BIOTECHNOLOGIES

The course aims to provide students with a solid background in the principles and applications of industrial biotechnology, with particular emphasis on the production of commercially relevant compounds through non-photosynthetic biological processes. During the course, the main biotechnological systems based on the use of microorganisms and enzymes will be analysed, with a focus on the biological mechanisms underlying the production of metabolites of interest in the energy, food and pharmaceutical sectors. Particular attention will be given to metabolic pathways, operating conditions affecting biological activity and process productivity, as well as the main industrial applications currently available on the market.

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

Describe the fundamental principles of industrial biotechnology and the role of microorganisms in production processes;
Understand the biological and metabolic mechanisms underlying the production of industrially relevant compounds;
Apply kinetic models and mass balances to describe the behavior of bioprocesses;
Interpret the operation of bioreactors, evaluating the effect of operating variables on microbial growth and product formation;
Correlate operating conditions with biological processes and system productivity;
Describe the main industrial applications of biotechnological processes and the products currently available on the market.

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:

Raw materials and pre-treatment processes
Microorganisms and enzymes in biotechnology
Microbial metabolism and production of industrial metabolites
Process kinetics and microbial growth
Bioreactors and fermentation processes
Main industrial biotechnological processes for the production of compounds (alcohols, organic acids, amino acids, antibiotics)

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.