Industrial Biotechnology

University of Manchester via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/industrial-biotech

Introduction

### Course Review: Industrial Biotechnology on Coursera #### Overview In a world increasingly seeking sustainable solutions, the course "Industrial Biotechnology" on Coursera stands out as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. As fossil fuels continue to dominate as the primary energy source, the course addresses the urgent need for smarter and more sustainable manufacturing processes. It explores how industrial biotechnology is setting the stage for significant advancements in the manufacture of chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and more. Designed for individuals interested in the intersection of biology and engineering, this course offers a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights. #### Course Content The course is structured into several modules, each focused on a key facet of industrial biotechnology: 1. **Enzymes, Enzyme Discovery, and Engineering** - This module emphasizes the central role of enzymes in life and their application in various industries. It explores enzyme-catalyzed processes, which are critical in drug discovery and the production of biofuels and chemicals. The knowledge imparted here lays a strong foundation for understanding how enzymes drive innovation in biotechnology. 2. **Methods in Systems and Synthetic Biology** - Students gain insights into the exciting field of synthetic biology, where biological systems are engineered for specific functions. This module focuses on the design-build-test cycle of creating novel biosystems and the socio-economic implications of synthetic biology research, fostering an awareness of ethical considerations. 3. **Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering** - This segment dives deep into the engineering aspects of bioprocess design, teaching students to translate scientific discoveries into commercial processes. It covers essential engineering concepts and real-world applications, delivered by experts from renowned institutions like The University of Manchester. 4. **Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals** - Highlighting the importance of biocatalysis in pharmaceuticals, this module provides engaging case studies on biocatalytic transformations. It covers essential metrics for successful manufacturing, making it particularly valuable for those looking to enter the pharmaceutical sector. 5. **Case Studies: Bioenergy and Biomaterials** - This module broadens the perspective on bioenergy and its renewable potential, alongside exploring biomaterials and their applications in various industries. It examines current trends and the future potential of biomaterials, making it relevant for those interested in sustainable product development. 6. **Case Studies: Glycoscience and Biotherapeutics** - Glycoscience is pivotal in developing innovative biopharmaceuticals and food security solutions. This module introduces key concepts and challenges within the field, reinforced with practical case studies that highlight the impact of glycan-based solutions in real-world applications. #### Why You Should Take This Course - **Interdisciplinary Approach**: This course melds biology, engineering, and socio-economic concerns, making it ideal for students and professionals in various fields, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and bioengineering. - **Real-World Applications**: Each module is enriched with practical case studies and examples, connecting the theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios in the industry, which enhances learning retention and applicability. - **Expert Instructors**: The course is taught by industry professionals and academics from leading universities, ensuring that learners receive high-quality instruction backed by current research and practices. - **Sustainability Focus**: In today’s climate-conscious world, understanding the sustainable production of chemicals and materials is critical. This course equips learners with the tools to contribute to a more sustainable future. - **Flexibility and Accessibility**: Being an online course on Coursera, it allows participants to learn at their own pace, making it accessible for those with varying schedules or commitments. #### Conclusion Overall, the "Industrial Biotechnology" course on Coursera is a must-enroll for anyone keen on making an impact in the biotechnology field. It not only provides a comprehensive understanding of industrial biotechnology but also encourages innovation and sustainable practices. By the end of the course, you will be well-equipped to engage meaningfully in discussions about the future of biotechnology, and perhaps become an agent of change in the transition towards sustainable bio-based manufacturing. Whether you're a student, a seasoned professional, or someone simply curious about the field, this course promises to be a significant stepping stone in your educational journey.

Syllabus

Enzymes, Enzyme Discovery and Engineering

Enzyme catalysts are central to life. They are the vehicles for delivering innovative bioscience solutions to chemicals manufacture, drug discovery, therapeutics and bioprocessing. They are the key enablers in the white biotechnology revolution, providing essential components in the new science of 'synthetic biology', offering new routes to biofuels, bulk and commodity chemicals and novel therapeutics.

Methods in Systems and Synthetic Biology

Recent advances in our ability to read and write genome sequences on a large scale have led to an ambitious vision for a new generation of biotechnology, often referred to as Synthetic Biology. Synthetic Biology aims at turning biology into an engineering discipline, in which organism engineers use computational tools to design biological systems with novel valuable functionalities, which are then built using advanced high-throughput genetic engineering, and tested by rapid screening technologies that collect diagnostic molecular profiles to drive improved designs in an iterative design-build-test cycle. This module will introduce the engineering concepts that inform Synthetic Biology and the cutting-edge technologies that underlie our dramatically increasing ability to construct living systems with custom-made functionalities. All stages of the design-build-test cycle for novel biosystems will be discussed, with a special focus on their integration in a unified bioengineering platform. Examples will focus on the application of Synthetic Biology as an enabling technology for the bioindustry, especially for the improved microbial production of high-value chemicals and drugs. A section on responsible research and innovation will explore the transformative potential of this innovative technology within a broader socio-economic context, creating awareness of the ethical and political implications of research in this field.

Biochemical and Bioprocess Engineering

Biochemical and bioprocess engineering is concerned with the design of processes which involve biological transformations to manufacture a range of bio-based chemicals, biopharmaceuticals and biofuels. Through applying knowledge of process constraints, which are usually described mathematically, biochemical engineers are able to design a series of integrated process steps or “unit operations” which together make up a bioprocess. This module will give an appreciation of the key role biochemical engineering has in translating discoveries coming from life sciences and synthetic biology, such as improved microbial platforms for product expression, into economically viable full scale production processes. Key engineering concepts and the problem solving approach required for the design of bioprocesses will be taught by a group of biochemical engineers from The University of Manchester, University College London and Technical University of Denmark.

Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals

This module looks at the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals using biocatalysis. Specifically, we will look at isolated biocatalytic transformations using isolated enzymes or whole cells as catalysts to manufacture commercially important products including pharmaceuticals, industrial monomers and personal care products. This module will be delivered by Dr Andy Wells of CHEM21, Europe’s largest public-private partnership dedicated to the development of manufacturing sustainable pharmaceuticals led by The University of Manchester and the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Dr Wells, alongside Dr Tom Dugmore of The University of York, will look at six industrial examples of biocatalytic reactions involving six different enzyme transformations. Each example will look at the product, manufacturing route, mechanism of the enzyme reaction and some of the sustainability drivers and metrics for adopting IB as part of the manufacturing route. Over the six examples, a number of key attributes of enzyme catalysed processes that need to be considered for successful scale-up will be examined. These include choice of free enzyme or whole cell catalyst, co-factors and co-factor recycling, multi-phase reactions, enzyme stability and throughput. Each example will have a number of references to the primary literature covering the product and enzyme type for further learning outside of the module.

Case Studies: Bioenergy and Biomaterials

Bioenergy is renewable energy extracted from biomass (organic biological material such as plants and animals, wood, waste, (hydrogen) gas, and alcohol fuels. Biomass is the fuel, bioenergy is the energy contained within that fuel. In this module we will look at biofuel production and the research and knowledge challenges associated with increasing the contribution of UK bioenergy to meet strategic environmental targets in a coherent, sustainable and cost-effective manner. In addition, we will be looking at biomaterials science and, in particular, the development of novel biomaterials and their application in a variety of industrial and medical products. Biomaterials can be derived either from nature or synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of chemical approaches utilizing metallic components, polymers, ceramics or composite materials. As a science it is around 50 years old so we will be considering the current trends and the future of biomaterials research and biomanufacturing technologies.

Case Studies: Glycoscience and Biotherapeutics

Glycoscience is the science and technology of carbohydrates, which are the most abundant biological molecules on Earth and make up part of the biology of all living organisms. This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of glycoscience, leading onto the benefits for society and how this drives and impacts the bioeconomy. A series of case studies will be used to present some of the key challenges and glycan-based solutions in pharmaceuticals and personalised medicine, food security and biomaterials. Biopharmaceuticals are new medicines that are made biologically. “Biologically” means that the production is too complex for simple chemistry and that we currently have to direct biological materials – cells, using the spectrum of natural catalytic reactions - to make these revolutionary medicines. We will be looking at the revolution in these development medicines within a clinical, societal and economic context and the approaches used to ensure production of safe and effective biopharmaceuticals, using various types of expression systems. Students will be introduced to detailed case studies that illustrate how the principles developed in other sub-modules are put into practice in the industrial context.

Overview

Fossil fuels have been the primary energy source for society since the Industrial Revolution. They provide the raw material for the manufacture of many everyday products that we take for granted, including pharmaceuticals, food and drink, materials, plastics and personal care. As the 21st century progresses we need solutions for the manufacture of chemicals that are smarter, more predictable and more sustainable. Industrial biotechnology is changing how we manufacture chemicals and material

Skills

Reviews

Very informative course. I am grateful to all scientists who have invested the valuable time for sharing their knowledge and research experiences for our career benefits. Thank you very much....

The course was very easy to understand and do, weekly videos and assignments are also very convienient to complete.Topics are also compressed so the study time is also very optimal.

Very informative and very well organised course and it really helped me provide a good insight into the world of Biotechnology, the applications in the health sector and its potential in the future.

The overall learning from coursera about Industrial Biotechnology was good and would like learn more new things from coursera , I would like to thank the University of Manchester.

Great course. Im a chemical engineering, applying for master's in Chemical Biotechnology. This course really helped in understanding the basics of this amazing field. Thanks guys. Humans are awesome.