Pharma IQ Glossary: Bioprocessing

Bioprocessing is defined as any process that uses complete living cells or their components (e.g., bacteria, enzymes, chloroplasts) to obtain desired products. Bioprocessing is also key to several emerging industries and technologies, including the production of renewable biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, therapeutic stem cells, gene therapy vectors, and new vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration imposes stringent regulations on bioprocessing in the biotech industry; this highly regulated environment has an enormous impact on plant operations and product manufacture.