From Fundamentals to the Future: Unlocking the Power of Biochemical Engineering and Bioreactor Design

By Dr. Vikas Narayan, Dr. Tripti De, and Prof. (Dr.) C. M. Narayanan

Biochemical Engineering and Bioreactor Design is more than just a textbook—it’s a definitive academic and industrial guide to the dynamic and multidisciplinary world of biochemical engineering.

This comprehensive volume explores the subject through a structured and deeply insightful lens, blending core engineering principles with essential biological applications. Designed to correct widespread misconceptions, the book firmly establishes biotechnology as an engineering-driven discipline rooted in chemical engineering, rather than a mere extension of applied biology.

Covering everything from fundamental theories to advanced reactor modeling and software-aided bioprocess design, the book includes:

• Foundational concepts in biochemical engineering
• Kinetic modeling for microbial and enzyme-catalyzed processes
• Industrial bioreactor design—from stirred tanks to UASB and DSFF systems
• Thermal and filtration-based sterilization methods
• Real-world applications in biodiesel, bioplastics, biomethane, and more

Target Audience:
Undergraduate and postgraduate students, professors, academic researchers, industry professionals, consultants, and anyone seeking clarity in the evolving field of biochemical engineering.

Q1: Can you describe how your book offers a comprehensive and structured approach to Biochemical Engineering, and how it addresses both foundational concepts and modern industrial applications?

A consolidated, but versatile, book that deals with the principles and applications of Biochemical Engineering and details of bioreactor design. Attempts have been made to provide a broad coverage of the topic, starting from the basic fundamentals (Chapter 1) to the most recent advances. Kinetic analysis and development of kinetic equations (models) for various microbial and enzyme-catalyzed processes are covered in Chapter 2. Performance analysis and computer aided design of industrial bioreactors starting from conventional stirred tanks and moving bed bioreactors, to packed bed, fluidized bed, semifluidized bed, inverse fluidized bed bioreactors, DSFF and UASB bioreactors are dealt in detail in Chapter 3. Versatile mathematical models as well as development of most rigorous software packages (design software) have been presented in the case of each bioreactor and the specific merits and demerits of each have been highlighted.

Analysis of medium sterilization systems and processes (both thermal sterilization and that using fibrous filters) is dealt in Chapter 4 and typical industrial applications of  biotechnology and biochemical engineering, such as manufacture of biodiesels, bioplastics, biofertilizers (PROM), biomethane (including synthesis of chemical fertilizers and liquid fuels from it through syngas route), bio-desulfurization of petroleum oils, bioleaching of ores etc. are discussed in Chapter 5, with condensed flow sheet diagrams.

An adequate  number of solved numerical examples have been included in each Chapter, which shall assist the readers in assimilating the matter most effectively.

Q2: What motivated you to write this book, and how does your background contribute to clarifying the true scope and identity of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering?

Biochemical engineering or Biotechnology is one among the most multidisciplined branches of engineering, but is also one among the most misinterpreted and maligned areas / fields. We want to make clear to the readers and convince them that Biotechnology is synonymous with Biochemical engineering or Bioprocess engineering, but is not synonymous with Applied biology or Applied microbiology (a term that is coined by many, these days).

Biochemical engineering or Biotechnology took birth from Chemical engineering and could be called a subdivision of Chemical engineering.

The work of a biochemical engineer or biotechnologist starts where the work of a biologist or microbiologist ends. Isolation and characterization of microbial cultures and different classes of enzymes fall within the ambit of biologists and microbiologists. Design of bioreactors and industrial processes in which these microbial cultures and enzymes are used as biocatalysts, form the responsibility of the biochemical engineer or biotechnologist.

Biochemical reactions are relatively more complex, and their kinetic analysis demands a strong mathematical background. Design and analysis of industrial bioreactors based on these kinetic models once again demand use of sophisticated mathematical tools. The mathematical background of a biochemical engineer or biotechnologist must be, therefore, extremely sound, while he needs only a fundamental knowledge of biological sciences.

Biochemical processes and reactions have practically become omnipresent in most process industries of the world. Consequently, they possess very bright future prospects.

Q3: What distinguishes your book from other texts in the field, and what are some key learning outcomes readers can expect?

This is partly highlighted under item – 1. This book is the first of its kind, being a consolidated engineering text book on Biotechnology or Biochemical engineering, that uses engineering notations, uses an academic style of presentation with a good number of solved numerical examples (and also exercises for the readers to ponder on). It could also be the first to discuss rigorous mathematical analysis and accurate computer aided design of a variety of industrial bioreactors. The coverage is truly exhaustive.

Q4: Could you elaborate on how your book integrates real-world industrial applications to demonstrate the practical value of Biochemical Engineering principles?

Chapter – 5 of this book deals with successful industrial applications of Biotechnology or Biochemical engineering such as manufacture of bioplastics, biodiesel, biogas, biofertilizers and bio-desulfurization and bioleaching processes. These are based on real – life industrial data and successful case studies reported in literature and also those conducted by the authors and their colleagues / students.

Q5: What were some of the major difficulties you faced in compiling this book, given the vast scope of the subject, and how did you manage to overcome them?

Since the horizon of biochemical engineering and biotechnology is enormously large and wide-spread, we had to make extensive literature surveys to compile real-life data and examples. Our personal expertise and elaborate research experience in these areas did come to our rescue and aid.

Q6: What long-term value do you hope this book provides for its readers, particularly in terms of education, professional development, and industry relevance?

This has been highlighted under items – 2 and 3. Since the coverage is exhaustive and is studded with solved numerical examples and technical process flowsheets, this book shall form an excellent text book for all engineering students of   diversified disciplines and shall also serve as an informative reference volume to all academicians, research scientists, industrial consultants and practicing engineers. The book shall also provide a lot of insight and specialized information on the procedure of design and performance analysis of industrial bioreactors. As mentioned under item – 2, this book shall also help in erasing all the mis-concepts and mis-interpretations prevalent among the engineers and scientists regarding the jurisdiction and applications of Biotechnology and Biochemical engineering.

Q7: How does your book maintain its relevance in the face of ongoing advancements in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology?

As mentioned under items – 1 and 2, this book covers the entire field of Biochemical engineering, starting from the basic principles to the most recent advances. Presently successful industrial applications of biotechnology and biochemical engineering have also been highlighted with condensed technical flowsheets. Future prospects of this technology have also been duly emphasized and elaborated. It shall thus serve as a potential source of information for all the readers (for all the members of the engineering community) over time.

Buy your copy of Biochemical Engineering and Bioreactor Design on Amazon today and step confidently into the future of bioprocess engineering.