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Biomanufacturing (orbioproduction) is a type ofmanufacturing orbiotechnology that utilizes biological systems to produce commercially importantbiomaterials andbiomolecules for use inmedicines, food and beverage processing, and industrial applications. Biomanufacturing products are recovered from natural sources, such as blood, or from cultures ofmicrobes,animal cells, orplant cells grown in specialized equipment. The cells used during the production may have been naturally occurring or derived usinggenetic engineering techniques.[citation needed]
There are thousands of biomanufacturing products on the market today. Some examples of general classes are listed below:
A partial listing of unit operations utilized during biomanufacturing includes the following:
Equipment and facility requirements are dictated by the product(s) being manufactured. Process equipment is typically constructed of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel equipment can be cleaned and reused. Some plastic equipment is disposed of after a single use.
Products manufactured for medical or food use must be produced in facilities designed and operated according toGood Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations.Cleanrooms are often required to control the levels of particulates and microorganisms.Sterilization andaseptic processing equipment are required for production ofinjectable products.
Skilled professionals are required for positions throughout the life cycle of a biomanufacturing product, which includes:
Details for some of these positions are listed in “The Model Employee,” published by theNorth Carolina Biotechnology Center.[1] In addition, the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research (NCABR) maintains the websiteAbout Bioscience that offers free online videos on various careers.[2]
Several academic institutions have developed curricula and built facilities to provide education and training in biomanufacturing to students from community colleges, universities, and/or industry.NCBioImpact, established in 2004, is an example of a comprehensive state-wide training network. Member institutionsGolden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) atNorth Carolina State University, (BRITE) atNorth Carolina Central University, andNorth Carolina Community College System's BioNetwork operate multidisciplinary centers dedicated to workforce development for the biomanufacturing industry.
MiraCosta College andSolano College in California developed the first Bachelor of Science degree in biomanufacturing. The degree is largely lab-based and is built on a contextualized science and statistics backbone. The upper division classes recognize the unique environment of biological production where the process sciences and technology thrive in partnership with quality and regulatory compliance.