8-5 |
Development of bioprocess engineering in China |
F. CHEN, Dept. of Botany, Univ. of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Rd., Hong Kong, China Bioprocess engineering in China embraces the old and new technologies. Before the 1980's, bioprocess engineering was focused on the development of conventional fermentation products such as wine, beer, alcohol, citric acid, antibiotics, and amino acids. Bioprocess engineering started to develop rapidly since the late 1980's. Recombinant DNA technology has been applied to the various bioprocesses to enhance the productivity or extend the range of new products including drugs, foods and new materials. Also various types of bioreactors and automatic bioprocesses have been developed with advanced biosensor and computer systems. In 1996, marine biotechnology has been incorporated in the national "863" plan, which leads to the rapid development in marine bioprocess engineering, especially in the mass production of microalgal products. Processes for the production of several high-value algal products such as docosahexanoic acid (DHA), eicopentaenoic acid (EPA) and astaxanthin have been developed. There are now over 400 research institutions undertaking biotechnology & bioprocess engineering research and development. Many big companies including the Cheung Kong Groups have founded biotechnology branches.
Session 8, Challenges and outlook of bioprocess engineering in food
|