OVERVIEW

The biodiversity of the sea is a heritage to be preserved, but it is also an important source of inspiration for modern biotechnologies and nanotechnologies. New drugs, new materials and new processes can derive from the targeted application of knowledge deriving from the study of marine biodiversity.

This module aims to provide students with the most up-to-date skills in the latest biotechnologies utilising marine-derived molecules and their applications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the main applications in biotechnological and nanotechnological fields, derived from the biomolecular and structural study of marine organisms.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the teaching specifically is to provide students with theoretical\practical knowledge and skills relating to the main approaches of modern biotechnology applied to marine organisms with particular reference to the design of strategies and solutions aimed at guaranteeing the environmental and economic sustainability of biotechnological processes considered.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired theoretical knowledge and practical skills through targeted laboratory activities of the main biotechnological techniques applied in the marine sector. Specifically, the student will be able to:

• know the main areas in which marine biotechnology operates;

• apply the main strategies to make a biotechnological process sustainable;

• deduce the application potential of a marine organism or part of it;

• think critically in order to apply the molecular techniques studied and tested in the laboratory to simple problems such as the sustainable production of a drug or a biopolymer of industrial interest, arguing the choices.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

TEACHING METHODS

The module consists of lectures, a combination of theoretical and practical exercises in the classroom, and a field exercise. Attendance at the lessons is strongly recommended, while attendance at practical and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%.

The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to marine biotechnology. Definition, areas of application, techniques, places and organisms.
Techniques used in marine biotechnology. omnic sciences for biodiscovery. Genome mining. (exercise in classroom). Production of heterologous proteins. Synthetic biology.
Microalgae cultivation techniques.
Biotechnological interse marine invertebrate cell culture and aquaculture techniques.
Marine biotechnology and health. The main organisms used in drug discovery. Bacteria, Porifera, Cnidaria, Molluscs and Ascidians. Antimicrobial peptides of marine origin. Polymers of marine origin. Chitin and chitosan, collagen and gelatine, algae polysaccharides
Marine biotechnology and food. GMO fish. Marine biotechnology and nutraceuticals.
Marine biotechnology and energy. Algae as an energy source: biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen and biogas.
Marine biotechnology for the environment. Molecular methods for monitoring alien species. Sea sponges as a source of eDNA. Algae in the purification of heavy metals.
Nr. 1 educational trip to a microalgae cultivation implant.

Practical laboratory activity divided into 4 experiences:

- extraction of DNA from unknown fish samples and rapid discrimination of species using PCR analysis.

- analysis of bioactivity of cnidarian venom.

- extraction of carotenoids and their antioxidant analysis from crustacean waste.

- extraction of flavonoids from algae and their molecular characterization.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teacher's slides and scientific article pdf  on aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test and is designed to evaluate the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to connect these various topics. The final grade is given by the arithmetic mean of the grades of the two modules of MOLECULAR BIOLOGY and MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The evaluation of the acquired knowledge and competences will be carried out through the request to discuss orally at least a couple of topics of the program. 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.