Biocatalysis Fundamentals for Chemical Engineering

Chemical synthesis is undergoing a green revolution, with biological catalysts replacing traditional, harsh chemical catalysts. Understanding how to harness enzymes and microbes is now an essential skill for modern chemical engineers and biotechnologists. This comprehensive, text-only course guides you through the foundational principles of biocatalysis, teaching you how to evaluate, model, and integrate biological reactions into industrial chemical workflows. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental terminology, structures, and mechanisms of enzymes as biocatalysts. - Model reaction rates using classic Michaelis-Menten kinetics and analyze inhibition patterns. - Evaluate the advantages of biocatalysis over traditional inorganic catalysis in industrial processes. - Design basic bioreactor systems and select optimal operating parameters for enzyme stability. - Explore modern developments in enzyme engineering, including directed evolution and computer-aided design. - Apply green chemistry metrics to assess the environmental and economic impact of biocatalytic pathways. You will start with core biological concepts and foundational definitions before moving into mathematical kinetic modeling and practical industrial design principles, supported by written exercises to test your understanding. This course is designed for chemical engineering students, chemistry graduates, and process engineers looking for a clear, beginner-friendly introduction to industrial biotechnology with no prior biology background required. Start reading today to bridge the gap between biology and chemical engineering.