Continuous and Fed-Batch Bioprocess Engineering

Within the field of biotechnology, bioprocesses involve the industrial application of biological tools (such as enzymes, microorganisms, or eukaryotic cells) for the synthesis of products of interest. This course unit will focus on the central stage of the bioprocess: the biological reaction in a reactor. It will specifically address the use of microbial and cellular catalysts. Products of interest may include, for example, fermented foods (wine, beer, etc.), energy molecules (bioethanol, methane, etc.), chemical intermediates, or biopharmaceuticals (vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, etc.). The knowledge and skills acquired during this course unit will be transferable to any sector of activity. Examples will be provided in fields corresponding to the main career paths of the two relevant degree programs (Agrosciences and Health). This course unit is a direct continuation of the M1 course unit HAV811V “Bioprocess Engineering—Batch.” It focuses on the Upstream Processing (USP) aspects of bioprocesses.

The first few classes will provide an overview of bioprocesses and the approach used in bioprocess engineering, as well as a brief review of batch mode (a prerequisite for the M1 program). The bulk of the course will then be devoted to applying the bioprocess engineering approach to reactors operated in continuous and fed-batch modes (or semi-continuous/discontinuous culture).

Cross-disciplinary modules will also be offered:

-Transfer processes (mixing, heat transfer, gas transfer) with a strong focus on gas transfer and how to meet a culture’s oxygen requirements (kLa, OUR, OTR).-Design of culture media

-Basic balances (carbon balance and redox balance)

-Development of an indicator for monitoring biological response: the Respiratory Quotient (RQ)

This course unit includes interactive lectures and tutorials.

An intensive (1-month) practical application component, carried out in the form of a project, is planned for students in the M2 Biology-Health / IBIS program with a specialization in bioproduction as part of the course units “Multidisciplinary Lab Project: From Gene to Protein.” For these students, a strong connection is also planned with the specialization course units (HAV910V, HAV911V, and HAA910V). Please refer to the course descriptions for these units for more information.

The main objective of this course unit is to understand and implement a biological response. The objectives already listed in the M1 HAV811V course unit “Bioprocess Engineering—Batch” remain valid and are further reinforced.

By the end of this course unit, having acquired a rational approach to bioprocessing, students will be able to design and size a bioprocess (process design), as well as scale up a process, namely:

-to critically analyze the information available to them,

-to select the solutions to be implemented for crop cultivation on a pilot or industrial scale, based on production objectives and constraints

- to clearly define cultivation objectives

-to conduct a cultivation simulation (which helps minimize preliminary trials and lab- or pilot-scale cultivation runs, precisely define operating parameters, plan the cultivation process in accordance with available human and material resources, and identify the key parameters to monitor for cultivation and quality control, as well as for implementing a quality management system...).

In addition, the goal is also to understand the challenges associated with implementation in large-scale industrial bioreactors, particularly in terms of mass transfer (heat transfer, gas transfer).

Fundamentals of Microbiology, Metabolism, and Cell Biology (3rd-year biology bachelor's degree or equivalent)

Fundamentals of Differential and Integral Calculus (High School Level: Mathematics Curriculum for 11th Grade General and Technological Tracks, Applications in the Common Science Curriculum, etc.)

Recommended prerequisites:

Fundamentals of Bioprocess Engineering (M1 level, course HAV811V “Bioprocess Engineering—BATCH” or equivalent)

Applied Metabolism in Bioproduction (M1 Level, Course HAV812V “Bioprocess Engineering -

"Metabolism and Bioproduction" or HAA710V "Biological Catalysis and Microbiology" or equivalent)

Assessment is based on a comprehensive continuous assessment system (CCI) (individual assignments, group projects, and a final exam).