Unit Operations in Biotechnology

There are no formal prerequisites. However, general knowledge of physics and mathematical calculus is recommended.

The theoretical lectures are predominantly expository and it will prevail a strong interaction between the concepts taught and their practical application.

In the theoretical-practical classes, the students will solve exercises under the guidance of the lecturer.

In the practical laboratory classes, the fundamentals of the experimental work to be done are presented and discussed, and students are encouraged to do a previous reading of the recommended bibliography. A critical analysis of the obtained results will be done, and a written report will be prepared to develop critical thinking skills and the power of synthesis.

Throughout the semester, individual attendance is provided to students to understand the contents taught in both the theoretical and practical components, as well as support in preparing for exams.

• Explain the basic concepts of biotechnological processes and their importance in the scientific and industrial context,

• Identify and describe the main stages of a generic industrial biotechnological process (upstream processing, bioreaction, and downstream processing),

• Recognize and describe the most relevant unit operations in the stages of cell removal, primary isolation, purification, and final isolation,

• Explain and apply the basic principles underlying unit operations of biotechnological processes (filtration, centrifugation, liquid–liquid extraction, and adsorption) to determine equipment operating conditions,

• Compare mechanical and non-mechanical cell disruption methods, indicating advantages, limitations, and suitability for different types of biomass,

• Describe the operation of the most commonly used equipment for cell disruption,

• Perform solid–liquid extraction procedures from plant matrices,

• Quantify the content of bioactive compounds (phenolics) and the antioxidant activity of plant extracts,

• Critically analyze experimental results, discuss their relevance, and prepare a written technical–scientific report.

A. THEORETICAL- PRACTICAL COMPONENT

Module 1

1. Introduction. Characterization of biotechnological processes. Importance of biotechnological processes in the world scenario. Biotechnological processes of industrial interest.

2. Main steps of a generic industrial biotechnological process: upstream processing, bioreactor, downstream processing.

3. Downstream processing: removal of cells and cell debris, primary isolation, purification and final isolation. Main unit operations used in each stage.

4. Separation of insolubles: filtration and centrifugation. Equipment available. Theoretical concepts and calculation of operating conditions.

Module 2

5. Cellular rupture: mechanical and non-mechanical methods. Some details of the most common pieces of equipment.

6. Separation of solubles: extraction and adsorption. Extraction column – concept of ideal stage. Adsorption isotherms. Equipment available. Calculation of operating conditions.

B. PRACTICAL COMPONENT 

Module 3

Practical application of the concepts taught using case studies. Laboratory practice: conventional solid-liquid extraction from a vegetable matrix. Quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the obtained extracts. Discussion of the obtained results and preparation of the written report.

• - Teste teórico 100 - 100.0%

• - Teste teórico 35 - 35.0%
• - Relatório escrito 70 + (desempenho laboratorial + discussão do trabalho) 30 - 30.0%
• - Teste teórico 35 - 35.0%

NAO