BIOPROCESS INTENSIFICATION THROUGH BIOREACTOR ENGINEERING

An overview of methods for intensification of bioprocesses is presente d. Schemes focused on bioreactor and bioreaction engineering are the p rimary means of commercially-relevant process intensification. Example s are used to illustrate some of the available options: improved oxyge n transfer by use of static mixers and other means; enhancement of hea t transfer; slurry bioreactors for improved solid-liquid mass transfer and efficient suspension of the biocatalyst; modification of fermenta tion conditions to amplify productivity; high density cell culture bio reactors; design modifications for low-shear bulk mixing of shear-sens itive, viscous broths; use of additives as shear protectants; and high -efficiency airlift bioreactors. Methods that are commonly used for in tensification of chemical processes are generally too severe for use w ith biocatalysts. Of the available strategies for bioprocess intensifi cation, some, such as enhancement of oxygen transfer, have broader app licability than others. For the foreseeable future, empirical strategi es are expected to remain the primary means of bioprocess intensificat ion. Intensification goals are most effectively achieved through multi disciplinary approaches implemented at the earliest stages of process research.