Dive into the world of bioseparations through resources created by U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories from across the United States. The topics below contain activity plans that introduce the basic fundamentals and techniques of bioseparations, while also encouraging participants to consider the real-world importance of bioseparations work. In addition, students will be able explore careers pathways in bioenergy utilizing the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Career Exploration Wheel.

Optimizing Separations

This activity was piloted in an Introductory Biology course for non-majors. A shortened format was used in a 90-minute class period. This is appropriate for any Introductory Science class.

This activity focuses on the separation techniques associated with the purification of a desirable intermediate, delving into the processes of filtration and adsorption. The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to designing a multistep bioseparation where they must make considerations of cost, efficiency and yield.

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Scientist in a hard hat stands amongst large equipment.

Bioseparations with Chromatography

This 50-minute activity was piloted in an Introductory Chemistry course at a community college. The activity is appropriate for any Introductory Science class.

This activity focuses on separation of high value components of lignin oil using chromatography. Slides provide the bioprocessing context for a short activity demonstrating the use of chromatography for separation.

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Man in brown coat and blue safety gloves works with a glass funnel.

Biofuels, Sustainability, and Me: A Titration Lab

This 150 min activity (e.g., 90 mins in class and 60 mins outside of class) was piloted in an introductory chemistry course at a community college for non-majors. It can be adapted for use in other chemistry courses that teach titration by substituting in the provided titration activity with a different one of choice.

This activity focuses on understanding the acid neutralization of a solution using the process of titration, and calculations as a means for understanding the characteristics of a solution. As part of the biomass pretreatment process, BioSeparations researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory use titration to understand the acid characteristics, quality, and stability of a biomass sample, as well as the potential conversion of these samples to biofuels and other products.

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