BIOPROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF METABOLIC INTERMEDIATES AND BIOFUELS

The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the principles and organization of industrial biotechnological processes, with particular reference to the production of metabolic intermediates and biofuels. The course focuses on the analysis of the different stages of the production process, from raw material preparation to product recovery and purification, with an approach oriented towards process management and operation analysis. Tools for process performance evaluation and quality control at the industrial scale will also be introduced.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

Analyse the main stages of an industrial biotechnological process, identifying the relevant unit operations;
Describe and compare upstream processing operations, with particular reference to feed preparation and treatment;
Analyse the main downstream processing techniques for product recovery and purification;
Apply mass balances for process description and evaluation;
Interpret process data and assess process performance using monitoring and control tools;
Assess a production process as a whole, identifying the key parameters affecting efficiency and sustainability.

Basic Knowledge about Microbiology.
Basic Knowledge about Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Basic Knowledge about Unit Operation in Chemical Processes.

The course will focus on the following topics:

Introduction to industrial biotechnological processes and their main applications
Raw materials and pre-treatment operations
Upstream processing: preparation and treatment of process streams
Mass balances applied to bioprocesses
Downstream processing: product separation, recovery and purification
Process performance evaluation and quality control

Ppt slides provided by the teacher.

Oral examination. The exam consists of 5 questions, one of which eventually conceived as a numerical exercise.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Scores in the range 18-21 range: limited and often superficial knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; unclear and lacking in technical terminology oral presentation .
Scores in the range 22-25: not always in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; orderly oral presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology;
Scores in the range 26-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; fair ability to organize information and present it orally; familiarity with technical terminology;
Scores in the range 28-30: excellent mastery of the topics covered in the classes; ability to hierarchize information and correct use of appropriate technical terminology.
Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent judgment and communication ability, and excellent understanding of the program's topics.

The teaching is carried out through lectures.