Biomolecular Engineering

Biomolecular engineering is the application of engineering principles and practices to the purposeful manipulation of molecules of biological origin. Biomolecular engineers integrate knowledge of biological processes with the core knowledge of chemical engineering in order to focus on molecular level solutions to issues and problems in the life sciences related to the environment, agriculture, energy, industry, food production, biotechnology and medicine. Biomolecular engineers purposefully manipulate carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids within the framework of the relation between their structure, function and properties.

The fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics of molecular recognition in enzymes, antibodies, DNA hybridization, bio-conjugation/bio-immobilization and bioseparations is studied. Attention is also given to the rudiments of engineered biomolecules in cell signaling, cell growth kinetics, biochemical pathway engineering and bioreactor engineering. Biomolecular engineers are leading the major shifts towards understanding and controlling the molecular mechanisms that define life.

Biomolecular engineering deals with the manipulation of many important biomolecules. These include proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids. These molecules are the basic building blocks of life. Controlling, creating and manipulating their forms and functions create many different avenues and advantages available to society.