# MPD basics
*Microbial process development* is an activity within [bioprocess engineering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochemical_engineering). Microbial process development results in a [Bioprocess](/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess.md) that, in turn, results in a [Bioproduct](/mpd/encyclopedia/bioproduct.md).
## Components in microbial process development
Microbial process development is a complex activity that consists of several components. Below, we give a brief (and incomplete) overview.
### Strain development
Selection or engineering of a microbial host. E.g., *E. coli*, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, etc*.* This includes genetic modifications such as:
* Pathway insertion or optimization
* Knockouts to reduce byproducts
* Promoter tuning for expression control
### Media and growth optimization
Designing nutrient composition. E.g., carbon, nitrogen, trace elements.
Controlling process parameters. E.g., pH, temperature, oxygen transfer.
### Feeding strategy
Batch, fed-batch, or continuous cultivation strategies. Feeding profiles. E.g., glucose-limited feeding to avoid overflow metabolism.
Bioreactor configuration and mixing.
### Scaling
Scale from lab to pilot to production facilities. In practice, to transition from shake flasks to bench-top bioreactors to industrial fermenters.
While scaling, you must address several new challenges. E.g., oxygen transfer limitations, shear stress, heat removal.
### Monitoring
Understand what's going during the bioprocess.
* OD (optical density)
* pH
* DO (dissolved oxygen)
* Metabolites
* Plate counts (CFU)
* BactoBox® (cells/mL)
* etc.
### Downstream considerations
This is a huge topic on its own. The basics are:
* Bioproduct isolation (recovery)
* Bioproduct concentration, purification, dehydration, etc.
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