Biotechnological Products and Processes
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course aims mainly to provide theoretical bases for improvement and management of biotechnological processes and the use of enzymes technology for production of compounds by industrial bioprocesses. The course is ideally linked to those dealing with protein engineering, structural biology, enzymology, bioinformatics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this class, the students are expected to:
1) have acquired understanding of importance of metabolic pathways on process development;
2) have understood the rational of metabolic engineering strategies (approaches and methods) utilized to improve cellular performance;
3) have acquired understanding of theoretical aspects and experimental approaches to engineer microorganisms in the context of biotechnological applications;
4) be able to recognize some relevant applications of free or immobilized enzymes for the biotransformations of both natural and non-natural substrates in terms of enzymes involved, products obtained and operational details.
5) have acquired the ability to correlate the disciplines involved and their relevance to biotechnological developments.
1) have acquired understanding of importance of metabolic pathways on process development;
2) have understood the rational of metabolic engineering strategies (approaches and methods) utilized to improve cellular performance;
3) have acquired understanding of theoretical aspects and experimental approaches to engineer microorganisms in the context of biotechnological applications;
4) be able to recognize some relevant applications of free or immobilized enzymes for the biotransformations of both natural and non-natural substrates in terms of enzymes involved, products obtained and operational details.
5) have acquired the ability to correlate the disciplines involved and their relevance to biotechnological developments.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Dr. Donzella and Prof. Morelli will share teaching of this class, focusing respectively on metabolic engineering strategies used to improve cellular metabolism, and on the use of enzymes technology to improve industrial production processes.
Dr. Donzella:
The lectures will begin with a review of key concepts in industrial microbiology, cultivation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous culture) and the principles of fermentation technology. Lectures will cover: tools to study metabolic flux balance and to engineering cells; analysis of regulation of carbon source metabolism and strategies for the utilization of alternative carbon sources; approaches to redirect metabolic pathways for improved production and to introduce new pathways for the synthesis of new compounds; strategies to increase stress tolerance and cellular performance for improved industrial processes.
Prof. Morelli:
In the first lectures a brief recap on the selectivities attainable in a chemical transformation using enzymes as biocatalysts (chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity) will be introduced. Selected applications of biocatalytic methods for the production of drug intermediates and active principles, natural and unnatural amino acids, biofuel, rare sugars and related compounds will be presented and discussed in the light of the attainable selectivity with respect to chemical methods. Requirements of enzymes for technological applications (e.g. detergents formulation, paper and leather manufacturing) will be discussed.
Dr. Donzella:
The lectures will begin with a review of key concepts in industrial microbiology, cultivation strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous culture) and the principles of fermentation technology. Lectures will cover: tools to study metabolic flux balance and to engineering cells; analysis of regulation of carbon source metabolism and strategies for the utilization of alternative carbon sources; approaches to redirect metabolic pathways for improved production and to introduce new pathways for the synthesis of new compounds; strategies to increase stress tolerance and cellular performance for improved industrial processes.
Prof. Morelli:
In the first lectures a brief recap on the selectivities attainable in a chemical transformation using enzymes as biocatalysts (chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity) will be introduced. Selected applications of biocatalytic methods for the production of drug intermediates and active principles, natural and unnatural amino acids, biofuel, rare sugars and related compounds will be presented and discussed in the light of the attainable selectivity with respect to chemical methods. Requirements of enzymes for technological applications (e.g. detergents formulation, paper and leather manufacturing) will be discussed.
Prerequisites for admission
A thorough review of the topics covered by the basic biochemistry and molecular biology classes included in the bachelor curriculum is highly recommended before attending the course.
Teaching methods
Teaching Mode: Classroom lectures supported by projected material, with discussions on experimental design, data analysis, and specific case studies. Attendance is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Copies of the slides projected in the classroom as well as other materials will be made available at the beginning of the course on the MyAriel platform. By no means this material replaces the lectures. References to review articles and book chapters dealing with the specific topics covered in the course will be provided. All materials are intended only for registered students of the Degree Course in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics and must not be shared to others.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Donzella part: Student performance will be assessed through a written examination consisting of open-ended questions covering all topics addressed in the course. This format is intended to evaluate the student's ability to apply their knowledge and synthetize complex topics in writing.
Morelli part: written examination, consisting of two parts. Part 1: two multiple-choice questions, aimed at verifying (i) the ability of the students in recognizing enzyme-catalyzed chemical transformations and (ii) the knowledge of relevant properties of enzymes used as biocatalysts. Part 2: open-answer question about applications of biocatalysts. Questions will be focused and limited but will require synthesis and connection skills, as they might span different topics covered during the course.
The final grade will result from the joint evaluation of each candidate by the two teachers.
Morelli part: written examination, consisting of two parts. Part 1: two multiple-choice questions, aimed at verifying (i) the ability of the students in recognizing enzyme-catalyzed chemical transformations and (ii) the knowledge of relevant properties of enzymes used as biocatalysts. Part 2: open-answer question about applications of biocatalysts. Questions will be focused and limited but will require synthesis and connection skills, as they might span different topics covered during the course.
The final grade will result from the joint evaluation of each candidate by the two teachers.
CHIM/06 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
CHIM/11 - CHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY OF FERMENTATION - University credits: 3
CHIM/11 - CHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY OF FERMENTATION - University credits: 3
Lectures: 48 hours
Professors:
Donzella Silvia, Morelli Carlo
Professor(s)
Reception:
from Monday to Friday by appointment
Professor's office, Department of Chemistry.