| Code |
A004778 |
| CFU |
3 |
| Teacher |
Paola Angelini |
| Teachers |
|
| Hours |
|
| Learning activities |
Altro |
| Area |
Altre conoscenze utili per l'inserimento nel mondo del lavoro |
| Academic discipline |
NN |
| Type of study-unit |
Obbligatorio (Required) |
| Language of instruction |
Italian |
| Contents |
General concepts of plant cytology, morphology, and differentiation in higher plants. Isolation and cultivation of cells on solid and liquid media. Natural and synthetic growth regulators: biological action and importance in in vitro culture; the plant cell in "in vitro" culture. In vitro culture techniques: general overview and glossary. Culture media: nutritional principles and composition. Suspension cultures: histology and morphology of suspension cultures, maintenance and subculturing; basic techniques for monitoring cell culture growth. Micropropagation: importance of micropropagation in agricultural and commercial contexts; micropropagation techniques. Regenerative processes: organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis; somatic and gametic embryogenesis: origin and development. Protoplasts. Various techniques related to protoplast methodology. Cryopreservation: cryopreservation techniques and germplasm maintenance; overview of other innovative preservation techniques. Production of secondary metabolites through plant cultures. |
| Reference texts |
Berta G., Brasili E., Di Sansebastiano G.P., Forni C., Gamalero E., Guzzo F., Labra M., Lanfranco L., Lingua G., Miccheli A., Pasqua G., Trainati L., Valletta A., Visconti S. (2022) Plant Biotechnology. Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A., Padova. |
| Educational objectives |
At the end of the course, the student will be able to: theoretical Knowledge: Understand the fundamental principles of plant cytology, with particular reference to the morphology and differentiation processes in higher plants. Know the main natural and synthetic growth regulators, understanding their biological action and their role in in vitro cultivation processes. Technical and Operational Skills: apply the main techniques for the isolation and cultivation of plant cells in both solid and liquid media. Use specific methodologies for the setup, maintenance, and subculturing of cell suspension cultures, with the ability to monitor cell growth. Perform micropropagation protocols and understand their practical applications in agriculture and commerce. Recognize and describe the main regenerative processes (organogenesis and somatic and gametic embryogenesis). Advanced Skills in Biotechnology: operate techniques related to the isolation, manipulation, and use of protoplasts for research and genetic improvement purposes. Understand cryopreservation techniques and innovative strategies for the conservation of plant germplasm. Comprehend the potential of plant cell cultures in the production of secondary metabolites of industrial interest. Transversal Skills: use scientific terminology related to plant biotechnology appropriately. Analyze and solve practical problems in laboratory settings, developing operational autonomy and critical thinking. Collaborate effectively in laboratory environments, applying technical protocols and good practice standards. |
| Prerequisites |
The general knowledge of biology is a prerequisite for this course. |
| Teaching methods |
The course will include theoretical lectures designed to illustrate and explain the program content, supplemented by practical examples, case study analysis, thematic insights, and laboratory sessions. In parallel with the theoretical component, practical laboratory activities will be conducted to develop essential skills for the establishment of in vitro plant cultures. Key laboratory exercises include: preparation of culture media; initiation of an in vitro culture (using carrot as a model) and the concept of explant; subculturing; induction of somatic embryogenesis in carrot calli; induction of organogenesis from cauliflower tissues; microscopic observation of conifer cultures undergoing somatic embryogenesis; and protoplast isolation from various plant tissues. |
| Other information |
Office Hours: Every day from 12:00 to 13:00, except in case of teaching or institutional commitments. It is recommended to schedule an appointment via email. Contact Information: Phone: +39 075 5857360 Email: paola.angelini@unipg.it Address: Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology Via del Giochetto – Biological Institutes, Building B, Ground Floor 06122 Perugia, Italy Support Services: For information on services available to students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa |
| Learning verification modality |
Assessment Methods: the examination consists exclusively of an oral test lasting approximately 20 minutes, aimed at assessing the student's knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical topics covered in the course program. Support Services For information about support services available to students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), please visit: http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa |
| Extended program |
The theoretical foundations of in vitro cultures, the totipotency of plant cells, differentiation and dedifferentiation. Culture substrates, inorganic and organic components, hormonal response in vitro. Cultures on agar-solidified and liquid media. The in vitro culture laboratory: techniques, tools, and materials. Brief overview of the history of in vitro cultures. Selection and collection of explants and sterilization of biological material: meristems, somatic tissues, zygotic and somatic embryos, seeds. Induction of regenerative processes in vitro: organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis; callus cultures, cell suspensions, protoplasts; artificial seed. Cell cultures of cyanobacteria, algae, and fungi. Clonal propagation and somaclonal variations. Germplasm conservation, cryopreservation, and cryotherapy. Production of secondary metabolites through in vitro cultures of cells, tissues, and organs. |
| Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile |
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) This course contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, with particular reference to: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Through the study of innovative plant-based technologies, the course supports the development of solutions for sustainable and resilient agricultural production. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Plant biotechnology has the potential to improve the nutritional quality and safety of food. SDG 4 – Quality Education: The course provides advanced technical and scientific skills essential for the education of professionals in the biotechnology sector. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: It promotes the acquisition of knowledge for the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources in production processes. SDG 13 – Climate Action: The technologies covered in the course may contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change by developing more resilient plants and environmentally sustainable processes. SDG 15 – Life on Land: It fosters the protection of plant biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. |
| Code |
A004625 |
| CFU |
3 |
| Teacher |
Paola Angelini |
| Teachers |
|
| Hours |
|
| Learning activities |
Affine/integrativa |
| Area |
Attività formative affini o integrative |
| Academic discipline |
BIO/03 |
| Type of study-unit |
Obbligatorio (Required) |
| Language of instruction |
Italian |
| Contents |
In vitro cultures of plant cells and tissues: Cultures on solid or semi-solid media (callus cultures), explant selection, culture setup, culture media composition, and temporal evolution of the culture. Liquid suspension cultures: Growth curve analysis and assessment of cell viability; protoplast cultures. Organ cultures: Root and hairy root cultures, embryo cultures (somatic embryogenesis), shoot cultures, and micropropagation techniques. Hydroponic and aeroponic cultures Fungi for Biomaterial Production Study of the biotechnological use of fungi for the production of sustainable biomaterials. Analysis of mycelium characteristics, substrates and cultivation conditions, transformation processes into materials (composites, panels, fabrics), and industrial applications. Focus on the role of mycelium-based biomaterials in the circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability. Biotransformation of substrates to produce molecules of industrial interest. Biomass and bioproduction: biomass and its energy use. Biofuels: production of bioethanol. Use of plant biomass for the production of nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Biomass and the environment: use of biomass for purification. |
| Reference texts |
Berta G., Brasili E., Di Sansebastiano, G.P., Forni C.; Gamalero E., Guzzo F., Labra M., Lanfranco L. Lingua G., Miccheli A., Pasqua G., Trainotti L., Valletta A., Visconti S. (2022) Biotecnologie Vegetali. Piccin Nuova Libraria S.p.A. Padova Sacchetti G., Paganetto G. (2021) Biotecnologie delle piante medicinali. Arti Grafiche Battaia – Zibaldo San Giacomo (MI). |
| Educational objectives |
At the end of the course, the student will be able to: Understand the fundamental principles and techniques of in vitro culture of plant cells, tissues, and organs; Distinguish between the main types of plant cultures: callus on solid media, liquid suspension cultures, and organ cultures; Properly set up an in vitro culture, with knowledge of the role of the explant, the composition of culture media, and the temporal development of cultures; Analyze the cell growth curve and assess cell viability in suspension cultures and protoplasts; Apply specific culture techniques for roots, embryos, shoots, and micropropagation systems; Understand the principles of hydroponic and aeroponic cultures and their applications in biotechnology and agriculture. |
| Prerequisites |
Basic knowledge of Plant Biology |
| Teaching methods |
The course includes in-person theoretical lectures aimed at providing the conceptual foundations of in vitro culture techniques, as well as practical laboratory activities (where applicable) designed to develop operational skills. During the practical sessions, students will perform: Preparation and setup of cultures on solid media and in liquid suspension; Observation of the growth curve and cell viability; Manipulation of organ cultures (roots, shoots, embryos); Introduction to hydroponic and aeroponic systems. Supporting teaching materials (slides, scientific articles, laboratory sheets) will be provided by the instructor and made available on the Uni-Studium platform. |
| Other information |
The instructor is available for clarifications, appointment requests, information about exam dates, and details regarding the course content. She can be contacted via her institutional email (paola.angelini@unipg.it). Supplementary teaching materials – such as lecture slides, scientific articles, and other relevant content – will be made available to students through the UniStudium platform with open access during the course period. |
| Learning verification modality |
Learning will be assessed through: Oral examination, aimed at evaluating the theoretical understanding of in vitro culture techniques, the biological processes involved, and the biotechnological applications covered during the course; Practical test (where applicable), intended to assess the ability to correctly perform laboratory procedures, such as the setup of cultures on solid and liquid media, the handling of organ cultures, and the analysis of cell viability. Active participation in the practical sessions and the submission of any required technical reports may contribute to the overall evaluation. |
| Extended program |
Plant Cells as Biofactories for Chemicals, Nutraceuticals, and Pharmaceuticals Secondary metabolites and their role in plants; use of secondary metabolites in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical fields; secondary metabolites from in vitro cell and organ cultures; strategies to increase the production of secondary metabolites in in vitro systems, optimization of culture conditions to enhance yield; selection of cell lines to improve secondary metabolite productivity; membrane permeabilization for metabolite recovery, cell immobilization, elicitation. Biotransformation of substrates to produce molecules of industrial interest. Variables Influencing the Productivity of Biotechnological Systems Explant source, culture medium, sugars, nitrates, phosphates, biosynthetic precursors of active compounds, light, pH, temperature, aeration, elicitation, immobilization. Fungi Used in the Production of Biomaterials The course addresses the use of fungi as a biotechnological resource for the production of innovative and sustainable biomaterials. It covers: the biological characteristics of fungal mycelia relevant to materials engineering; substrates and culture conditions for controlled mycelium growth; main processes for transforming mycelium into biomaterials (composites, foams, panels, fabrics); applications of mycelium-based biomaterials in packaging, construction, design, fashion, and medicine; the contribution of these processes to the circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability goals. Biotransformation of substrates to produce molecules of industrial interest. Biomass and Bioproduction Biomass, energy use of biomass. Biofuels: production of bioethanol. Use of plant biomass for the production of nutraceuticals and cosmetics. Biomass and the environment: use of biomass for purification purposes. |
| Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile |
This course contributes to several UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by promoting innovative and sustainable biotechnological approaches: Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Through the study of plant cells as biofactories for the production of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, the course supports the development of bio-based health-promoting compounds, contributing to accessible and sustainable health solutions. Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: By addressing advanced strategies in metabolic engineering, biotransformation, and in vitro culture systems for the production of high-value bioactive molecules, the course fosters innovation in the biotechnology and bio-manufacturing sectors. Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Emphasis is placed on the sustainable use of biological resources, such as plant and fungal systems, for the production of chemicals and materials, promoting environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional industrial processes. Goal 13 – Climate Action: The use of plant and fungal biotechnology contributes to lowering the environmental impact of production systems by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and fossil-based materials. Goal 15 – Life on Land: The course promotes the sustainable exploitation of plant and fungal biodiversity through in vitro cultivation, reducing the need for harvesting from wild populations and supporting conservation efforts. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The interdisciplinary nature of the course encourages collaboration among sectors such as biotechnology, agriculture, environmental sciences, and industry, reinforcing multi-sectoral partnerships in support of sustainable development. |
