内容简介：
【简介】 Biochemical engineering and biotechnology are areas of major research commitment and expertise in the Department. Mike Domach, Todd Przybycien and Jim Schneider are the primary faculty involved in these areas (the "BioBloc"). Research interests of the BioBloc focus on the production, processing and delivery of genes and pharmaceuticals, tissue engineering, and metabolic engineering. A common theme in these areas is the application of fundamental biology, biophysics and physical chemistry principles to the solution of the practical engineering problems that arise during the production and use of protein- and nucleic acid-based drugs; many of the research projects are sponsored by biotech or big pharma companies. Additional BioBloc research activities include the development of nuclear magnetic resonance and optical methods for assessing and tracking the behavior of intact cells, the modification of protein crystals for use as ordered nanomaterials, th e development of self-contained and adaptable biological sensors using microelectromechanical systems fabrication technology ("biochips"), and the development of atomic force microscopic techniques for the analysis of bacterial cell adhesion in biofilms. Other chemical engineering faculty with significant efforts in biochemical engineering and biotechnology include: John Anderson, with activities in tissue engineering; Steinar Hauan, with activities in bioprocess optimization and biochip development; Ignacio Grossmann, with activities in metabolic flux optimization and product development for pharmaceuticals; and Bob Tilton, with activities in formulation development.
The BioBloc is capitalizing on its bioprocessing activities to launch several new initiatives. In a collaborative effort with the University of Pittsburgh, we are establishing a formal Ph.D. Training Program in BioProcess Engineering & Design that will integrate biochemical engineering coursework from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh with basic biology coursework from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The aim of this unique training program is to produce biochemical engineers who are freely conversant with biologists and clinicians. We are also participating in the development of a biopharmaceutical and traditional pharmaceutical processing program with the newly established Center for Complex Fluids Engineering, preparing students for careers in either the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. The mutual research interests of the BioBloc faculty have also led to a coordinated research thrust in the development of nonviral vectors for gene delivery . The BioBloc is also a key component of the Biomedical and Health Engineering (BHE) Program at Carnegie Mellon. The BHE Program includes faculty from each of the traditional engineering programs within the Carnegie Institute of Technology as well as faculty from Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Areas of research prominence in the BHE Program include biomechanics, biomaterials, bioprocessing, cell and tissue engineering, drug delivery, robotic surgery, and signal and image processing. The faculty, courses and seminars of the BHE Program provide a wonderful resource and support network for students involved in bioengineering research. The BHE Program also offers joint M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with each of traditional engineering programs; the joint ChE-BHE degree programs may be of interest to those chemical engineering students seeking formal recognition of graduate research and training specialization in biochemical engineering and biotechnology.
