Applied Biotechnology

How cell information changes, bioprocesses use in animal cell culture study, bioprocesses use in plant cell culture, use of genetically modified microorganisms, medical applications of bioprocess engineering, traditional industrial processes.

Objectives

This course aims to the chemical engineer’s understanding of the concept of the cell (microbial, plant, animal) and the intracellular systems (enzymes, intracellular organelles, etc.) valorisation in producing products of biotechnological interest. This is performed in the sense of cell factory (the cell as a bioreactor) as a sequel to the use of the cell by a bioreactor, taught in the course of Biochemical Engineering. The utilization of the cell involves the design and optimization of the cellular mechanisms in the concept of engineering management. This utilization aims to the overproduction of intermediate metabolites, if they are the products of biotechnological interest, or to creation of new phenotype with interesting properties. Furthermore, the opportunity offered to add new metabolic networks from cells of different origin becomes obvious. These networks give the target-cells desired properties and applications. In this course, the most important cellular mechanisms such as gene expression, protein synthesis, metabolic networks, anabolism, the role of cellular energy and the ability to manage them with genetic engineering tools and holistic regulation through the quantified gene expression and mathematical treatment of various metabolic and gene networks are taught. Moreover, students may learn through this course about several PC programs and the utilization of numerous biological databases. Finally, the concept of holistic regulation and thus the synthesis of new networks eg gene and metabolic in the sense of "Synthetic Biology" is analyzed. Examples of using microbial, animal and plant cells in biotechnological processes are given. Nevertheless, it should not be ignored that the cell and in general the mechanisms of life should be treated with respect and caution.

Prerequisites

For this course, knowledge of cell biology principles, environmental biotechnology and biochemical engineering is required.

Syllabus

Systemic Biotechnology / Synthetic Biology. How the cell information changes. Study of animal cell processes. Study of plant cell processes. Genetically modified microorganisms. Medical applications. Traditional industrial processes. (Book: bioprocess engineering: Basic concepts).