MEVE 013: Unit 04 - Biotechnological Processes

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UNIT 4: BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES

4.1 Introduction

Biotechnological processes are central to environmental biotechnology, offering sustainable methods for waste treatment, energy recovery, pollution control, and resource recovery. These processes harness the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms to degrade complex compounds, detoxify hazardous substances, and convert biomass into valuable products such as food, energy, and feed.

4.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the biodegradation of complex macromolecules and xenobiotics.
  • Learn about advanced biotechnological processes for resource recovery.
  • Comprehend the function and design of bioreactors.
  • Understand the principles of process optimization and cell immobilization.
  • Explore the role of nanotechnology in bioremediation and product recovery.

4.3 Biodegradation of Macromolecules and Xenobiotics

Biodegradation of Macromolecules

  • Macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and cellulose are broken down by microbial enzymes.
  • Cellulases, proteases, amylases, and lipases are key enzymes involved.
  • These processes occur aerobically or anaerobically depending on environmental conditions.

Biodegradation of Xenobiotics

  • Xenobiotics are synthetic compounds not naturally found in the environment (e.g., pesticides, plastics, pharmaceuticals).
  • Microorganisms can evolve pathways to degrade or transform these compounds.
  • Biodegradation pathways may involve:
    • Cometabolism (using xenobiotics along with primary substrates),
    • Reductive dechlorination, or
    • Oxidative breakdown.
  • Genetically engineered microbes may enhance degradation efficiency.

4.4 Biotechnological Innovations for Recovery of Food, Energy, and Feed from Natural Bio-solids

  • Bio-solids from sewage or organic waste can be transformed into useful products.

Food Recovery

  • Fermentation processes can convert agricultural waste into single-cell proteins (SCP).
  • Mushrooms and microbial biomass can be cultivated on organic residues.

Energy Recovery

  • Biomethanation: Anaerobic digestion of waste to produce biogas.
  • Bioethanol and Biodiesel: Produced from plant biomass and waste oils via microbial fermentation and transesterification.
  • Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs): Convert organic waste into electricity using electrogenic bacteria.

Feed Recovery

  • Organic waste treated by microbes or insects (e.g., black soldier fly larvae) can be converted into animal feed.
  • Rich in protein and safer than raw waste.

4.5 Bioreactors

A bioreactor is a vessel in which biological processes are carried out under controlled conditions.

Types of Bioreactors

  • Batch Reactors: Closed system; no input/output during reaction.
  • Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR): Continuous input/output with stirring.
  • Packed Bed Reactors: Used for immobilized cell systems.
  • Fluidized Bed Reactors: High mass transfer and efficient mixing.
  • Photobioreactors: For cultivating algae using light.

Functions

  • Control temperature, pH, oxygen, and nutrient levels.
  • Enhance growth and productivity of microbial or cell cultures.

4.6 Process Parameters Optimization, Cell Immobilization

Process Parameters Optimization

  • Key factors: temperature, pH, agitation speed, oxygen transfer rate, substrate concentration.
  • Optimization improves yield, reduces costs, and shortens processing time.
  • Tools: Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Design of Experiments (DoE).

Cell Immobilization

  • Immobilization involves fixing cells in a matrix (e.g., alginate, agar, synthetic polymers).
  • Benefits:
    • Reusability of biomass
    • Enhanced stability
    • Suitable for continuous processes
  • Applications:
    • Wastewater treatment
    • Enzyme production
    • Bioremediation

4.7 Application of Nanotechnology in Bioremediation and Recovery of Products

Nanotechnology enhances biotechnological applications by improving precision, efficiency, and reaction kinetics.

In Bioremediation

  • Nano-materials like zero-valent iron (nZVI), titanium dioxide, and carbon nanotubes are used for:
    • Heavy metal removal
    • Degradation of organic pollutants
    • Soil and groundwater purification
  • Nano-enzymes (nanozymes) mimic biological enzymes for pollutant breakdown.

In Recovery of Products

  • Nanoporous membranes for separation and concentration of valuable bio-products.
  • Nanobiosensors to monitor fermentation and detect contaminants.
  • Enhanced catalytic conversion of waste to fuel or chemicals using nano-catalysts.

4.8 Let Us Sum Up

  • Biotechnological processes offer eco-friendly and innovative ways to degrade pollutants, treat waste, and recover useful products.
  • Microorganisms and enzymes are central to biodegradation and transformation.
  • Bioreactors are essential for scaling up bioprocesses under controlled conditions.
  • Optimization and cell immobilization improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Nanotechnology is revolutionizing bioremediation and product recovery by enhancing microbial action and system monitoring.

4.9 Key Words with Definitions

  • Macromolecules-Large molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that can be degraded by microbes.
  • Xenobiotics-Synthetic or foreign chemical compounds not naturally found in ecosystems.
  • Bio-solids-Organic solid waste generated during wastewater treatment or food processing.
  • Biomethanation-Anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce methane-rich biogas.
  • Bioreactor-A vessel that provides controlled conditions for biological processes.
  • CSTR (Continuous Reactor)-A bioreactor where fresh medium is added and product is removed continuously.
  • Cell Immobilization-Fixing living cells to a support matrix to enhance process stability and reuse.
  • Process Optimization-Adjusting process conditions to achieve maximum efficiency or yield.
  • Nanotechnology-Manipulation of matter at the nanometer scale to enhance material properties or biological functions.
  • Bioremediation-Use of microorganisms or plants to detoxify polluted environments.
  • Nanozymes-Nanoparticles that mimic enzyme activity to catalyze biological reactions.
  • Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)-A device that uses microbes to generate electricity from organic matter.

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