Class Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

The Pharmaceutical Biotechnology course aims to present the main products resulting from pharmaceutical biotechnology that are available on the market, as well as the main techniques used to obtain them. It aims to provide theoretical and practical concepts on the implementation of biotechnological product production systems and their application to biomedical engineering.

Not applicable

1-Concepts and definitions of pharmaceutical biotechnology. Applications and main objectives. Implementing the concept in a company. 2-Characterisation of biological production agents and their products. Fermentations. 3-Introduction to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process. Raw materials. Industrial production. Quality control. 4-Examples of biopharmaceuticals. Market and limitations. 5-Nanotechnology and the prospect of developing new products. 6-Recombinant antibodies 7-Vaccines 8-Recombinant proteins. 9-Gene therapy. 10-Cell therapy. During the practical sessions, students will investigate and isolate various microorganisms capable of producing antibiotics and other compounds with antimicrobial activity from soil samples.      

Classes follow a seminar format, with strong participation encouraged. Practical assessment also considers autonomy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adherence to Good Laboratory Practices. Assessment will be continuous and includes theoretical and practical components. Two written tests (average ≥ 9.5 points) will be administered, corresponding to 40% of the final grade. Students will also be required to produce a scientific paper on one of the theoretical topics (20%). In practical classes, two group projects (3-4 students) will be developed: a written report (in scientific article format) – 20%; a scientific poster – 20%. Final Grade = average of theoretical tests (40%) + scientific paper (20%) + report (20%) + poster (20%) The final grade must be ≥ 9.5 points. If the student does not achieve the average in the continuous assessment, they may take a final exam, which covers both theoretical and practical content. Approval requires a grade ≥ 9.5 points.

  •Crommelin, D. J., Sindelar, R.D. &Meiborn, B. (Eds) (2013). Pharmaceutical biotechnology: fundamentals and applications. Springer Science & Business Media. Walsh, G. (2013). Pharmaceutical biotechnology: concepts and applications. John Wiley & Sons. • Klefenz, H. (2002). Industrial Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.