ORC-30306 Applied Biocatalysis

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

BIC-20806 Enzymology;
ORC-20306 Organic Chemistry;
BPE-21306 Bioreactor Design

Continuation courses:

MSc thesis ORC, BIC, BPE and/or MIB

Contents:

The purpose of this course is to get insight in the applicability of biocatalysts (enzymes, cells) for preparation of fine chemicals and biofuels at a small and large scale. The leading question is: what is the best method to produce a certain chemical compound: is this a chemical, a biochemical, or a microbial route. Guided by gradually more complex cases, students have to identify advantages and disadvantages of possible solutions, taking into account the consequences of their choices. Finally, all steps of the production route have to be regarded, including environmental aspects, bioreactor design, downstream processing and economic aspects. During this course, students become familiar with biocatalyst activity and stability, immobilisation, cofactor regeneration, bioreactor types and their characteristics. The characteristic features of bioreactors with immobilised enzymes will be illustrated during some practical experiments at PRE.

Learning outcomes:

- be able to decide on the applicability of biocatalysts (enzymes, cells) for preparation of fine chemicals and biofuels at a small and large scale;
- be able to analyse the importance of various aspects (environmental, reactor, economic) in biocatalytic production routes;
- be able to prepare and use immobilised biocatalysts, and be able to judge their performance in reactors.

Activities:

The student has to gather information in a problem-oriented way, under the supervision of a tutor. Discussion with other students and the tutor is essential. Furthermore, some practical experiments with bioreactors have to be executed, interpreted and the results have to be reported to the supervisor.

Examination:

Written exam, written reports about the experiments and written reports about the cases.

Literature:

Tramper and van 't Riet: 'Basic Reactor design'. Lecture notes 'Applied Biocatalysis' (available at the WUR shop).