BIOTECHNOLOGIES

The course "Biotechnologies" is included within the characterizing training activities of the degree course in Biotechnology for the environment and sustainable development, which prepare students to operate in the industrial biotechnology sector linked to the enhancement of renewable resources and energies.
The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical knowledge and the updated framework of technological applications regarding the microbial transformation processes in the industrial and environmental sector, focused on conversion of organic matter into high added value products and based on environmentally sustainable supply chains.
In particular will be described the molecular and metabolic characteristics of the microorganisms involved in biodegradation processes of polluting substances, in the production of alternative energy sources, in the production of enzymes, in the development of new products with high commercial value and social impact, in the transformation of the main polymeric components of plant biomass, in the industrial production of amino acids, organic acids, antibiotics, bioinsecticides and other metabolites.

Knowledge and understanding:
- Graduates are familiar with biotechnological techniques for biofuels production
- Graduates are familiar with microbial transformation and fermentative processes for high added value compound production starting from organic wastes.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- Graduates are able to apply scientific method within biological systems and bio-refineries.
- Graduates are able to understand problems by applying the knowledge acquired in the production and development of innovative products and services in the typical contexts of the bio-refinery sector for organic waste valorization, the production of bio based compounds with high added value, bioenergy and biofuels.

Judgment autonomy:
- Graduates are able to process complex information and data from different sources and are able to analyze and manipulate these data to elaborate clear and accurate summaries, drawing relevant conclusions to make any proposals for action.

Communication ability:
- Graduates will acquire adequate skills and tools of written and oral communication, modern skills to analyze, propose and critically discuss the data of their experimentation with specialist and non-specialist interlocutors, even for the presentation and dissemination of experimental data and for the discussion of issues related to the development of biotechnology.

Communication skills:
Graduates will develop learning ability and in-depth analysis skills related to innovative research and current problems solving concerning the sector of the application of biotechnology in the industrial field.

Fundamentals of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

The crucial role of biotechnology in the bioeconomy. Microbial degradation of linear and branched hydrocarbons. The degradation of aromatic compounds. Microbial biotransformation by dehalogenation of haloaromatic compounds. Gene regulation of the catabolic pathways of degradation of polluting organic substances.
Biotechnology for the production of amino acids, organic acids, antibiotics, microbial insecticides.
Biotechnology for the transformation of the main polymeric components of plant biomass.
Biotechnology for the production of energy: production of electricity, hydrogen and other products with high commercial value through bioelectrochemical systems, interaction between bacterial cells and polarized surfaces (anodes and / or cathodes) for the production of electric currents (MFC) and / or chemicals of high commercial value. Bacterial biogas production: general principles and microorganisms of anaerobic and phototrophic biotechnological interest (CH4, H2).

Slides, review and papers supplied by professor

Written exam:- multiple choice questions for the verification of the theoretical part; - open answer questions where the acquisition of specific topics will be verified.

The teaching course is proposed with lectures

Italian

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development