08127 - Industrial Biochemistry

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give students an extensive background in the development of the applied biochemistry which today offers novel approaches in strategic sectors such as food, energy and environment. Examples of enzyme and cell applications in industrial processes and products will be considered. The goal is to give students the capacity to observe the various applications of the fermentation chemistry in the daily from the market to the processe of fine chemical.

Chemistry is showing the interesting opportunities of  biochemistry for developing new processes and new products in which the green chemistry represents one of the most promising sector.

Course contents

Industrial Biotechnology: historical and macro-economic aspects

Industrial Production of the enzymes: microbial sources, industrial steps and kinetic of the enzymatic synthesis

Downstream for the recovery of endocellular and exocellular enzymes: breakage of the cells, separation techniques, concentration techniques of the enzymatic extract and purification methods of enzymes.

Industrial products based on enzymatic activity: formulation and stabilization methods

Enzymes of industrial interest: carbohydrases, proteases and lipases

Industrial applications of enzymes in conventional systems: immobilization techniques and basic approach, stability of immobilized enzymes and aspects of industrial plants.

Industrial applications of enzymes in non-conventional systems: cell and enzymes in organic solvent and immobilization techniques in microemulsions. Biosynthesis of fine chemicals and polymers using esterases and lipases

Examples of applications in industrial processes:

detergency on large scale and for para-medical products

analytical sector: biosensors, spot-tests for medical applications

agriculture: phytomedicine and antimycotic agents

polymers: biopolymer production for medical and food applications

petrochemistry: production of the acrylonytrile and application of enzymes in the refinery processes of diesel and crude oil ("biorefining")

biofuels: production of biomethane and bioethanol from agro-food wastes

environmental sector: biological disposal of the wastes from industrial processes or urban activities.

bioremediation of soil and polluted waters due to the accidental spilling of crude oil

Readings/Bibliography

René Scriban - "Biotecnologia: Tecnologie Enzimatiche" - Edizioni Agricole



Chaplin M.F. and Bucke - "Enzyme Technology" - Cambridge University Press



Gerhartz W. - "Enzymes in Industry" - VCH

Teaching methods

Lectures are abreast of technological progress and will be done using an interactive communication in order to satisfy the couriosities of the students for the comprehension of both the basic knowledges and the practical approach through examples of applications. The aim of the Course is to give the students of tools for both the learning and the approaching of the innovation and technological transfer in the industrial biochemistry focused to an ethical, social and economical sustainability of the industrial processes

Assessment methods

The oral examination is aimed to determine the capacity of the student by using the knowledges and tools learnt during the course.

Teaching tools

The Course is characterized by lectures using light board and informatic supports for the exhibition of text and immages (video projection). The Course will be accompanied by paper material.

Office hours

See the website of Leonardo Setti