BME1420H Industrial Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules

Streams

Molecular Engineering

Sessions

Fall

Description

Biological macromolecules act as the pillars to sustain life. They provide cell structure, energy, aid in transport, store and transfer information, and send signals. They are high value goods that are manufactured to meet the demands of the industry (complexity, functionality, and purity). For example, the insulin protein is produced by recombinant DNA technology and has an annual market value of over $20B USD; PCR primers cab be delivered overnight by parallel automation of the synthesis to perform such logistical feats; and changing the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid gives it such versatility in the worlds of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This course explores industrial practices for the synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins and polysaccharides. Students will examine the transition from fundamental organic chemistry to automated high-throughput synthesis, alongside the characterization tools required to verify molecular identity and purity. The choice of reactor to optimize molecular complexity, functionality, and purity will be examined. Emphasis will be put on macromolecules used in a lab setting.

Prerequisites

None

Components

Lecture, Tutorial

Restrictions