BIOREFINERIES OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICROORGANISMS

The aim of this course is of deepening some topics covered during the curricular activity of "Biotechnology for the environment and sustainable development", preparing students to work in the industrial biotechnology sector linked to valorisation of resources and renewable energies through biological processes.
The course in Biorefineries of photosynthetic microorganisms aims to define and deepen the use of photosynthetic microorganisms, such as microalgae and bacteria, for the production of feed (Single cell protein), biofuels (biodiesel, biohydrogen) and high added value, from a biorefinery perspective.
The course provides a brief introduction to microbiology to then decline the use of these microorganisms in the various technologies and processes available, defining their potential and limits. The Sustainability aspects of the proposed processes will be extensively dealt with, especially through the valorisation of organic waste and waste (circular economy).
In line with the objectives of the degree course, the course aims to provide the student with the skills necessary for the development and use of innovative biotechnological techniques and processes to support the circular economy.

Knowledge and understanding:
Graduates are familiar with biotechnological techniques and biological processes related to the use of photosynthetic microorganisms.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
Graduates are able to evaluate the best technologies and biotechnologies that utilize photosynthetic microorganisms for a specific waste valorization or to obtain a specific bio-based product.
Judgment autonomy:
Graduates are able to process complex information and data from different sources and are able to analyze and manipulate these data to elaborate clear and accurate summaries, drawing relevant conclusions to make any proposals for action.
Communication ability:
Graduates will acquire adequate skills and tools of written and oral communication, modern skills to analyze, propose and critically discuss the data of their experimentation with specialist and non-specialist interlocutors, even for the presentation and dissemination of experimental data and for the discussion of issues related to the development of biotechnology.
Communication skills:
Graduates will develop learning ability and in-depth analysis skills related to innovative research and current problems solving concerning the sector of the application of biotechnology in the industrial field.

General knowledge of Organic Chemistry, Microbiology and Biochemistry fundamentals acquired during the scientific Bachelor's degree.
Understanding of the written English language in order to understand the slides and extracts from publications, technical / scientific texts and manuals.

The following contents will be covered during the course:
- Morphological, physiological, structural and metabolic aspects of photosynthetic microorganisms;
- Biomass production: plants and processes, from pre-treatment to downstream;
- Photosynthetic microorganisms applications for wastewater and organic waste treatment and for the CO2 capture;
- Bio-based products: from the bioenergy production (biohydrogen, biodiesel) to the biomolecules production process and extraction (bioplastics, biostimulants);
- Photosynthetic microorganisms as food&feed: nutritional qualities, bioactive properties;
- Case studies and biorefineries.

Didactic meterial and scientific papers provided by the professor

The written exam is divided into two parts: the first consists of 15 multiple choice questions that are intended to verify the preparation of the student about the general and specific aspects of biotechnologies applied to photosynthetic microorganisms. The second part of the exam consists of 2 open-ended questions that require a detailed but short description of a specific topic. The exam duration is 2 academic hours.

written

Regarding the grading scale (the criteria for assigning grades), regardless of whether the student is attending or non-attending:

A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be assigned in the presence of:
-Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension skills concerning the program;
-Limited ability to process and/or interpret data;
-Sufficient communication skills, particularly regarding the use of specific language related to the application of technologies based on the use of photosynthetic microorganisms.
B. Scores in the 23-26 range will be assigned in the presence of:
-Fair knowledge and applied comprehension skills concerning the program;
-Fair ability to process and/or interpret data;
-Fair communication skills, particularly regarding the use of language related to the application of technologies based on the use of photosynthetic microorganisms.
C. Scores in the 27-30 range will be assigned in the presence of:
-Good to excellent knowledge and applied comprehension skills concerning the program;
-Good to excellent ability to process and/or interpret data;
-Fully appropriate communication skills, particularly regarding the use of specific language related to the application of technologies based on the use of photosynthetic microorganisms.
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension skills concerning the program, as well as outstanding data processing skills and communication abilities.

The course is characterized by mainly lectures, one seminar and technical tour.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development