CH04 605 : BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

3 hours lecture and 1 hour tutorial per week

Module 1:
Definition and introduction of biochemical engineering. Microbiology - general idea on structure
of cells and cell theory. Classification of micro-organisms (protist kingdom) and their
morphological characteristics eg. bacteria, blue green algae, actinomycetes, fungi (mold, yeasts),
protozoa (primitive animals) and algae(primitive plants).
Biochemistry-study of structure properties and functions of important cell chemicals like lipids
(fatty acids, fats, vitamins, steroids, phospholipids) and carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic
acids.
Molecular genetics-concept and definition process of gene expression, DNA replication and
mutation, recombinant DNA technology, prospects of genetic engineering.
Module 2 :
Enzyme classification. Comparison of enzymes with synthetic catalysts.
Kinetics of enzyme-catalysed reactions-Michealis-Menten equation for single substrate reactionconcept of substrate and substrate-enzyme complex.
Evaluation of kinetic parameters in M-M equation.
Substrate inhibition and activation. Feedback inhibition. Competitive and non-competitive
inhibition. Enzyme activation and inhibition(no derivation). Study of parameters affecting
enzymatic activity like pH, temperature and mechanical forces.production and purification of
enzymes.(methods). Immobilization of enzymes(physical and chemical methods).
Applications of enzymes as catalysts. Industrial, medical and analytical applications of
immobilized enzymes(general idea)bioenergetics-energy through EMP pathway and TCA cycle
on glucose molecule. Importance of NAD and ATP.

Module 3 :
Cell growth stoichiometry. Batch cultivation of cells- Growth cycle phases like lag, exponential
growth, maximum stationary phase, and death phase.
Medium formulation, yield factors, Monod growth kinetics.

Transport phenomena in bioprocess systems- gas- liquid mass transfer, metabolic oxygen
utilization, oxygen transfer rate determination, overall coefficients and power requirements in
sparged and agitated vessels. Heat transfer in biochemical reactions.
Bioreactor Instrumentation- physical and chemical sensors, gas analysis, online and offline
sensors.

Module 4 :
Design and analysis of biological reactors- Ideal reactors and non-ideal reactors, sterilization
reactors, multiphase reactors- packed type, bubble column, fluidized bed, fixed bed (general
description)
Fermentation technology- design and operation of typical aseptic aerobic fermentation process.
Different configurations for fermentors.
Product recovery operations- filtration, centrifugation, extraction, sorption, precipitation,
chromatography and membrane processes.
Bio-chemical industry- flow diagrams and descriptions for production of fine chemicals like
enzymes, proteins, antibodies, steroids. Flow diagrams and description for manufacture of beer,
wine. Fuel alcohol, ethanol, organic acids, amino-acids, and single cell proteins.

Reference Books
1.

Bailey & Ollis, Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, McGraw Hill

2.

Perry R. H. & Chilton H. C.(Eds.), Chemical Engineers Handbook, McGraw Hill.

Internal Work Assessment

60% - Test papers (Minimum 2).
30% - Assignments/ Term project/ Any other mode decided by the teacher.
10% - Other measures like Regularity and Participation in Class.
Total Marks =50

University Examination pattern

QI 8 Short type questions of five marks, 2 from each module

QII 2 question A&B of 15 marks from module I with choice to answer any one.
QIII 2 question A&B of 15 marks from module II with choice to answer any one.
QIV 2 question A&B of 15 marks from module III with choice to answer any one.
QV 2 question A&B of 15 marks from module IV with choice to answer any one.