BIORESOURCES AND BIOREFINERIES

The Bioresources and Biorefineries course is one of the related/elective courses within the Biotechnologies for the Environment and Sustainable Development curriculum. The aim of the course, in line with the objectives of the degree program, is to present the main molecules that can be obtained from biomass, their uses and applications, as well as the industrial methods currently employed for their extraction from various organic matrices. The course addresses several current topics in the national and European industrial landscape of green chemistry and biorefining, such as the extraction of compounds from biomass, chemical and enzymatic processes, separation and purification techniques, and more.

1. Knowledge and Understanding
- Understand the main molecules derived from biomass.
- Understand the extraction techniques used to obtain specific molecules from organic matrices.
- Be familiar with the potential industrial applications of bio-derived molecules.
- Understand the different synthetic approaches of traditional refineries versus biorefineries.
- Understand the various types of biorefineries and feedstocks.
- Understand the different types of synthesis and extraction mediated by organic, inorganic, and enzymatic catalysts.
- Know the main applications of the various biorefinery products.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
- Be able to correctly apply the acquired knowledge to identify sustainable methods for extracting molecules from bioresources, also exploiting green metrics.
- Appropriately apply organic chemistry concepts for the synthesis of platform molecules from biomass and its derivatives.
- Critically discuss the potential industrial applications of bio-based platform chemicals (e.g., in polymer and bioplastic production, pharmaceutical industry, etc.).
- Apply the acquired knowledge to evaluate the advantages and challenges of the various separation and purification systems in biorefineries.

3. Judgment Skills
- Be able to discuss the pros and cons of various synthetic and extraction procedures used in biorefineries compared to those commonly used in petrochemical industries.
- Critically evaluate the use of green metrics.
- Critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bioresources - especially those potentially suitable for food use - for the production of materials, pharmaceuticals, and other products.

4. Communication Skills
- Effectively communicate knowledge related to biorefinery products and processes using appropriate terminology.
- Interact with peers and tutors in a critical and respectful manner.

5. Learning Skills
- Take and share notes collaboratively with peers.
- Critically consult reference texts and the bibliographies they contain.

Organic Chemistry and Green Chemistry

The Bioresources and Biorefineries course aims to study the main molecules obtainable from biomass (bio-based platform chemicals), their uses, and the industrial methods currently employed for their extraction from various organic matrices. In particular, the course will cover the following topics:
- Bioresources and Biomass (2h)
- Biorefinery and Catalysis (4h)
- First-, Second-, and Third-Generation Biorefineries (2h)
- From Bioresources to Platform Molecules (4h)
- Separation and Purification Systems in Biorefineries: Distillation, Extraction, Membranes (4h)
- C1 and C2 Platform Molecules and Applications (2h)
- C3 and C4 Platform Molecules and Applications (2h)
- C5 Platform Molecules and Applications (4h)
- C6 Platform Molecules and Applications (4h)
- Examples of Biorefineries in Europe and Worldwide (2h)

There are no recommended textbooks; the course content is drawn from scientific publications and various textbooks. Lecture slides and some handouts on specific topics are available on the Moodle platform dedicated to the course.

The students will take an oral exam covering the entire course content of Bioresources and Biorefineries.

oral

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.

Lectures in class, examples on the board, and exercises when applicable.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development