Biotechnological Processes for Biomass Conversion

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Classes are taught using audiovisual media. Each topic is presented and discussed, so that students can apply their knowledge in practical cases. Topics of relevance are also discussed, which allow to obtain knowledge of the "state-of-the-art" of more relevant issues.

Learning Outcomes

This course aims at providing knowledge related to renewable raw materials that can be used as substrate for enzymes and / or cultures of microorganisms, and experimental conditions to develop bioprocesses with potential industrial application. Providing knowledge about industrial bioprocesses already implemented based on renewable resources. Promoting thinking on integrated processes according to the biorefinery concept to minimize waste and valorize processes and sustainable bioprocesses.

At the end of the Course, the student should be able to:

Identify the potentialities associated with renewable raw materials with its short renewal cycle as future prospects. It is intended that students propose processes based on renewable biomass as a solution to the sustainability of the technology and the environment as alternatives to processes based on fossilized materials.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.  Concepts and basics in microbiology / biotechnology
1.1.  Microorganisms and enzymes as biomass conversion biocatalysts: Bacteria, fungi, including yeast and microalgae.
1.2.  Free-cell liquid cultures, submerged cultures and fermentation on solid phase
1.3.  Pure cultures and mixed cultures
1.4.  Main metabolic pathways

2. Enzymes, production and industrial applications.
2.1.  Enzyme kinetics, catalytic activity
2.2.  Enzymes immobilization

3.  Bioproduction of organic acids, amino-acids and alcohols for different types of applications: materials, biofuels, foods and pharmaceuticals – possible examples –succinic acid, lactic acid, bioethanol, citric acid and xylitol.

4.  Bioprocesses for biopolymer production - possible examples - pullulan, xanthan, polyhydroxy alkanoates

5.  Bioproduction of surfactants and microbial protein - examples.

Head Lecturer(s)

Jorge Manuel dos Santos Rocha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
1) the preparation of a review work about a bioprocess with industrial application or, the potential for it, and its oral presentation (40%) and 2) the assessment of the theoretical concepts in two evaluation tests or alternatively in one final exam (60%): 100.0%

Bibliography

1. Shijie Liu, Bioprocess Engineering: Kinetics, Biosystems, Sustainability, and Reactor Design, Elsevier, 2013.
2. Debalina Sengupta, Ralph W. Pike Chemicals from Biomass: Integrating Bioprocesses into Chemical Production Sustainable Development, CRC Press, 2013.
3. Pauline M. Doran, Bioprocess Engineering Principles, 2nd edition, Academic Press, 2013.
4. Ratledge, C., Kristiansan, B.,Basic Biotecnology, Cambridge University Press, 2006.
5.  Kamm B., Gruber, P.R., Kamm, M., Biorefineries - Industrial Processes and Products, Status Quo and Future Directions, Vol 1 and 2, Wiley-VCH 2006.
6. Yang, S.-T., Bioprocessing for value-added products from renewable resources, new technologies and applications, Elsevier, 2007.
7. Brown, R.C., Biorenewable Resources, Engineering new products from agriculture, Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
8. Soetaert, W., Vandamme, E., Industrial Biotechnology – Sustainable Growth and Economic Success, Wiley-VCH, 2010