Applied Biocatalysis
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and applicative skills about biocatalytic processes. Biocatalysis is the use of natural catalysts (enzymes) to perform reactions of interest in all fields of green chemistry. To understand and develop a biocatalytic process is thus necessary to gather tools across different biotechnological techniques.
Knowledge and understanding:
· Knowing the methodologies (protein engineering, metabolic engineering, immobilization, continuous processes) useful for making a biocatalytic process of industrial interest;
· Understanding the advantages of biocatalysis in the context of the bioeconomy and chemical transformation;
· Understanding why biocatalysis is strategic in a bio-based industry context;
· Knowing and understanding consolidated and/or recent successful examples (especially in the agri-food and energy fields) of applied biocatalysis
· Knowing the techniques involved in the immobilization of biocatalysts;
· Knowing and understanding the importance of process intensification in applied biocatalysis.
Applying knowledge and understanding
· Applying biotechnological techniques (mostly learned in other courses) for the evolution of enzymes or microbial cells into efficient biocatalysts;
· Assessing the most suited technologies for intensifying a biocatalytic process;
· Applying the knowledge about consolidated and/or recent successful examples of applied biocatalysis to critically design and optimize biocatalytic processes;
· Assessing the most useful techniques for intensifying a biocatalytic process.
Making judgements
· Applying the knowledge about biocatalyst immobilization for making proper judgements when and how immobilization techniques should be used in biocatalytic processes;
· Making judgements about the best way to discover and optimize a biocatalyst;
· Making judgements about the best bioreactors to be used in biocatalysis
Knowledge and understanding:
· Knowing the methodologies (protein engineering, metabolic engineering, immobilization, continuous processes) useful for making a biocatalytic process of industrial interest;
· Understanding the advantages of biocatalysis in the context of the bioeconomy and chemical transformation;
· Understanding why biocatalysis is strategic in a bio-based industry context;
· Knowing and understanding consolidated and/or recent successful examples (especially in the agri-food and energy fields) of applied biocatalysis
· Knowing the techniques involved in the immobilization of biocatalysts;
· Knowing and understanding the importance of process intensification in applied biocatalysis.
Applying knowledge and understanding
· Applying biotechnological techniques (mostly learned in other courses) for the evolution of enzymes or microbial cells into efficient biocatalysts;
· Assessing the most suited technologies for intensifying a biocatalytic process;
· Applying the knowledge about consolidated and/or recent successful examples of applied biocatalysis to critically design and optimize biocatalytic processes;
· Assessing the most useful techniques for intensifying a biocatalytic process.
Making judgements
· Applying the knowledge about biocatalyst immobilization for making proper judgements when and how immobilization techniques should be used in biocatalytic processes;
· Making judgements about the best way to discover and optimize a biocatalyst;
· Making judgements about the best bioreactors to be used in biocatalysis
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will know why biocatalysis is strategic for the bioeconomy in a bio-based industry context. The student will be familiar with the essential steps in the development of biocatalytic processes from concept to completion, by the application of the best suited methodologies (protein engineering, metabolic engineering, immobilization, continuous reactors) to develop a innovative biocatalytic processes of industrial interest. The focus will be on bioprocesses relevant in the agri-food and bioenergy fields.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course programme covers the following topics:
* Introduction to biocatalysis: rationale, principles, opportunities, and limitations — the myths and realities of biocatalysis (2 hours);
* Hydrolases and transferases: mechanisms of action, applications, and industrial relevance (5 hours);
* Enzyme discovery strategies and methodologies (3 hours);
* Design and operation of biocatalytic reactors (4 hours);
* Redox enzymes: importance, properties, and applications in biocatalytic processes (6 hours);
* Preparation of biocatalysts (4 hours), including:
* whole-cell systems versus isolated enzymes;
* enzyme and cell immobilisation techniques;
* Techniques in biocatalysis: strategies for improving biocatalysts (4 hours), including:
* protein engineering and directed evolution;
* metabolic engineering approaches;
* Applications of biocatalysis: biotransformation of feedstocks into value-added products (4 hours);
* Case studies of industrial biocatalytic processes involving isomerases, hydratases, and aldolases (4 hours);
* Metabolic engineering in biocatalytic applications (4 hours);
* Cascade reactions and multistep biocatalytic systems (2 hours);
* Introduction to biocatalysis: rationale, principles, opportunities, and limitations — the myths and realities of biocatalysis (2 hours);
* Hydrolases and transferases: mechanisms of action, applications, and industrial relevance (5 hours);
* Enzyme discovery strategies and methodologies (3 hours);
* Design and operation of biocatalytic reactors (4 hours);
* Redox enzymes: importance, properties, and applications in biocatalytic processes (6 hours);
* Preparation of biocatalysts (4 hours), including:
* whole-cell systems versus isolated enzymes;
* enzyme and cell immobilisation techniques;
* Techniques in biocatalysis: strategies for improving biocatalysts (4 hours), including:
* protein engineering and directed evolution;
* metabolic engineering approaches;
* Applications of biocatalysis: biotransformation of feedstocks into value-added products (4 hours);
* Case studies of industrial biocatalytic processes involving isomerases, hydratases, and aldolases (4 hours);
* Metabolic engineering in biocatalytic applications (4 hours);
* Cascade reactions and multistep biocatalytic systems (2 hours);
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of biochemistry and microbiology is required. Students who may lack adequate preparation in these areas are advised to contact the course lecturer for recommendations regarding suitable textbooks and bibliographic references to support independent study and the consolidation of prerequisite knowledge.
Teaching methods
The course is organised into interactive lectures involving the presentation of teaching materials, discussion of key concepts with students, and classroom exercises aimed at verifying the understanding of fundamental theoretical principles. All teaching materials presented during the lectures will be made available on the lecturer's MyARIEL webpage.
Teaching Resources
Teaching materials consist of notes and monographs provided by the lecturer through the MyARIEL platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
At least seven examination sessions will be guaranteed each academic year. Examination dates will be published on the SIFA platform.
The assessment consists of:
1. An oral examination based on questions relating to the topics covered during the course, including an oral presentation and discussion of a case study previously agreed upon with the lecturer (10-15 minutes) (0-14 marks);
2. Two questions concerning topics addressed during the course (0-13 marks for each question).
Student performance will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of understanding of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory activities;
2. Ability to discuss critically and in an integrated manner:
* the application of biotechnological techniques, primarily acquired in other courses, for the evolution of enzymes or microbial cells into efficient biocatalysts;
* the identification and evaluation of the most appropriate technologies for the intensification of biocatalytic processes;
* the application of knowledge derived from established and/or recent successful examples of applied biocatalysis to the critical design and optimisation of biocatalytic processes;
* the selection of the most suitable techniques for the intensification of biocatalytic processes.
Students may receive feedback from the lecturer on both practical activities and formal assessments in order to support future improvement.
Specific arrangements for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD/DSA) will also apply to online examinations. Full information is available at:
* University of Milan - Services for Students with Disabilities
* University of Milan - Services for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
Students requiring specific arrangements are requested to inform the lecturer by email at least 10 days prior to the examination, copying the relevant university service:
* [email protected]
* [email protected]
The assessment consists of:
1. An oral examination based on questions relating to the topics covered during the course, including an oral presentation and discussion of a case study previously agreed upon with the lecturer (10-15 minutes) (0-14 marks);
2. Two questions concerning topics addressed during the course (0-13 marks for each question).
Student performance will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of understanding of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory activities;
2. Ability to discuss critically and in an integrated manner:
* the application of biotechnological techniques, primarily acquired in other courses, for the evolution of enzymes or microbial cells into efficient biocatalysts;
* the identification and evaluation of the most appropriate technologies for the intensification of biocatalytic processes;
* the application of knowledge derived from established and/or recent successful examples of applied biocatalysis to the critical design and optimisation of biocatalytic processes;
* the selection of the most suitable techniques for the intensification of biocatalytic processes.
Students may receive feedback from the lecturer on both practical activities and formal assessments in order to support future improvement.
Specific arrangements for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD/DSA) will also apply to online examinations. Full information is available at:
* University of Milan - Services for Students with Disabilities
* University of Milan - Services for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
Students requiring specific arrangements are requested to inform the lecturer by email at least 10 days prior to the examination, copying the relevant university service:
* [email protected]
* [email protected]
CHEM-07/C - Chemistry and Biotechnology of Fermentation - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Lessons: 44 hours
Professors:
Donzella Silvia, Molinari Francesco Enzo
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
by personal appointment
via Luigi Mangiagalli 25, DeFENS building, third floor