The Bioprocess Engineering and Computational BioSystems research group (BIOSYSTEMS) is focused on advancing knowledge and technology transfer in Life Sciences, Biotechnological, Chemical, and Environmental Processes. The group leverages its expertise in systems biotechnology and bioengineering to promote the advancement of a knowledge-based bioeconomy, resulting in the innovation of new products and processes with added value.

The research on “Bioprocess development and optimization” has the main purpose of developing and optimizing biotechnological applications of microbial cultures, mainly non-conventional yeast, and filamentous fungi. Under this goal, different microbial cell cultivation strategies are studied, such as the use of low-cost and industrial by-products as substrates for submerged or solid-state fermentation, and the use of different bioreactors systems, like increased-pressure bioreactors, airlift bioreactors, tray-type and rotary drum bioreactors, among others.

The research in “Integrated Bioprocesses Management” encompasses the integrated management and analysis of biological processes through advanced computational methodologies, aiming to optimize performance, enhance efficiency, and facilitate a comprehensive understanding of bioprocess dynamics, including the development of image analysis procedures and chemometrics tools, and Process Analytical Technology solutions for bioprocess characterization, monitoring, and control.

The research in “Synthetic Biology” uses emergent molecular biology tools and is focused on the rational design, construction, and optimization of new organisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, human cells) and biological systems to produce added value bioproducts for the chemical, food, medical and agricultural industries. Applications include the production of enzymes (celullases, xylanases), biofuels, added-value chemicals (curcuminoids, biosurfactants), food ingredients (prebiotics, flavonoids), drugs (psoralen), synthetic vaccines (mRNA, siRNA), and biosensors (cancer diagnosis, bacterial infections).