ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role of nanotechnology in bioprocessing. Bioprocessing can broadly be described as the biological transformation of materials into desired end products. The chapter discusses the nanoscale materials, both inorganic and organic that play a role in bioprocessing and then focus on the use of nanotechnology in three different applications-enzymatic biocatalysis, bioseparations, and microbial and mammalian cell culture. While there have been numerous advances in the use of microfluidics for the separation of biomolecules, the chapter focuses on microfluidic devices that incorporate nanoscale materials to improve the separations. However, nanotechnology can play an important role in delivery of nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules into cells, selection of hybridoma cells producing the correct monoclonal antibody, selection of high yielding cell clones, and in developing substrates for cells requiring adherent culture. As nanotechnology and biotechnology have expanded and overlapped, nanotechnology has begun to play a role in an increasing number of areas of biotechnology.
