Bioprocess engineering combines knowledge on biological systems (biocatalysts) to process engineering, in order to develop and intensify production systems for e.g. commodities and industrial chemicals.

The current research at BPEL focuses on development and application of microbial biocatalysts in industrial processes. The main technologies include yeast fermentations for the production of recombinant proteins and downstream processing of the products; examination and modeling of transport phenomena in consistent bioprocesses; development of technologies for small-scale microbial cultivations, especially for process intensification and scale-up purposes; refining of biomasses, including e.g. enzymatic processing of biopolymers, and valorization of industrial side streams for the production of biochemicals and valuable side products. Detailed descriptions of current research activities are presented in Projects.