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: oxidoreductase, idrolases, isomerases. 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, food, pharmaceuticals).


Safety regulations of enzymes, GRAS enzyme sources.

Readings/Bibliography

Presentations used during lessons by the teacher and accessible on the Virtual platform [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en].

Condensed text:

Verga, Pilone. Biochimica Industriale: Enzimi e loro applicazioni nella bioindustria. SPRINGER

Text for further information:

C. Ratledge, B. Kristianse. Biotecnologie di Base. Zanichelli (2004).

Teaching methods

The course consists of frontal lessons delivered in the classroom with the aid of the blackboard and suitable projection of slides and of classroom 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. The teaching participates in the University's teaching innovation project. As part of the latter, supplementary digital teaching activities (DDI) will be organized to make up for any gaps in preparation and/or for insights.

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.

Final grade:
Preparation on a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical ability that emerges only with the instructor's assistance, generally correct language → 18-19;
Preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and independent analysis ability only on purely executive questions, correct language → 20-24;
Preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, mastery of specific terminology → 25-30.

Teaching tools

Electronic presentations of classroom lectures by the teachers will be available on-line through the online pedagogical platform [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en] .

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Carla Boga