Biotechnologies

The activities of ICB-BIOTEC concern the research and transfer of technologies based on biological processes and the study of ecological interactions. This includes the use of biomass for the production of molecules with high added value. The research field is articulated on an interdisciplinary basis for the development of fermentation or biocatalytic processes and, if necessary, coupled with chemical processes, paying particular attention to the scalability and optimization of processes with the aim of reducing the formation of waste and promoting recycling.

The Institute has reactors of significant size for the production of extremophilic bacteria and microalgae biomass. A specific aspect of these activities is the biological production of energy which can represent a key to energy independence and decarbonisation.

The Institute is also active in the field of Blue Biotechnology and, more generally, in the study of marine ecosystems through chemical research on the interactions that allow their structuring and functioning, in order to develop tools for the sustainable exploitation and protection of marine biodiversity especially linked to benthic environments and microbiological niches.

The Institute is committed to the development of technologies to promote environmental sustainability and product innovation. Key points of technological and scientific value in the achievement of these objectives are (i) the search for efficient and long-lasting biocatalytic and microbiological systems, also through genetic engineering, (ii) design, development and optimization of highly selective and efficient processes (including integrated processes) compatible with sustainable industrial development, as well as biotechnology.

The main technological areas of interest fall into: