09229 - Applied Microbiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the theoretical and practical knowledge on different fields of the applied microbiology. In particular, the student is able to: - know the principal cultural and molecular techniques for the phylogenetic analysis of the microorganisms; - know the bioconversions by means of immobilized cells and enzymes, - know the principal tests for the microbiological control of drugs, foods and cosmetics.

Course contents

Microbial ecology. Analysis of microbial communities by using cultural methods. Analysis of microbial communities by using culture-independent molecular techniques.

Human microbial ecosystems. The intestinal microbiota. Probiotics and prebiotics.

Microbial genomics.

Microbial proteomics.

Processes and products of the industrial microbiology. Microbial production of aminoacids. Microbial production of organic acids. Production of microbial enzymes.

Microbial bioconversions by means of immobilized cells and enzymes. Industrial applications.

Microbiological controls. Sterility control. Counts by means of selective cultural media. Challenge tests. LAL test.

Sterilization: principles and methodologies.

Readings/Bibliography

European Farmacopea.

Biotecnologie Microbiche. Stefano Donadio, Gennaro Marino. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Microbiologia sistematica, ambientale, industriale. Prescott (2). McGraw-Hill.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lectures and laboratory practises

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

Slides and laboratory lecture notes

Office hours

See the website of Beatrice Vitali