The use of windows of operation as a bioprocess design tool

Bioprocess design problems are frequently multivariate and complex. However, they may be visualised by a graphical representation of the design constraints and correlations governing both the process and system under consideration, namely windows of operation. Windows of operation exist at all stages of process design and find use both in the identification of key constraints from limited information, and also, with more detailed knowledge, the sensitivity of a process to design or operating changes.

In this way windows of operation may be used to help understand and optimise a bioprocess design. In this paper the formulation, development and application of windows of operation is discussed for a range of biological processes including fermentation, protein recovery and biotransformation.