08127 - Industrial Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired the basics to understand the technological development of industrial biochemistry that, currently, offers innovative solutions in strategic sectors such as food, energy and environmental. Industrial examples of production and products deriving from applications of enzymes will be taken into consideration through a transversal approach of the various scientific sectors involved. The aim of the course is to provide students with the tools necessary to understand how much industrial biochemistry is present in daily life from the supermarket to fine chemical processes.

Course contents

Industrial Biotechnology: historical and macro-economic aspects

Industrial Production of the enzymes: microbial sources, industrial steps and kinetic of the enzymatic synthesis

Downstream for the recovery of endocellular and exocellular enzymes: breakage of the cells, separation techniques, concentration techniques of the enzymatic extract and purification methods of enzymes.

Industrial products based on enzymatic activity: formulation and stabilization methods

Enzymes of industrial interest: carbohydrases, proteases and lipases

Industrial applications of enzymes in conventional systems: immobilization techniques and basic approach, stability of immobilized enzymes and aspects of industrial plants.

Industrial applications of enzymes in non-conventional systems: cell and enzymes in organic solvent and immobilization techniques in microemulsions. Biosynthesis of fine chemicals and polymers using esterases and lipases

Examples of applications in industrial processes:

• detergency on large scale and for para-medical products
• analytical sector: biosensors, spot-tests for medical applications
• agriculture: phytomedicine and antimycotic agents
• polymers: biopolymer production for medical and food applications
• petrochemistry: production of the acrylonytrile and application of enzymes in the refinery processes of diesel and crude oil ("biorefining")
• biofuels: production of biomethane and bioethanol from agro-food wastes

Readings/Bibliography

1. Nelson D. L., Cox, M. M. Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehningher, Zanichelli, Bologna (2003) 2. C. Quaglierini, M. Tannini, E. Paladino. Chimica delle Fermentazioni e laboratorio. Zanichelli (1995) 3. C. Ratledge, B. Kristianse. Biotecnologie di Base. Zanichelli (2004) 4. Verga, Pilone. Biochimica Industriale: Enzimi e loro applicazioni nella bioindustria. SPRINGER

Teaching methods

Lectures are abreast of technological progress and will be done using an interactive communication in order to satisfy the couriosities of the students for the comprehension of both the basic knowledges and the practical approach through examples of applications. The aim of the Course is to give the students of tools for both the learning and the approaching of the innovation and technological transfer in theindustrial biochemistryfocused to an ethical, social and economical sustainability of the industrial processes

Assessment methods

The oral examination is aimed to determine the capacity of the student by using the knowledges and tools learnt during the course in order to solve a typical problem of Industrial Biochemistry based on economical, practical and sustainable considerations. The time for an oral examination is about 45 minutes.

Teaching tools

The Course is characterized by lectures using informatic supports for the exhibition of text and immages (video projection).

Office hours

See the website of Leonardo Setti