Researchers Use Computation to Scale Up Biochemical Processes

In the multidisciplinary field of bioengineering, scientists use principles from engineering to understand, utilize, and optimize biological processes and systems. This can include, for example, designing biological systems to synthesize new products, developing processes for large-scale applications of biotechnology, or even using biological systems as models for addressing complex human problems. Whether we know it or not, all of us use biotechnology products daily. Methods and technologies based in bioengineering could, for example, help to develop natural alternatives for wasteful or dirty industrial processes, including manufacturing plastics, creating food additives, making technical enzymes for washing powders, or producing pharmaceuticals, among others.