82298 - Bio-Technological Valorisation Of Agro-Industrial Waste And By-Products

Learning outcomes

The main purpose of the course is to provide knowledges on byproduct by biotechnological management in different sectors of the agrifood industry. Moreover the possible use of the byproducts as ingredients, molecules with added value and raw material will be analysed focusing on their use in pharmaceutical and/or energetic and/or cosmetic sectors.

The course aims also to provide the principles for microorganisms use in byproduct conversion according to the EU and national dispositions in order to reduce the environmental impact and the costs of the disposal. Specific byproduct conversion examples will be described and studied in particular focused on microbial exploitation. The student will be able to select specific microorganisms able to optimise the biotechnological byproducts conversion.

 

Course contents

The module 1  contents will include the following topics:

•  Description of the main biotechnological processes referred to agrifood industry byproducts management particularly focused on the possible use of the byproducts as ingredients, molecules with added value and raw material.
• Principal parameters important for the microorganisms selection focused on the achievement of tailor made biotechnological processes characterized by low environmental impact.
• Microorganism selection criteria in relation to side streams considered and bio-products to be obtained
• Case studies of byproduct management focused on the selection of the more suitable microorganisms for specific byproduct obtaining and their re-use in food, feed and other sectors.

Module 2 will provide:

• The classification of food waste sources, the identification of the target compounds, and potential applications in each case will be taken into consideration;
•  The principles of the “Universal Recovery Strategy”, which takes into account all the necessary aspects (e.g. substrate collection and deterioration, yield optimization, preservation of target compound functionality during processing, etc.) needed for the development of a recovery process.
• The description of the five-stages recovery approach (macroscopic pretreatment, macro- and micromolecules separation, extraction, purification and isolation, and product formation).
• The fundamental principles and applications of different conventional and emerging technologies that can be used for the recovery of valuable compounds from food wastes/by-products in each of the aforementioned five stages. Implementation aspects and potential applications of recovered materials.
• Examples of commercial products and industrial applications and case studies.
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Readings/Bibliography

Lectures notes and updated selected papers that will be supplied by the teacher.

"Food Waste Recovery. Processing Technologies and Industrial Techniques”.

Ed. Charis M. Galanakis, Academic press Elsevier, (2015).

- “Valorization of Food Processing By-Products”.

Ed. M. Chandrasekaran, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group (2013).

- Galanakis, C.M. “Emerging technologies for the production of nutraceuticals from agricultural by-products: A viewpoint of opportunities and challenges” (Review), Food and Bioproducts Processing, 91:4, pp 575-579, 2013.

- Galanakis, C.M. “Recovery of high added-value components from food wastes: Conventional, emerging technologies and commercialized applications” (Review), Trends in Food Science and Technology, 26:2, pp 68-87, 2012.

Teaching methods

Lectures and laboratory activity.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning is through a final written exam of 2 hours, during which it is not allowed to use books, notes, computer media.

The written test will contain a series of multiple choice and open questions. The test aim at assess and verify the skills and knowledge acquired in the issues addressed throughout all the course program. The final grade is of thirty.

The record of grade takes place on the dates fixed and indicated in Almaesami. It is possible to view the performed test and ask for clarification.

Teaching tools

Computer and interactive dashboard. Laboratory tools and instruments.

Office hours

See the website of Rosalba Lanciotti

See the website of Santina Romani