Biocatalysis Fundamentals for Chemical Engineers

Biocatalysis offers a highly sustainable pathway for chemical synthesis, yet transitioning from laboratory enzyme reactions to industrial-scale chemical reactors requires a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals. This text-based course bridges the gap between biology and chemical engineering by demystifying the physical and chemical constraints of enzymatic processes. You will transition from understanding basic biological reactions to analyzing complex biocatalytic systems, learning how to address critical design challenges, manage reaction conditions, and optimize reactors for maximum efficiency and stability. What you'll learn: Understand foundational biocatalysis terminology, enzyme kinetics, and thermodynamic principles; Analyze reactor design challenges including heat management in exothermic reactions and pH control; Manage enzyme instability, substrate solubility limits, and toxicity factors in industrial setups; Mitigate substrate and product inhibition to maintain high reaction rates and yields; Apply green chemistry principles and modern enzyme screening workflows to process design. The course begins with core definitions and kinetic modeling before guiding you through thermal, chemical, and physical design constraints. You will explore practical scenarios involving inhibition and solubility, concluding with modern sustainable engineering practices. This course is designed for chemical engineering students, biotechnologists, and process engineers new to biocatalysis, with no prior experience with industrial biochemistry required. Start reading today to master the engineering principles behind modern biocatalytic processes.