Bioprocesses Engineering

At times, the progress of pure science is limited by a lack of practical know-how. It is clear that in the post-genomic era, we shall witness a tremendously accelerated discovery of new potentially valuable compounds. Yet, major limiting factors for the development of such compounds, can be technological in nature. Bioprocess engineering utilizes engineering tools together with high computing power to tackle and solve problems ranging from reactor design to smart purification tools, and to metabolic and protein engineering. The overall mission of the cluster is to foster interdisciplinary, system-driven research and education, fusing engineering and biology.

The Principle:

To combine advanced scientific knowledge, from both engineering and biology, to bring novel approaches to overcome humanity's oldest challenges. The two technological revolutions of the past 20 years - the dramatic increase in computing power and the accelerated development of molecular biology - mean that up to date engineering tools can be applied to solve complex biological problems.

The Promise:

New integrated concepts and products, such as genetic or evolution algorithms and DNA chips, have been developed by the combination of disciplines and expertise, bringing enormous possibilities for future research and applications, from customized pharmaceuticals to biological sensors. The unraveling of the human genome heralds a tremendously accelerated discovery of valuable compounds, progress that can be grounded only with the practical tools of engineering.

The Process:

By establishing a bioprocesses engineering unit, the design of new processes for the production and purification of bio-compounds will be possible. A structural home for Technion's prolific protein engineers will enable the rapid design of proteins for use in new applications and their subsequent manufacture. In conjunction with Technion's worldwide success in nanotechnology, a bio-nano unit will allow the development of technology based targeted drug delivery. This powerful structural objective would be completed by a process control and simulation laboratory for biological processes.

Scientific and Technological Goals:

• Establish a bioprocesses engineering unit to facilitate the design of novel processes for the production and purification of bio-compounds.
• Establish a protein engineering research center to design proteins for use in new applications.
• Develop a bio-nano, technology-based targeted drug delivery unit.
• Establish a process control and simulation laboratory for biological processes.