The course aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical/practical strategies for the design and implementation of biotechnological platforms based on plant cells and organisms, for the production of molecules of pharmaceutical/industrial interest.

The training course includes knowledge of genetic engineering systems developed in the field of plant biology and focuses on the use of plants as bioreactors. The positive characteristics and problems relating to the use of plant systems will be addressed by highlighting the differences in post-translational modifications that proteins undergo in plant biological systems compared to animal ones. The course will also take into consideration the development of transformation systems of plastids and unicellular plant organisms (algae), for the production of bioactive molecules and latest generation recombinant proteins/antibodies useful in safeguarding human health.

D1-Knowledge and understanding. Students must have critically and in-depth assimilated the main themes of plant physiology and basic biology mechanisms to then introduce the knowledge inherent to the molecular biotechnology techniques underlying the production of biopharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. D2-Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Students must be able to identify the cause-effect relationships between the introduction or manipulation of exogenous/endogenous genes and the production and accumulation of products of pharmaceutical/nutraceutical interest. They must have acquired knowledge of the main methodological (biochemical, biomolecular and biotechnological) and instrumental procedures used for biological research and their fields of application, as well as developed a scientific approach to bioethical issues (GMOs). D3-Autonomy of judgement. Students must be able to interpret and predict the physiological responses of plant cells to biotechnology, as well as develop knowledge to understand the correct folding, transport and accumulation sites of recombinant proteins. Demonstrate conscious autonomy of judgment in relation to the evaluation and interpretation of experimental laboratory data and ability to compare with data existing in the literature. D4-Communication skills. Students will be prepared to use specific technical language to communicate information and ideas related to the knowledge learned during the course. Acquisition of adequate skills and tools for communication with reference to data processing and presentation. D5-Ability to learn. Thanks to the theoretical skills acquired, students will be able to understand and critically discuss the salient aspects of plant biotechnology and molecular biology. Furthermore, thanks to the use of available databases they will be able to deepen and update their knowledge. The ability to apply the knowledge acquired will be verified through: a) classroom discussion and problem solving and b) passing the exam tests.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

theoretical activities (seminars, lectures) parts: laboratory activities in which students will have to put into practice molecular biology and diagnosis techniques on plant matrices

Innovative teaching methods

Brainstorming

troubleshooting

Cooperative learning

Learning by doing

Course books

Biopharmaceuticals in plants by Kathleen Laura Hefferon Taylor& Francis (2009)

Course books

Biopharmaceuticals in plants by Kathleen Laura Hefferon Taylor& Francis (2009)