BB2190 Enzyme Technology 7.5 credits

Selected lecture topics include:  Introduction to enzyme technology, Carbohydrate structure and enzymology, Lignin structure & enzymology, Other substrates & enzymes, Protein structure and stability, Sources of industrial enzymes (natural & recombinant), Large-scale industrial enzyme production, Downstream processing, Screening for new and improved enzymes, Methods in enzyme engineering, Metabolic engineering, Enzymes in plant fiber-based industries, Enzymes in fuel production, Enzymes in food production.  Formal lectures will be followed by student presentations of applications of enzyme technology or metabolic engineering

The course will provide an overview of the key enzymes currently used in large scale industrial processes.  Particular attention will be paid to carbohydrate chemistry and enzymology, due to the prominent position biomass conversion plays in industry, e.g., starch conversion, brewing, food production, textile and wood fiber processing, and biofuel production.  An overview of industrial scale protein production will be presented, including an introduction to applicable microbial expression hosts, downstream processing & purification methods, and enzyme optimization through enzyme discovery and engineering.  A number of case studies highlighting the use of enzymes in modern industries will be explored, both in lectures and through student presentations.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe carbohydrate structure on the mono-, oligo-, and polysaccharide organisational levels,
• describe the biosynthesis and enzymatic degradation of biomass carbohydrates important in industrial processes and products,
• describe lignin structure, biosynthesis, and enzymatic degradation,
• explain the key structural and energetic factors which give rise to increased enzyme stability important for industrial application,
• summarize current processes involved in industrial enzyme production, from protein production to purification and formulation,
• describe methods for selection and optimisation of industrial enzymes using genetic and biochemical techniques,
• describe the priciplesprinciples and methods of metabolic engineering of (micro)organisms to produce industrial chemicals.
• compare and contrast the historical uses of enzyme technology with current applications in a diverse range of industries.
• research a contemporary application of enzyme technology or metabolic engineering and present the results in a well-structured oral presentation.

To be announced and compendium will be available at the start of the course.

• SEM1 - Seminars, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

A written exam (TEN1; 6,0 hp, grading scale A-F) and seminar assignment (SEM1; 1,5 hp, grading scale Pass/Fail).

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.