Class Applied Biocatalysis

The Applied Biocatalysis CU focuses on the use of biocatalysts, such as enzymes and living cells, to promote and optimise chemical reactions in industrial and laboratory processes. Biocatalysis is a crucial area for sustainable development and technological innovation, harnessing the efficiency and specificity of enzymatic and cellular reactions to produce products in a greener and more efficient way. The Applied Biocatalysis CU describes the use of biocatalysts in various industries, including: the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry, the chemical Industry, waste treatment and the environment, among others. 

Not applicable

1. Introduction to the general principles of catalysis and biological catalysis. Examples of enzyme-catalysed reactions and their relevance. Industrial applications of enzymes such as: food industry, textiles, detergents, pulp, biofuels from biomass, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, among others. 2. Enzymes and enzymatic modifications. Protein stability. Molecular biology and protein engineering. 3. Biocatalysis in the food industry. Examples. 4. Biocatalysis and health. Enzymatic biosynthesis of antibiotics. 5. Biocatalysis in sustainability and the environment. Catalysis associated with bioremediation. Enzymes and the circular economy. 6. Biocatalysis in organic chemistry. Use of different enzymes in the synthesis of organic compounds. Study of synthesis routes and transformations on a laboratory scale. Current barriers to the use of enzymes in organic synthesis. 7. Metagenomics, Screening for new Enzymes and Bioinformatics

This CU will be based on a case study learning model. Firstly, examples of key enzymes in different biocatalysis processes with industrial applications and their social importance will be presented. Then, for each enzyme, its structure and functioning will be discussed with the students. The students, working in groups (collaborative learning), will also choose, according to their personal interests, a topic associated with biocatalysis and present a seminar on it. In this course, one of the practical assignments will result from a protocol designed by the students in groups (one protocol/group) based on an objective provided by the teacher in charge. The preparation of the protocol and its implementation will be carried out by the students with the support of the teacher of the subject, stimulating a critical spirit in the choice of methodologies to be used and their suitability for the laboratory conditions in which the work will be carried out.

1. “Applied Biocatalysis: From Fundamental Science to Industrial Applications: From Fundamental Science to Industrial Applications”, Editor(s): Lutz Hilterhaus, Andreas Liese, Ulrich Kettling, Garabed Antranikian, © 2016 Wiley?VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. (2016)DOI:10.1002/9783527677122 2.Peter Grunwald “Biocatalysis: Biochemical Fundamentals and Applications” World Scientific 2nd Edition (2017) 3. Serão também fornecidos artigos sobre diferentes temas relativos à UC.