Microbial Biotechnology

The course aims to provide students with an integrated understanding of the main biotechnologies applied to microorganisms in an industrial context. Topics covered include the molecular strategies for the production of heterologous proteins in bacteria — with particular reference to Escherichia coli as a model organism — and the main biotechnological applications of microorganisms of industrial interest: metabolic engineering, bioconversions, production of bioactive molecules from Actinomycetales, environmental biotechnologies and emerging technologies. The course also covers the fundamentals of industrial fermentation processes with yeasts, with particular attention to bioreactor technologies, the operational modes of fermentation processes and strategies for the genetic improvement of strains. Practical laboratory sessions, focused on the cloning and expression of recombinant proteins in E. coli, allow students to acquire specific technical skills and to directly connect theoretical content to experimental practice.

By the end of the course, students will have an in-depth knowledge of the main biotechnological applications of microorganisms in an industrial context. They will be able to describe the genetic systems and expression vectors used for the production of heterologous proteins in E. coli, to illustrate the principles of metabolic engineering and bioconversion processes, and to describe the characteristics of the main microorganisms of industrial interest, including the biosynthetic mechanisms of peptide and polyketide antibiotics in Actinomycetales. Students will also be familiar with the main technologies used in industrial fermentation processes with yeasts, the types of bioreactors available and strategies for the genetic improvement of industrial strains.
In terms of applied skills, students will be able to design an expression strategy for a heterologous protein in E. coli and to independently carry out the main related laboratory procedures: cloning, bacterial transformation, induction of expression and analysis by SDS-PAGE. They will also be able to evaluate and discuss the most appropriate fermentation operating mode based on the desired product and the strain used.
Critical thinking and judgement, together with the ability to communicate what has been learned, are developed through laboratory activities and in-class discussion of experimental results and industrial case studies. Individual contribution during laboratory sessions and in the analysis of specific cases is essential for developing a critical mindset and the ability to analyse and solve problems.