BIO335 Applied Biocatalysis and Biorefining

In the emerging bioeconomy there is a need to develop novel processes for converting biomass to a range of products, a concept often referred to as biorefining. In this regard, the application of biocatalysis is a key technology. A biocatalytic process encompass any process using enzymes for converting a feedstock to a product. Biocatalysis may be carried out by single enzymes, enzyme cocktails, pure cultures of microbial cells (fermentation) or microbial communities.

This course will give a thorough understanding of enzymes, with a particular emphasis on how biocatalysis can be applied in industrial scale processes. This will include topics such as industrial enzyme production, production of second generation bioethanol, feed and food applications, and biogas production. In the course, several examples from current research projects at NMBU will be used.

The course shed light on UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production.

Knowledge

The students should:

• understand what biocatalysis is
• know what enzymes are and how they are produced
• know what fermentation processes are
• have an overview of the use of biocatalysis in the industry
• understand what biorefining is

Skills

The students should:

• be able to draft biorefining processes
• understand the opportunities and limitations of biocatalysis

General competence

The students should:

• be able to evaluate potential products that can be made from different feedstocks
• communicate biocatalytic topics, both in writing and orally
• have a solid foundation for further studies in bioprocessing and biorefining