Micro 4145

Introduction to Industrial Microbiology and Bioprocessing Laboratory

Credit Hour(s): 3 Units 
Instructor(s): Carlson 
Offered: Autumn
Prerequisite(s): Microbiology 4100 or 4000.01/4000.02 or permission from instructor 
Role in Microbiology Major: Group 1 Elective 

Learning Topics:

  • Industrial microbiology
  • Upstream and downstream bioprocessing
  • Small-scale bioreactor set-up and operation
  • Good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
  • Major industrial microbes and their use in the food, pharmaceutical, energy, and biotechnology sectors
  • Microbial growth modes (aerobic/anaerobic respiration, fermentation)
  • Manipulation of major growth conditions (nutrient availability, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature)
  • Microbial growth analysis using ODs, viable plate counts, and biomass
  • Collection and analysis of biomolecules/chemicals produced via a bioreactor system
  • Gene expression and control via promoter design
  • Plasmid construction, cloning, PCR and gel electrophoresis
  • Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing results

Learning Objectives:

Successful students will be able to...

  1. Properly prepare and view specimens for examination using microscopy (bright field and phase contrast).
  2. Use pure culture and aseptic technique to manipulate and transfer specific microorganisms.
  3. Make liquid bacteriological growth media.
  4. Set-up and operate a small-scale benchtop bioreactor to grow bacteria for production of a target compound.
  5. Quantify target compound production using spectrophotometers in conjunction with enzyme assays, colorimetric changes, and/or inherent light-absorbing properties of the compound.
  6. Manipulate DNA elements such as plasmids and PCR products using standard cloning procedures (digestion, ligation, transformation).
  7. Practice safe microbiology using appropriate protective and emergency procedures.
  8. Document and report on experimental protocols, results, and conclusions.
  9. Understand how humans utilize and harness microorganisms and their products in the biotechnology sector.
  10. Understand the basic steps in the bioprocessing/biomanufacturing pipeline.
  11. Understand that the growth and target compound production by any microorganism in a fermentation process depends on its metabolic characteristics.
  12. Understand that humans have an ethical responsibility for the safe engineering, growth, and disposal of microorganisms employed for industrial fermentation and production processes.
  13. Demonstrate an ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments.
  14. Communicate and collaborate with others in written and oral formats.