Cavitation in Biotechnology

Cavitation results in the generation of hot spots, highly reactive free radicals, and turbulence associated with liquid circulation currents, which can result in the intensification of various physical/chemical operations. This article provides an overview of the applications of the cavitation phenomenon in the specific area of biotechnology, discussing the areas of application, the role of cavitation, the observed enhancement, and its causes, by highlighting some typical examples. The different methods of inducing cavitation and the dominance of one over the other, mostly with respect to energy requirements, in different areas of biotechnological application, are discussed. Some recommendations for optimal operating/geometric parameters have also been made. The major applications discussed in the work include microbial cell disruption for the release or extraction of enzymes, microbial disinfection, improving the efficacy of biological wastewater treatment, extraction of biocomponents, enhancing the efficacy of biocatalysts, and gene transfer. Overall, it appears that the combined efforts of physicists, chemists, biologists, and chemical engineers are required to effectively use cavitational reactors for industrial applications.

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