Dr. Gianluca Catucci, Università di Torino
EMAIL: gianluca.catucci@unito.it
September 15 – October 31, 2024
The stability and activity of a biocatalyst play pivotal roles in determining its effectiveness and practical utility in various applications. Stability refers to the ability of a biocatalyst to maintain its structural and functional integrity under different stress conditions, such as temperature, pH, and exposure to chemical denaturants. The activity of a biocatalyst refers to its efficiency in catalysing specific reactions. The interplay between stability and activity is crucial for optimizing the overall performance of biocatalysts. In this course, the students will be introduced to the theory and application of the two main techniques based on calorimetry that provide fundamental answers on stability and activity of biocatalysts: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). During the course the theory of DSC and ITC will be introduced and it will be supported by practical case studies to allow the students to design the optimal experimental setup for a biocatalyst of interest