08127 - Industrial Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

The course aims to introduce topics and problems related to industrial applications deriving from the use of microorganisms and enzymes for industrial biotechnological applications. At the end of the course, students will have acquired the basis for understanding the technological development of industrial biochemistry.

Course contents

Introduction: industrial biochemistry and biotechnological processes. Enzymes: structure of proteins and enzymes, catalytic properties, classification. Main families of industrial enzymes. Biological systems: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Bacteria and yeasts. Principles of microbial growth. Production of enzymes: available sources and their choice, batch and continuous cultures, bioreactors. Downstream operations for the recovery of endocellular and / or exocellular enzymes. Methods and parameters for the purification of enzymes and analytical determinations. Immobilization techniques. Enzymes in unconventional media.


Examples of applications in industrial processes in some sectors (e.g. biogas production, biopolymers, detergents, agriculture, pharmaceuticals).


Safety regulations of enzymes, GRAS enzyme sources.

Readings/Bibliography

C. Ratledge, B. Kristianse. Biotecnologie di Base. Zanichelli (2004); Verga, Pilone. Biochimica Industriale: Enzimi e loro applicazioni nella bioindustria. SPRINGER

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and exercises in order to provide tools both for learning the concepts and for being able to critically address innovation and technology transfer in industrial biochemistry.

Assessment methods

The verification takes place through an oral exam and is designed to verify the learning of the contents and the pursuit of the objectives of the course indicated in the 'knowledge and skills to be achieved' section. Assessment criteria for the test: the final grade will be expressed out of thirty. The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the topics addressed and the ability to use the notions and cognitive tools learned during the course to tackle a typical industrial biochemistry process problem will be particularly appreciated.

Teaching tools

Electronic presentations by the teachers will be available on-line.

Office hours

See the website of Carla Boga