Course syllabus

Enzymteknologi
Enzyme Technology

KBK031, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 2
Date of Decision: 2012-04-04

General Information

Main field: Biotechnology.
Elective Compulsory for: MBIO1, MLIV1
Elective for: B4-mb, B4-pt
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

The aim of the course is to give advanced knowledge about the technical use of enzymes and the possibilities to change and improve enzyme performance for adaptation to technical applications

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Contents

The theoretical part of the course describes how the catalysts of the biological world, the enzymes, can be used in a variety of contexts. Examples are the use in bioanalysis, refining of food, washing powder, textile treatment and transformation of chemicals.

The general properties of enzymes are well known from previous courses. In this course is described how enzyme molecules can be modified in order to get improved properties for technical use. Examples include genetic and chemical modification and immobilization. Immobilization, i.e. the coupling of enzymes to carrier material, is treated thoroughly. Likewise are the kinetic properties of immobilized enzymes and ways to quantify these properties emphasized.

In the cell the enzymes function in an aqueous environment. Under certain circumstances enzymes can also work efficiently in a non-aqueous environment or in an environment with a low water activity. This opens up for unique possibilities for an enzymatic synthesis of a number of substances, including chiral substances. This kind of use of enzymes in non-conventional media is treated in great detail.

The laboratory practical has two parts. One part where basic techniques concerning immobilization of enzymes are investigated and one research related part where untested experiments with enzymes in organic solvents are designed and carried out.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written examination and passed reports from the laboratory practicals and passed literature discussion.

Parts
Code: 0105. Name: Enzyme Technology, Theory.
Credits: 4,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written examination and passed literature discussion. Contents: The course descibes how the catalysts of the biological world, the enzymes, can be used in a variety of contexts. Examples are the use in bioanalysis, refining of food, washing powder, textile treatment and transformation of chemicals. The general properties of enzymes are well known from previous courses. In this course is described how enzyme molecules can be modified in order to get improved properties for technical use. Examples include genetic and chemical modification and immobilization. Immobilization, i.e. the coupling of enzymes to carrier material, is treated thoroughly. Likewise are the kinetic properties of immobilized enzymes and ways to quantify these properties emphasized. In the cell the enzymes function in an aqueous environment. Under certain circumstances enzymes can also work efficiently in a non-aqueous environment or in an environment with a low water activity. This opens up for unique possibilities for an enzymatic synthesis of a number of substances, including chiral substances. This kind of use of enzymes in non-converntional media is treated in great detail.
Code: 0205. Name: Enzyme Technology, Practicals.
Credits: 3. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Passed written reports. Contents: The laboratory practical has two parts. One part where basic techniques concerning immobilization of enzymes are investigated and one reasearch related part where untested experiments with enzymes in organic solvents are designed and carried out.

Admission

Admission requirements:

The number of participants is limited to: 32
Selection: Credits awarded or credited within the study programme
The course might be cancelled: If the number of applicants is less than 8.

Reading list

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Professor Patrick Adlercreutz and Professor Per-Olof Larsson, per-olof.larsson@tbiokem.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tbiokem.lth.se/Homepage/Kursen/ET/EThomepage.html