Molecular analysis and traceability of biotechnological products

A.A. 2024/2025
6
Crediti massimi
56
Ore totali
SSD
BIO/10
Lingua
Inglese
Obiettivi formativi
The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge of the implementation and uses of analytical tools for the analysis of biotechnological products, and for the traceability of foods and the quantitative determination of selected ingredients through the analysis of DNA and proteins. The course will have a strong hands-on connotation based on lab activities (1.5 CFU) and practical sessions of experimental design in classroom and computer room (1.0 CFU).
Risultati apprendimento attesi
At the end of the course the student will be able to manage the most common biomolecular analysis methodologies to implement new molecular tools for biomolecular analysis of biotechnological and food products.
Corso singolo

Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.

Programma e organizzazione didattica

Edizione unica

Responsabile
Periodo
Primo semestre

Programma
Current national and EC regulations about traceability.
Molecular methodologies for the traceability of plant and animal species and varieties in foods and ingredients and other matrixes.
DNA and protein purifications and assessment of matrix effects.
GMO detection and quantification.
Molecular characterization and assessment conformity of typical and niche foods.
ODP traceability.
Geographical origin of foods.
Molecular characterization of biotechnological products and new foods.
Detection of potential allergens and predictive methods for unveil potential allergens.
Development of analytical kits based on the analysis of nucleic acids.
Development of analytical kits based on the analysis of proteins and enzymes.
Prerequisiti
General knowledge of biomolecular techniques and methodologies of applied biochemistry and molecular biology (PCR, immuno-enzymatic methods, protein and nucleic acids electrophoresis) and of enzymatic activities.
Metodi didattici
Classroom lessons, bioinformatic lab and practical labs.
Lessons: 40 hours (5.0 CFU)
Practical labs: 16 hours (1.0 CFU)
Materiale di riferimento
Suggested textbook:
Montet and Ray, Eds. "Food Traceability and Authenticity with Analytical Techniques", Boca Raton : CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, [2018].
Reference material (slides of the lessons and relevant scientific papers) will be illustrated during the lessons. All material is present on the ARIEL site of the course https://ascarafonimatbp.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/home/Default.aspx
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
Oral exam based on the discussion of one of the scientific papers proposed by the teacher and on consequent questions about the topics of the course. The exam can be taken by appointment with the teacher, to be requested by e-mail, after registering to an appeal on the SIFA platform.
The learning verification will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Proof of understanding of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory practicals
2. Ability to discuss, in a critical and integrated way, the concepts and problems of traceability along the agri-food chains and of biotechnological products.
3. Ability to manage the most common biomolecular analysis methodologies to implement new molecular tools for biomolecular analysis of biotechnological and food products.
4. Knowledge of the principles at the basis of the laboratory methodologies used
5. Correct terminology
6. Completeness of the answers

Specific procedures for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be applied also for telematic exams. Here the complete information:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
In case you need specific procedures, please inform the teacher by mail at least 10 days before the exam, including in the addresses [email protected] or [email protected].
BIO/10 - BIOCHIMICA - CFU: 6
Laboratori: 16 ore
Lezioni: 40 ore
Turni:
Turno
Docente: Scarafoni Alessio
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Giovedì, esclusivamente su appuntamento (e-mail)
edificio 21040, primo piano