Basic knowledge of biocatalysts and the possible applications in different reactive configurations in free or immobilised form, in the various sectors of industrial biocatalysis. The student should know: - Classification and nomenclature of the enzymes and microorganisms - The biochemistry of growth and production of microorganisms in biocatalysis - Techniques of immobilisation of enzymes and microorganisms. - Techniques for the evaluation of enzyme kinetics and for the growth of industrial microorganisms. - Evaluation criteria of interactions between biocatalysts and reactors with the aim of envisaging development. - Characteristics of fermenters on a large scale, scale-up of bioreactors: criteria and critical analysis. The student should have the knowledge and critical skills needed to: - choose work methodologies to pass from biochemistry to bioreactor - choose the best bioreactor configuration for each type of biocatalyst. - write a project on an assigned subject matter

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Biochemistry and Microbiology: biochemical composition of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells and main molecules of industrial biotechnological interest. Industrial biocatalysts: enzymes and cells. General properties of ribozymes and protein enzymes. Amino acids, protein synthesis, structural levels of protein enzymes (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure) and co-factors. Nomenclature and EC classification of enzymes. Specificity and selectivity of enzymes. Properties of the catalytic site. Kinetic mechanism of catalysis. Main types of catalysis: acid-basic, covalent, mediated by metals. Enzyme analysis: activity and unity (dosage of enzyme activity, dosage of enzyme quantity, purity of the enzyme). Chemo-physical factors that influence the enzyme activity of isolated enzymes or whole cells. Extremophile organisms (thermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles and barophiles) as natural sources of enzymes that are more resistant to extreme working conditions. Methods for improving biocatalysis: new biocatalysts produced by molecular genetic techniques and by protein engineering (basic concepts, new developments, limits and future prospectives). General aspects of biocataysis: enzyme kinetics, chemo-physical parameters that influence enzyme kinetics. Enzymes: evaluation of apparent kinetics; microorganisms: determination of the kinetics of growth and production. Descriptive and predictive model approaches. Bioreactors: enzymes and microorganisms as industrial biocatalysts. Fluid-dynamic interactions and biocatalysts; the problem of mixing; the problem of matter and heat transfer in bioreactors. Immobilised bioreactors: enzyme immobilisation and immobilisation of cells and microorganisms; immobilisation techniques and consequences for the activity; scaling-up of the immobilisation process; development of bioreactors using immobilised biocatalysts. Industrial enzymology: available sources for the extraction of enzymes; natural enzymes from animal, plant, bacterial, fungal sources. The importance of microorganisms in industry; production and purification of biotechnological products; the problem of down-stream. Applied examples of biocatalysis; food industry, pharmaceutical industry, medical and energy applications.

Lessons, practical lessons and project activities

Copies of all material taught and illustrated during lectures will be provided. Recommended texts for in-depth study of subjects covered in class: - M. Manzoni "Microbiologia industriale", CEA (2008) - D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "Principles of Biochemistry, Lehninger", Macmillan (2017) - D.L. Nelson, M.M. Cox "Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger", Zanichelli (2018)

Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;

The exam consists of an oral discussion aimed at checking knowledge and understanding of material covered. The following, in particular, will be evaluated: - basic knowledge of enzyme biochemistry, microorganisms and their industrial applications; - knowledge of the criteria for the definition and the development of bioreactors that use biological material in industrial applications of interest. - a critical analysis of the different alternative process developments and plant designs; - the ability to select the best bioreactor configuration for each type of biocatalyst. Maximum evaluation of 20 points. A project on an assigned subject matter will also be evaluated. The project must be handed in by the end of the course. Maximum of 10 points

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.