Industrial Fermentation from edX

Industrial fermentation is the central operation in a broad, sustainable value chain, also involving the upstream generation and supply of renewable feedstocks, and downstream purification of the products formed.

In this course you will understand how the essential process inputs and outputs are connected via biological and physical mechanisms, and form the basis of process design, scrutiny, optimization and scaling between factory and lab.

This course provides the insights and tools for designing industrial fermentation processes with sustainability advantages, where choices of product and feedstock determine the specific process requirements. Six experienced course leaders will reveal the essentials of industrial fermentation and how to apply these for conceptual design and quantification, resulting in basic mathematical frames and models. Throughout the course, you will apply the theory to a case study where you will produce the building block 1,3-propane diol (PDO) from sugar. Also, you will experience what are the main pitfalls (‘banana skins’) and how to stay away from them.

The course includes guest lectures from industry and universities.

This course is geared towards Biologists, Biotechnologists and Chemical and Environmental Engineers, but will also be of value to others with a different science and engineering background or interest, working in the field of research, development and manufacturing, who wish to deepen their knowledge of industrially relevant fermentation technology and operations.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Apply the insights to suggest improvements for industrial fermentation processes and design of down-scaled lab-scale simulators
After this course all learners will be in a position to:
Describe the essence of industrial fermentation

Utilize insights gained to design an industrial scale quantitative fermentation plant
Explain the causes and remedies for scale-up issues, from lab to factory

Apply the insights to suggest improvements for industrial fermentation processes and design of down-scaled lab-scale simulators
After this course all learners will be in a position to:
Describe the essence of industrial fermentation
Utilize insights gained to design an industrial scale quantitative fermentation plant
Explain the causes and remedies for scale-up issues, from lab to factory

Syllabus

Getting started and introduction is included in Week 1

Unit 1. Industrial Fermentation

Industrial Fermentation: the Great Adventure?

Industrial Fermentation Essentials (preliminary title)

Benefits for society and sustainability - evaluating the effects of biobased production (preliminary title)

Process to produce bio-PDO (1,3-Propanediol)

Renewable Feedstocks for Fermentation (preliminary title)

Unit 2. Balances and Microbial Rates

Microorganisms and their function in nature

Functional understanding of nutrient requirements for microbial growth

Learning about the process: broth balances

Learning about the process: gas-phase balances

Learning about the microorganism: q-rates and chemostat

Learning about the process and organism: batch

Extra guest lecture: balances

Extra: banana skins

PDO case

Best practice: mixed cultures

Unit 3. The Black Box Model and Process Reaction

The process reaction

Basics of the black box model

Energy consuming and energy producing products

A PDO black box model: experiments for parameter identification

Black box models: The PDO process reaction as function of μ

PDO continuous process design: calculation of inputs and outputs using the process reaction

Aerobic PDO process: improving sustainability

Introduction to Metabolic Flux Analysis

Best practice: succinic acid

Unit 4. Fermentation Design

Introduction to fermentation technology

The large-scale fermenter

Fermenter operation

Gas transport

Heat transport

Mixing

Basic approach to design and then optimize a PDO fermentation process

Best practice: artemisinin

Unit 5. Scale-down and Scale-up

Introduction to scale-effects

Similarity and scaling approaches

Scaling Macro- Micro-balances

Dimensional scaling

Computational fluid dynamics for scaling

Industrial examples

Unit 6. Wrap-up

Closing lecture: Industrial Fermentation: where we are now, and where we will go?

Final assessment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides foundational knowledge of industrial fermentation processes, making it suitable for beginners seeking an introduction to the field

The course is designed for individuals with a science or engineering background, ensuring relevance to their existing knowledge and skills

Taught by experienced course leaders with expertise in industrial fermentation, ensuring high-quality instruction and practical insights

Emphasizes the design and optimization of industrial fermentation processes, catering to those interested in developing these skills

Provides a comprehensive overview of the field, covering essential aspects such as feedstocks, products, and process design

Equips learners with the knowledge and tools to evaluate and improve industrial fermentation processes, addressing a practical industry need

Career center

Learners who complete Industrial Fermentation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biotechnology Research Scientist

A Biotechnology Research Scientist conducts research to develop new and improved fermentation processes. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Bioprocess Engineer

A Bioprocess Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes biological processes for the production of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other products. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Fermentation Scientist

A Fermentation Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing industrial fermentation processes. Industrial fermentation is used to produce a variety of products, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes chemical processes for the production of a variety of products, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes processes to protect the environment. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Microbiologist

A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Food Scientist

A Food Scientist develops new and improved food products. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

A Pharmaceutical Scientist develops new and improved pharmaceutical products. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Quality Control Manager

A Quality Control Manager ensures that products meet quality standards. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells products and services to customers. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Research and Development Manager

A Research and Development Manager leads research and development projects. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this role. You would learn about the essential process inputs and outputs, how to design and optimize fermentation processes, and how to scale-up processes from the lab to the factory. This course would also help you to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Industrial Fermentation

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