Department of Biochemical Engineering
Email: antonio.starcevic@pbf.unizg.hr
About the Department
The Department of Biochemical Engineering traces its origins to the Department of Technical Microscopy and Technical Microbiology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Zagreb. Since the establishment of the Chair of Biotechnology in 1961, which formed the core of the Biotechnology Division, the Department has developed into a modern unit of the Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology. Today, it integrates five laboratories and one office focused on the development of bioprocesses and the application of microorganisms in industry.
Teaching Activities
Historically founded on the pioneering work of Professor Bogdan Varićak and Professor Vera Johanides, the Department's teaching today covers the fundamental and applied disciplines of biotechnology:
- Technical Microscopy and Technical Microbiology
- General and Industrial Microbiology
- Fermentation Technology and Biochemical Engineering
- Chemistry and Technology of Antibiotics and Bioinformatics
Scientific and Professional Activities
Research is focused on innovations in bioprocess engineering and genetics:
- Microbiology and genetics of microorganisms, and bioinformatics data processing
- Beer and malt technology, and industrial microbiology
- Development and application of antibiotics, enzymes, probiotics, and starter cultures
- Technology and application of cells in biotransformations
Throughout its long history, the Department has cooperated with industry, maintaining the tradition established at the Faculty of Technology, and conducts scientific research that forms the backbone of biotechnology development in Croatia.
