Biotechnology structural hierarchies

Recently, the author advocated the application of the systems approach in the analysis and synthesis of a biotechnological process ( 1). The hierarchy of a biological system involves structural, functional, descriptive, control and dynamic organization. Structural and functional hierarchies of a biotechnological process are depicted in Tables I and II. In Table II a compartmental level is omitted. This is possible as long as the translocation of substances between organelles and cytoplasm is not important. The scheme of functions should be understood in both directions,... 

Table I Structural and Functional Hierarchies of a Biotechnological Process...

On the basis of a reactor model, involving enough structural and functional features of biological and engineering (physical) properties of a biotechnological process, new criteria for a scale-up may evolve. The employment of only one criterion, taken from one arbitrary level of a hierarchy, in the modelling and subsequent scale-up frequently fails, as is apparent from numerous... 

In spite of their omnipresence, colloids have attracted only little attention from scientists. However, recent developments in the life sciences and bionanotechnology have renewed interest in colloid and interface science. We now know that, especially in nature, colloidal systems are very complex and contain a hierarchy of different structures. They are often encountered in the transition zone between matter and life. Yet, colloids and interfaces are still poorly represented among the various adjacent subjects taught at our educational institutions. Colloids and Interfaces in Life Sciences and Biotechnology gives a concise treatment of physicochemical principles determining interrelated colloidal and interfacial phenomena. These phenomena are generic their occurrence in the various natural and man-made colloidal systems can be traced back to the same laws of nature. 

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