Modelling and Optimization of Biologically and Physiologically Relevant Systems

Abstract

Although modelling for chemical systems has progressed substantially such that definite workflows can be conceptualized around operations and processes, the modelling of biological processes has been lagging. This thesis adapts systems modelling as observed in core chemical engineering to biological processes, including PK/PD and modelling of insulin signalling as well as traditional thermodynamic solubility modelling for solubility predictions in biological media. Although primarily concerned with systems modelling, this text also addresses basic experimental techniques involved in generating data which enables the modelling of in vitro biological systems, as any system which addresses modelling without addressing the techniques involved in data collection to some degree is incomplete. This thesis addresses thermodynamic limitations to process intensification, general problems in pharmacokinetic modelling, physiological models for insulin signalling as well as practical techniques involved in genetic engineering which enable the harvesting of the data required. There are many advantages to the application of chemical engineering based systems modelling in these fields, which have been addressed in the specific chapters present in this document which enable a less labour intensive and more analytical approach to various biological aspects.