The bioprocess-technological potential of the sea

Abstract

Marine bioprocess engineers face a unique challenge for the millennium: designing methods for the sustainable development of known marine resources, as well as inventing a new generation of tools and processes that will enable a greater understanding of the ocean and its resources and lead to the discovery of new bioproducts for the future. The identification and application of novel, marine-derived pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, enzymes, and pigments have already been realized. The current and potential market value of these marine bioproducts is substantial. Continued discovery and development of marine resources will depend on a number of factors: identification of new bioproducts, sustainable use of the product, optimization of production, and efficient product recovery. Successfully addressing these challenges will require the integration and collaboration of mutidisciplinary teams of oceanographers, biologists, chemists, and engineers. © 1999 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.