November 2013 CEP Preview




SBE SUPPLEMENT: BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
This month's SBE supplement on biochemical engineering honors Danny I. C. Wang, Institute Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founding chair of the Society for Biological Engineering (SBE). Last year, SBE, along with AIChE's Food, Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Div. and the American Chemical Society, founded the D. I. C. Wang Award for Excellence in Biochemical Engineering. Hundreds of Danny's former students, colleagues, and friends contributed to endow this award to acknowledge his leadership, pioneering spirit, teachings, entrepreneurship, and scientific research. The articles in this supplement, written by several of his former students, describe these characteristics in more detail, as well as present their own current research that was inspired by Danny's teachings and vision.

Biochemical Engineering over Half a Century
From fermentation to gene splicing to the sequencing of the human genome, the field of biochemical engineering and the career of Professor Daniel I. C. Wang have followed similar paths. Here we trace the route they have taken.

Cell-Free Bioprocessing
The ability to exploit a cell's contents and capabilities unimpeded by cell walls opens new opportunities for the field of biochemical engineering. Cell-free biology could become the basis for making products from hydrogen to cancer vaccines and more.

A Fertile Discipline for Entrepreneuring
Many unmet needs lie at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and engineering. Future generations of biochemical engineers should consider applying their technical skills and experiences to addressing these needs in an entrepreneurial way.

BACK TO BASICS: Ten Steps to an Effective Bin Design
Before choosing a bin and hopper for your bulk solids application, the flow properties and characteristics of the powder or solid must be known. Use this ten-step approach to determine the optimal bin design for your process.

FLUIDS AND SOLIDS HANDLING: Consider Single-Use Equipment for Biomanufacturing
Traditional stainless steel equipment is increasingly being replaced with disposable units in new and existing processes alike, enabling more flexibility, higher efficiencies, and lower costs. Follow the guidance offered here to determine the most-effective single-use approach for your facility.

HEAT TRANSFER: Optimize Energy Use in Industrial Cooling Systems
Potential energy savings for chilled-water cooling systems are often overlooked. A detailed review of the cooling system along with the appropriate temperature and flowrate measurements will help you identify ways to cash in on these savings.

News: Genetically Engineered Yeast Consume Toxic Byproduct ... New Device Performs Double Duty ... Simulations Shine Light on Future Solar Materials ... Closing the Voltage Gap ... Molecular Cages Turn Waste Heat into Electricity ... Solar Cells Choose Aluminum Over Gold and Silver.

Plus: AIChE Journal Highlight: Accounting for Atmospheric Nanoparticles in Climate Models ... Spotlight on Safety: Finding "The One Thing" that Makes the Difference ... What's New: ChemShow Exhibit Preview ... Process Safety Beacon: Holiday Operations ... Software and Information Technology ... Product Digest: Safety Equipment ... Young Professionals Point of View: A Grad Student's Right Decision ... Institute News: Meet Some of AIChE's New Fellows; Papoutsakis Receives Wang Award; Member News ... Calendars.

The November 2013 issue of CEP is now available online. AIChE members receive access to CEP, including a searchable archive of issues dating back to 2001, online at http://www.aiche.org/cep.