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Biochemical engineers translate exciting discoveries in life sciences into practical materials and processes contributing to human health and well-being.
What problems are biochemical engineers trying to solve?
Biochemical engineers are key players in the greatest biomedical challenges that lie ahead including the preparation of vaccines for the treatment of diseases as diverse as:
- HIV, AIDS
- swine flu
- cervical cancer
as well as the construction of tissue engineered replacement body parts.
Crucially, they are continually concerned with ensuring that the methods used to prepare the medicine are the safest possible, as even a few virus molecules from a contaminated source are enough to make a valuable medicine a dangerous vehicle for infection, especially if it is given by injection.
In the next decade and beyond, the contributions of biochemical engineers to the worldwide community will be vital not only in the area of new medicines but also for novel materials from renewable sources such as:
- biofuels
- improved approaches to reducing and dealing with environmental pollution
- more nutritious foods.