INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

The teaching is one of the activities characterizing the Biomolecular Chemistry path of the master's degree in Chemistry and Sustainable Technologies.
The objective of the course is to provide the student with knowledge relating to the biotechnological processes used in modern industries, with references to economic choices and sustainable development.
The course will provide an overview of the main categories of products obtained by biotechnological processes, with applications in the food, health, fine chemicals, bioplastics and energy industries.
If possible during the course they will be proposed educational trips to local companies that deal with biotechnology. The aim is to understand the topicality of the topics of the course and to ascertain the problems and solutions identified by modern technology, in view of a possible integration into the workplace.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
a) Use of biomass.
b) Concept of biocatalyst and use of enzymes.
c) The fermentation process.
d) The technology of bioreactors.
e) Some examples of integrated bioprocesses for the production of foods, drugs, flavorings, nutraceuticals, biopesticides, biofertilizers, biopolymers, biofuels.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
The student will be able to use the acquired knowledge for practical application in analysis and research laboratories and in the management of industrial biotechnological processes.
The student will be able to understand the main problems posed by both the design and management of biological reactors.

3. Judgment skills:
The student will be able to evaluate the suitable process for a production in relation to environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

4. Communication skills:
a) Acquisition of the specific language of biotechnology.
b) Ability to appropriately discuss the issues associated with the use of biotechnological processes in modern industries.

Basic knowledge of the Industrial Chemistry and Biochemistry courses.

Comparison between chemical and biochemical processes. Use of starchy, lignocellulosic, residual biomass of urban and agricultural origin. Biomass treatment plants. Biocatalysts: enzymes.
Fermentation on an industrial scale.
Ethanol fermentation, beer industry, wine industry and vinegar production.
The bioreactors. Kinetic models for discontinuous, continuous and discontinuous bioreactors with controlled feeding.
Production of biomass chemicals using integrated bioprocesses. Main industrial biochemical processes for the synthesis of consumer products and for the treatment of agricultural and urban industrial waste.
Production of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, glutamic acid and succinic acid. Biotechnological production of drugs, vitamins, flavors, nutraceuticals. Examples of biotechnological processes for the production of biopesticides, biofertilizers, biopolymers.
Biotechnologies and renewable energies. Bio-renewable fuels: biogas, biomethanol, bioethanol.
Bioremediation. Microbiology of wastewater and water purification.

- Industrial Biotechnology, Debabrata Das, Soumya Pandit, CRC Press 2021
- Industrial Biotechnology. Products and Processes, Christoph Wittman, James C. Liao, Wiley-VCH 2017

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral test that includes the presentation of one of the topics by slides in ppt format. The goal is to verify the ability of the student to develop the information. The oral exam continues with questions concerning the program reported in the "Contents" section. During the oral examination, the student should demonstrate knowledge of the topics and present them adequately. The oral exam lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.

Teaching is organized in classroom lectures by the use of slides. In the "Moodle" platform of the University it will be present the educational material.

English

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and
students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010)
regarding support services and accommodation available to students
with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual,
hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning
impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment
that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note
takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and
Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development