Microbial Biotechnology

The course aims at building a basic knowledge of the main technologies and processes in production of heterologous proteins and of molecules of high added value in microbial systems, in particular for industrial use. Another main goal is providing specific knowledge on the utilization of expression vectors, on metabolic engineering and on genetic improvement of microrganisms of industrial use. In the course, it will also be discussed the biology of antibiotic-producing microrganisms such as Actynomycetes, and the biochemistry and molecular biology aspects of antibiotic synthesis. Finally, the course will tackle the main environmental applications of microbial biotechnology, namely, use of biosensors and bioremediation processes.

With this course, the student will acquire detailed knowledge and understanding of the basic biotechnological applications involving microorganisms, in particular in an industrial context.
The student will be able to use advanced methods for cloning and expression of heterologous genes in Escherichia coli for industrial purposes.
Critical and judgmental skills, and communicating what has been learned, are developed above all with laboratory activities and the discussion in class of the results obtained.
The individual contribution of the student in the laboratory activities and in the specific cases analyzed in class will be fundamental for the acquisition of a critical spirit and in the ability to analyze and solve problems.