B5624 - BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY: PRODUCTION AND USE OF MARINE MOLECULES

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide skills on marine, animal and plant organisms, which can represent a source of bioactive compounds, thus leading to the economic enhancement of sea resources. The student will acquire skills on the most relevant organisms for these applications, on the biological functions of bioactive molecules already identified and on their industrial and / or biomedical application, on the methodologies for the compatible production of biomass from which to extract the molecules, on the bioactive molecules already in production and on possible innovative developments.

Course contents

Module 1 - Plant organisms (in common with the Master Degree in Science and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability with the name BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS)

• Definition of marine biotechnologies, sectors to which they are addressed, stages of product development, from the discovery of organisms to commercialization.
• Physiological bases of microalgae cultivation. Algal biomass production methods: culture operativity, industrial cultivation systems (photobioreactors and open ponds), characteristics of the production process, concepts of biorefinery and bio-factory.
• Commercial production of pigments and polyunsaturated fatty acids extracted from algae and parameters which influence the production. Innovative trends in the production of bioactive molecules (UV screens, compounds with antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic activity).
• Algae as a renewable energy source. Algae-based bioremediation systems: bioremediation of urban wastewater and of discharges contaminated with heavy metals.
• Molecular methods for the identification of species and bases for the genetic transformation of marine plant cells.

Module 2 - Animal Organisms (NOT for the Master Degree in Science and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)

• Model taxonomic classes for the isolation of bioactive molecules and biomaterials: physiological characteristics
• The influence of the environment on the synthesis of bioactive molecules in marine animals
• Main applications in the biotechnological field:

1. Bioactive molecules for pharmaceuticals
2. Biomaterials and biocompatible materials
3. The study of biostructures for the definition of new physical properties for synthetic materials
4. New technologies and production systems for aquaculture

Readings/Bibliography

Reviews or chapters on specific topics

Scientific articles in English provided to students and illustrated and discussed during the lessons.

Course files will be available in AMS Campus starting from the beginning of the lessons.

Teaching methods

The course is composed of 2 modules:

• 3 CFU of frontal lectures held from Prof. Pezzolesi (in common with the Master Degree in Science and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability with the name BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS)
• 3 CFU of frontal lectures held from Prof. Franzellitti (NOT for the Master Degree in Science and Technologies for Environmental Sustainability)

Assessment methods

Module 1: oral examination, 3 questions.

Module 2: oral examination.

The exam aims to assess the mastery and the ability to deal critically with the topics covered during the lessons.

The dates of the exams will be published on the almaesami website. Students could book for the exams using the methods provided by the online almaesami system.

Teaching tools

Power point files and scientific papers.

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 Laura Pezzolesi

See the website of Silvia Franzellitti