The Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production research area focuses on developing innovative biotechnological processes with a strong emphasis on sustainability, efficient resource use, and closing biogeochemical cycles. Research is particularly active in metabolic and protein engineering, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, optimizing enzymes and microorganisms (such as yeasts, bacteria, and fungi) for the production of chemical compounds, biofuels, biomaterials, recombinant proteins, and nutraceuticals (biomanufacturing). These studies aim to create bio-based solutions applicable on an industrial scale.

Another key area of interest is bioprospecting, which explores microbial biodiversity to identify new microbial strains and enzymes with unique characteristics suitable for innovative biotechnological processes. Microbial communities are also studied through metagenomic approaches to understand their impact on the degradation of recalcitrant compounds and their role in promoting soil health.

The research area also focuses on developing integrated biorefineries to convert residual biomass into chemical platforms (e.g., monomers for biopolymers) and high-value-added products, such as heterologous proteins of pharmaceutical interest, bioactive secondary metabolites, and nutraceuticals. This approach reduces environmental impact and promotes a circular economy. Among the most cutting-edge aspects, research includes the use of C1 compounds, which can be derived from CO₂ fixation and converted into valuable organic compounds.

Research in Industrial Biotechnology and Sustainable Production includes the study of enzyme structure-function relationships, genotype-phenotype correlations, microbial robustness, and adaptation. This allows researchers to understand how microorganisms resist and adapt to extreme conditions, such as those generated by specific environmental or industrial settings. Understanding these mechanisms improves production process efficiency and enables the quantitative characterization of physiological traits.

These research lines strengthen the role of biotechnology in industrial innovation and the transition toward low-environmental-impact production models that do not rely on the depletion of natural resources. Additionally, this research serves as the foundation for the educational programs offered and for internship and research opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

•    Enzymology and Biocatalysis - Group Leader: Marina Lotti
•    Fermentation Chemistry - Group Leader: Luca Brambilla
•    IndBiotech Lab - Group Leader: Paola Branduardi
•    Industrial Microbiology - Group Leader: Gianni Frascotti