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A Web Tool for Generating High Quality Machine-readable Biological Pathways
Published on: February 8, 2017
Know-how and know-why in biochemical engineering.
U von Stockar1, S Valentinotti, I Marison
1Laboratory of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. urs.stockar@epfl.ch
Biotechnology Advances
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Biochemical engineering is evolving from an empirical art to a science, using advanced monitoring tools to understand cellular behavior. This shift emphasizes elucidating the "know-why" behind bioprocesses for scientific advancement.
Area of Science:
- Biochemical Engineering
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Bioprocess engineering has transitioned from empirical know-how to a science-based understanding of culture behavior.
- The field bridges fundamental science and applications, academia and industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolving position of biochemical and bioprocess engineering.
- To highlight the shift towards understanding the scientific fundamentals ('know-why') of bioprocesses.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing culture technology as a case study.
- Employing advanced monitoring tools, including semi-online (HPLC, GC, FIA) and non-invasive online methods (IR, Raman, capacitance spectroscopy, calorimetry).
Main Results:
- Bioprocess engineering is increasingly science-driven, focusing on quantitative understanding of cellular activity.
- Advanced monitoring provides deep insights into metabolome and fluxome.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical engineering's key role is elucidating the 'know-why' through fundamental research.
- This quantitative insight facilitates integration between molecular biology and engineering biosciences.
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