The Department of Biotechnology has experience in developing fermentation processes and carrying out technical-economic analysis of processes where fermentation is an essential step. In addition, raw material handling and product recovery/purification are included in the process evaluation. Specific attention is given on how operational changes in the process effect microbial parameters, and thus the feasibility of the process. Such microbial process parameters are maximum cell concentration, volumetric and specific growth rates, product yield on substrate, need of oxygen and cooling requirement.

Based on sensitivity analysis, the research strategy for process optimization may be chosen.  Further, such analysis may give information on whether the microbial process limits the profitability of the process, and whether the process can be made profitable within the capability of the microorganism.