Continuous and fed-batch bioprocess engineering

Within biotechnology, bioprocesses involve the industrial application of living organisms (whether enzymes, microorganisms, or eukaryotic cells) for the synthesis of products of interest. This course will focus on the central stage of the bioprocess: biological reactions in reactors. More specifically, it will focus on the use of microbial and cellular catalysts. Products of interest may include fermented foods (wine, beer, etc.), energy molecules (bioethanol, methane, etc.), chemical intermediates, and biomedicines (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 given in the fields corresponding to the main career opportunities for the two programs concerned (Agrosciences and Health). This course is a direct continuation of the M1 HAV811V course "Bioprocess Engineering - Batch." It focuses on the UpStream Processing (USP) aspects of bioprocesses.

The first classes will provide an overview of bioprocesses and the approach applied in bioprocess engineering, as well as a brief review of batch mode (prerequisite for M1). The bulk of the course will then be devoted to the application of bioprocess engineering to reactors operated in continuous and Fed-Batch mode (or semi-(dis)continuous culture).

Cross-disciplinary modules will also be offered:

-Transfer management (management of mixing, heat transfer, gas transfer) with a strong focus on gas transfer and how to ensure the oxygen requirements of a culture (kLa, OUR, OTR).-Culture medium design

-Basic assessments (carbon footprint and redox balance)

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

This course includes interactive lectures and tutorials.

An intensive practical application (1 month) in the form of a project is planned for students in the M2 Biology-Health/IBIS/specialization in bioproduction as part of the "Multidisciplinary lab project: from gene to protein" course units. For these students, a strong link is also planned with the specialization course units (HAV910V, HAV911V, and HAA910V). Please refer to the descriptions of these course units for more information.

The main objective of this EU is to understand and implement a biological reaction. The objectives already listed in the EU for M1 HAV811V "Bioprocess Engineering - Batch" are still valid and are reinforced.

At the end of this course unit, thanks to the acquisition of a rational approach to bioprocesses, students will be able to design and scale a bioprocess (process design), as well as scale up a process, i.e.:

-to critically analyze the information available to them,

-choose the solutions to be implemented in terms of cultivation management on a pilot or industrial scale, depending on production objectives and constraints

-to precisely define cultivation objectives

-perform a cultivation simulation (allows you to minimize preliminary trials and laboratory or pilot-scale cultivation, define operating parameters precisely, plan cultivation in accordance with human and material production resources, anticipate key parameters to be monitored for cultivation and control, and implement a quality approach, etc.).

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

Fundamentals of microbiology, metabolism, and cell biology (Bachelor's degree in biology or equivalent)

Fundamentals of differential and integral calculus (high school level: general and technological mathematics curriculum for 11th grade, applications in general science education, etc.)

Recommended prerequisites:

Fundamentals of bioprocess engineering (Master's level, course HAV811V "Bioprocess Engineering - BATCH" or equivalent)

Metabolism applied to bioproduction (M1 level EU HAV812V "Bioprocess Engineering -

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

Assessment is based on continuous assessment (CCI) (individual assignments, group work, and final exam).