Yeast; fungi; bacilli; actinomycetes. Methods: growth, enrichment, screening and improvement. Technology of industrial processes. Production of metabolites. Practical activity: application of microorganisms.
S. Donadio, G. Marino “Biotecnologie microbiche”, 2008, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
M. Manzoni “Microbiologia industriale”, 2006, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.
C. Ratlegde, B. Kristiansen “Biotecnologie di base”, 2004, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Most relevant groups of microorganisms involved in industrial biotechnology: biology and taxonomy of fungi, bacilli and actinomycetes. Theory of selection and improvement of microorganisms for production of enzymes, metabolites. Technology of industrial ferementation processes. Application of microorganisms in bioremediation processes and production of biofuels
Competence acquired
Planning strategies for the genetic and functional improvement of microorganisms aiming at the production of molecules useful in the industry. Planning the functional steps af an industrial plant.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Handling bacterial cultures for the selection of traits useful in the industry: production of biofuels and bioremediation of environmental pollution.
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities:
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 40
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours): 12
Contact hours for: Laboratory-field/practice (hours):
Seminars (hours): 4
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
Recommended for lectures; required for lab
Teaching tools
The instruments and facilities at DISPAA specific for practical lessons are used.
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: Oral examination including laboratory activity
Course program
Lectures: Yeast; fungi; bacilli; actinomycetes. Growth, enrichment, screening and improvement. Production of metabolites. Kinetics of metabolic processes. Industrial microbial culturing: batch, fed batch and continuous. Main types of bioreactors. Areation and stirring. Mass transfer. Separation and purification of fermentation products. Production of Antibiotics, enzymes, aminoacids. Microbial polymers. Biofuels. Bioremediation. Wastewater treatment.
Laboratory practical activity:1) Removal of heavy metals with exopolysaccharide producing cyanobateria 2) Production of hydrogen from wastes with purple non sulfur bacteria