Chemical Engineering Fundamentals in Biological Systems Multimedia Modules

The following multimedia-based educational materials, developed under the NSF Combined Research Curriculum Development Program, NSF Grant EEC-9420567, focus on applications of chemical engineering concepts in biological systems. The modules provide interactive reviews of chemical engineering fundamentals. Real world examples increase students' interest in the material and provide real world applications of these fundamentals. Many of the modules also include simulations that allow students to explore the role of process parameters.

BALANCES - Material balances in biological systems

This module helps students in the introductory chemical engineering course understand and practice the application of material balances to biological systems of different dimensions using an algorithm for the solution of material balance problems. In-depth interactions focus on mass balance problems involving cell metabolism, an artificial kidney, and a cheese factory.

DIFFUSION - Oxygen diffusion through the body

This module focuses on the convection and diffusion of oxygen through the body . The introduction consists of a review of convection and diffusion, and their effects on oxygen transport. The quantitative analysis section presents the relevant equations of convection and diffusion and presents the Krogh cylinder model, which illustrates how convection and diffusion compete in oxygen transfer through veins. The second edition (Summer 1998) will include two case studies.

ADSORPTION - Adsorption-based bio-separation

This module focuses on applications of adsorption. The Introduction section explains the concept of adsorption , including an animation of the adsorption process. The Modeling and Equations section displays a mathematical model of adsorption. A simulator allows the user to select values for adsorbent diameter, length of column, inlet flow rate, maximum concentration of solute on adsorbent, and the adsorption constant, and learn the relative effects on column performance. A case study explores how protein A binds to the Fc portion of immunoglobulins and is isolated from other proteins.

RECEPTORS - Kinetics of receptor-ligand interactions

This module reinforces concepts of kinetics in the context of receptor-ligand binding. The Introduction focuses on receptor-ligand binding and corresponding analysis techniques. The Interaction/Kinetics section focuses on the quantitative kinetics of simple receptor-ligand binding. A simulator allows the user to explore the effect of ligand concentration, reaction rate constants, total receptors and initial complexes on receptor-ligand binding. An allergy case study explores the role of signal transduction in allergic responses. A tissue engineering case study focuses on the seeding of cells on an artificial matrix.

BIOREMEDIATION - Kinetics and bioremediation

This module focuses on applications of kinetics to bioremediation and bacteria profile modification. It begins with an introduction to biological reacti ons, cells, types of reactors, and products. A quantitative approach to characterize kinetics and reactors is reviewed for both batch and continuous reactors. The Bacterial Profile Modification section introduces the user to applications of BPM to oil recovery. The user can use a simulation of the growth of cells in a batch reactor to explore the effects of cell and sugar concentrations and various kinetic parameters on cell growth. Requirements for successful bioremediation and different bioremediation techniques such as biostimulation and bioaugmentation are also explored. Available from CACHE office August, 1997