 Course Objectives
To provide a general understanding of
the basic concepts of
- microbiology
- biochemistry and genetics

To apply chemical engineering principles to

- bioreactor analysis
- downstream processing and
bioprocess optimization and control.
 Marking Scheme
ChE 461 ChE 861

Assignments (4) 10 10
Quizzes (1-2) 10 10
Survey 5 -
Term project - 10
Midterm 25 20
Final exam 50 50
Total Mark 100 100
The mark distribution is only approximate. Final grades will be assigned at the
discretion of the instructor subject to the University Council and College Regulations on
Examinations. Bonus marks may be allocated due to in-class participation.
Disclaimer: Students should be aware of and follow the new
University of Saskatchewan Academic Honesty/Dishonesty definitions,
rules and procedures, and the Guidelines for Student Appeals in Academic Matters
that are available on the web at www.usask.ca/honesty.
 Notes on the class website
Check regularly the class website!
http://www.engr.usask.ca/classes/CHE/461/index.html

Text: Shuler, M.L. and Kargi, F. Bioprocess

Engineering, Basic Concepts.
Second edition. 2002. Prentice-Hall Inc. (on
reserve in the Engineering Library)

Office hours: email, or drop by my office

Introduction of Biochemical
Engineering

What is Biochemical Engineering?

 Definitions

Biochemical engineering: has usually

meant the extension of chemical
engineering principles to systems using a
biological catalyst to bring about desired
chemical transformations.
 Definitions
Biotechnology
- Traditionally, implies the use or development of
methods of direct genetic manipulation for a
socially desirable product.

- Broadly, Commercial techniques that use

living organisms, or substances from those
organism, to make or modify a product
(Congress of the United States, 1984)
 Definitions
Fermentation

- Traditionally, defined as the process for the

production of alcohol or lactic acid from glucose.
- Broadly, defined as an enzymatically controlled
transformation of organic compound (Websters
New College Dictionary)
 Typical Bioprocess

Stock culture Raw materials Medium

Microorganism preparation
cell preparation Shake flask Medium formulation

Seed fermenter Sterilization

Production fermenter Computer control

Air

Recovery

Purification Products

Effluent treatment
Batch Fermenter
 Biochemical Engineering History
5000 to 10,000 BC: yogurt, cheese and soy products,
wine and beer.

In early 20th century: pure bakers yeast were being

produced in tanks and sold.

In world war I: fermentation was used to produce

chemicals needed for war.

World War II: antibiotics production became on the

commercial scale.

1970s: recombinant DNA technology

 Canadian Innovative Biotech
Companies
According to the survey of Statistics Canada
every two year:

532 innovative biotechnology firms in

Canada in 2005
9% increase from 496 in Canada in 2003
42% increase from 375 in 2001
87% increase from 282 firms in 1997.
Distribution of Biotech Companies
 Regulation and organization
In pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry,

Primary concern: to produce a product of consistently

high quality in amounts to satisfy the medical needs of
the population.
Secondary concern: to reduce the manufacturing cost.

A future biochemical engineer needs to understand the

regulatory climate in which many bioprocess engineers
work.

U. S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its

equivalents in other countries