Resulting from the application of untargeted mutagenesis and phenotypic selection, conventional genetic modification, metabolic engineering, and more recently by systems metabolic engineering that integrates metabolic engineering with systems biology and synthetic biology, new strains having much enhanced performance have been progressively developed.

The first generation cell factories (mainly composed by plain strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae) were soon replaced by engineered variants. Strongly empowered by the then nascent recombinant DNA technologies and supported by the approval of recombinant insulin, the principle of controlled biological production as a convenient source of difficult-to-obtain molecules (especially those of high added value) deeply penetrated the industrial tissue, soon becoming a widespread platform aiming at cost-effective large-scale production. Although human-controlled microbial production and transformation are much older, the cell factory concept was fully established in the 80’s through the intensive public and private investment. Updated sections include more material on biomass conversion, as well as three chapters covering biotechnology topics, namely, Industrial Biotechnology, Industrial Enzymes, and Industrial Production of Therapeutic Proteins.Cell factories have been largely exploited for the controlled production of substances of interest for food, pharma and biotech industries. Other new chapters include energy conversion, energy storage, emerging nanoscience and technology. Important topics in the energy field, namely nuclear, coal, natural gas, and petroleum, are covered in individual chapters. Understanding these factors allows them to be part of the total process and helps achieve optimum results in, for example, process development, review, and modification. Industrial processes and products can be much enhanced through observing the tenets and applying the methodologies found in chapters on Green Engineering and Chemistry (specifically, biomass conversion), Practical Catalysis, and Environmental Measurements as well as expanded treatment of Safety, chemistry plant security, and Emergency Preparedness. It provides not only the underlying science and technology for important industry sectors, but also broad coverage of critical supporting topics. The Handbook serves a spectrum of individuals, from those who are directly involved in the chemical industry to others in related industries and activities. No other source offers as much data on the chemistry, engineering, economics, and infrastructure of the industry.

Substantially revising and updating the classic reference in the field, this handbook offers a valuable overview and myriad details on current chemical processes, products, and practices.

Industrial biotechnology pdf