Fermentation Engineering and Biocatalysis

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Mass and Energy Balances

Fluid Dynamics

Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Reactors

Mass transference

English

Teaching Methods

The active participation of students will be encouraged through questions and practical case study examples. In practical classes, laboratory work will be carried out, for students to get expertise for biocatalysis and fermentation activities on a laboratory scale. They will be introduced in the context of ongoing research work on biological processes. In addition to a mandatory final exam, there is a periodic evaluation component, which includes the preparation of short and informal reports with the discussion of results or other challenges.

Learning Outcomes

- To deep the basic principles of biochemistry and microbiology as a support of biochemical engineering in the construction of sustainable development.

- Knowing how to distinguish when the advantages of biological transformation outweigh those of chemical transformation and knowing how to select the most convenient biocatalyst.

- Know the mechanism of protein synthesis and regulation of gene expression.

- Know the bioenergetics of cells in the different ways of obtaining energy.

- Understand the mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and quantify their kinetics, taking into account environmental factors.

- Formulation of culture broths for laboratory or industrial use and sterilization methods.

- Know how to improve the performance of different fermentations with industrial interest

- Develop skills to solve new problems, work in interdisciplinary teams and decision-making.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

A - Cell biochemistry

1. Protein synthesis and regulation of gene expression

2. Metabolism and processes of energy transfer and accumulation. The energetics of cells by aerobic, anaerobic and photosynthetic mechanisms

B - Biocatalysis

1. Reactions in the presence of inhibitors

2. Reactions with two or more substrates

3. Reactions with diffusional resistance (immobilized enzymes)

4. Reactions with modified enzymes

5. Reactions with non-viable cells

6. Reactions in unconventional media

7. Industrial applications

C - Fermentation

1. Concept and different classifications

2. Renewable raw materials

3. Sterilization methods

4. Microbial growth kinetics

5. Applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry

6. Modification of microorganisms

7. Yield and productivity

8. Extractive fermentation

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 20.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

- Nelson D.L. et al.., Lenhinger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th ed,MacmillanLearning, 2021

- Berg, J.M., et al., Biochemistry, 9th ed., Macmillan Lerning, 2019

- Stanier, R. Y. et al., General Microbiology , 5th ed., Macmillan Publishers, London, 2003

- Pelczar Jr, M. J. et al., Microbiology, 5th ed., McGraw-Hill, N.Y., 1986

- Riet K. e Tramper, J. Basic Bioreactor Design, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1991

- Lima N. e Mota, M. Biotecnologia. Fundamentos e Aplicações, Lidel, edições técnicas, 2003

- Fonseca, M.M. e Teixeira, J.A. (coordenação), Reactores Biológicos - Fundamentos e Aplicações, Lidel, Edições Técnicas Lda, 2007

- Atkinson, B. & Mavituna, F., Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology Handbook, 2nd ed., Stockton Press, N.Y., 1991

- Stanbury, P.F. e Whitaker, A., Principles of Fermentation Technology, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1984

- Vogel, H.C., Todaro, C.C. (eds). Fermentation and Biochemical Engineering Handbook, 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2014