Course syllabus

Biotekniska separationsprocesser
Separations in Biotechnology

KBT060, 7,5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 2
Date of Decision: 2012-04-04

General Information

Main field: Biotechnology.
Compulsory for: B4-pt
Elective Compulsory for: MBIO1
Elective for: B4-mb, K4-p
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The objective of the course is to provide a general overview of bioseparation processes starting from a raw material and all the way through to a final product giving basic knowledge of physico-chemical principles behind different methods of separation of biomolecules. An efficient bioseparation process defines often the market life of the product as purification expenses comprise more than 70 % of the final product cost. Applying and integrating knowledge previously gained by students, the course will provide a deeper understanding of basic principles of bioseparation processes and the factors affecting the performance of the individual separation operations. The course will illustrate the challenges for biotechnologists using the examples of existing processes.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the basic structure of bioseparation process from a raw material and all the way through to a final product
• be able to describe and analyze individual separation operations taking into consideration raw material, product stability, productivity, purification fold
• understand how thermodynamics and kinetics affect the choice of the separation operation and the whole process
• understand basic differences in the purification of large biomolecules like proteins and plasmids, and in the purification of small molecules

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to search for, compile and critically analyze scientific and technical information on separation processes and materials used
• be able to carry out technical evaluation of alternative separation processes and present the solution of separation problems
• be able to choose appropriate separation operations and their combination taking into consideration product properties and production level

Contents

Critical analysis of different separation methods emphasizing the differences between purification of small and large molecules. Cell disintegration, membrane filtration, precipitation, extraction and chromatography of biomolecules as well as product formulation and process monitoring are discussed. The course involves also a laboration on modern protein chromatography. An important part of the course is the presentation of the case study.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam, approved labreport and presentation of the case study.

Parts
Code: 0108. Name: Separations in Biotechnology.
Credits: 6. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written exam.
Code: 0208. Name: Laboratory Work.
Credits: 1,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved written report.

Admission

Required prior knowledge: KBK011 Biochemistry, KETF010 Separation Processes.
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• Hatti-Kaul, R., Mattiasson, B., (2003) Isolation and Purification of Proteins, Marcel Dekker, NY. Handouts.
• Schuler, M. L., Kargi, F. : Bioprocess Engineering - Basic Concepts. Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Chapter 11.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Harald Kirsebom, harald.kirsebom@biotek.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.biotek.lu.se/KBT060