This textbook covers the essentials of cells as biocatalysts, including cell morphology, cell genetics, cell metabolism, cell operation, cell stoichiometry, cell engineering, and cell interaction. A pragmatic and systematic approach is provided to all such topics, from the point of view of a biological engineer – illustrated by criteriously selected and carefully solved problems, proposed at the end of each section. In the first part of this textbook, readers will find a brief historical review of biotechnology; and in the second part, the author explores the performance of biocatalysts, in terms of native features and upon rational manipulation thereof.
Whenever appropriate, mathematical derivations are put forward that are easy to follow step-by-step – even by students holding only elementary mathematical and biochemical backgrounds; and are developed at a pace suitable for self-learning. Furthermore, the functional forms and meanings of the expressions produced are explored, and the final germane formulae are duly highlighted and graphically interpreted in dimensionless form – to facilitate the perception of major trends and asymptotic patterns. Therefore, this book offers a valuable resource for both instructors and undergraduate/graduate students – as an aid to grasp and relate basic concepts dealing with living cells as catalysts designed for bioreactors, rather than engaging in cumbersome descriptions of their physiological behaviour.
This textbook, together with the companion volumes Operation Fundamentals in Bioreactor Engineering and Modelling Fundamentals in Bioreactor Engineering, fill the gap between qualitative approaches, focused on biochemistry; and technological approaches, which often resort to empirical correlations – unlikely to support a fundamental understanding of the essential concepts.
Part I: Introduction to Biotechnology.- Historical Overview.- Part II:
Biocatalyst Features.- Cell Morphology.- Cell Genetics.- Cell Metabolism.-
Cell Operation.- Cell Stoichiometry.- Cell Engineering.- Cell Interaction.
Prof. F. Xavier Malcata completed a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering, University of Porto (UP), Portugal; and a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, with a distributed minor in Food Science, Statistics, and Biochemistry, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. He is currently a Full Professor at UPs Department of Chemical Engineering, and a Senior Researcher at LEPABE/ALiCE. He has previously served as Dean of the College of Biotechnology of the Portuguese Catholic University, President of the Portuguese Society of Biotechnology, Chief Executive Officer of University/Industry Extension Associations AESBUC and INTERVIR+ and Biotechnological Entrepeneurial Incubators CiDEB and INOVAR&CRESCER, and Portuguese Government Liaison Officer to the European Commission for food and biotechnology matters. Over the years, Prof. Malcata has received several national andinternational public recognitions and awards, including the: William V. Cruess Award for excellence in teaching, from the Institute of Food Technologists (USA); Teaching Award in Dairy Manufacturing, from the American Dairy Science Association (USA); Stephen S. Chang Award for distinguished accomplishments in research with lipids, from the American Oil Chemists Society (USA); Elmer Marth Educator Award, from the International Association for Food Protection (USA); and Scientist of the Year Award, from the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (Netherlands). Prof. Malcata has published 14 monographs and edited 5 books; published 400+ papers in peer-reviewed international journals, collaborated in 60+ R&D projects serving as principal investigator in 35+, and served on the editorial boards of 5 major journals in the areas of applied biotechnology, and of food science and engineering.
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