Laboratory of Food, Industrial and Environmental Microbiology Agriculture – Department D3A
Responsible Prof. Maurizio Ciani
Research activities
The research activities focused on the studies of food, environmental and industrial microbiology with applications to the wine sector, the fermentation industries (food and beverages) as well as to the genetic, biochemical and physiological aspects of some microbial metabolites of agro-food interest.
In particular, the research activities can be distinguished as follows:
- New fermentation technologies applied to winemaking
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New fermentation technologies applied to winemaking (study of interactions between yeasts in mixed fermentations, selection and use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts for improving the quality of wines and for reducing ethanol content).
- Studies on the ecology and physiology of wine yeasts
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Studies on the ecology and physiology of wine yeasts, with particular attention to the characterization of the metabolic activities of wine yeasts, respiration-fermentation metabolism, production of metabolites of interest for the final characteristics of wines.. 
- Selection, characterization of functional and/or probiotic yeast strains
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Selection, characterization of functional and/or probiotic yeast strains to be applied in the production of functional and/or probiotic foods and beverages for the well-being of the intestinal microbiota 
- Brewing industry (evaluation of the fermentative aptitudes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts
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Brewing industry (evaluation of the fermentative aptitudes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts to produce craft beer; influence of selected yeast strains on the analytical profile of craft beer after primary fermentation and refermentation in the bottle) 
- Development and application of molecular methods for the identification and characterization of microorganisms of agro-food interest
- Valorization of industrial by-products through biotechnological applications
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- Study of antimicrobial compounds produced by yeasts and their relative biochemical and molecular characterization
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Strumentazione
(* Le attrezzature segnalate con asterisco sono di uso comune con gli afferenti al Dipartimento D3A di Agraria)
- Bioreactors*
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A fermentation plant used for biomass production, fermentation and down-stream analysis of fermentations. The fermentation plant includes 5 benchtop fermenters of 2 L and a pilot Bioreactor of approximately 30 L for the propagation of microorganisms on a larger scale.
- HPLC*
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HPLC analyzer is characterized by a solid stationary phase packed in a column and a mobile phase made to flow thanks to pumps through the column. The difference compared to other liquid chromatographies, is the use of high pressures in the column that allow them to separate very complex mixtures in a short time.
- Gas Chromatograph
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This instrument detects and quantifies the main volatile analytes present in food matrices (especially wine and fermented beverages in general) and in natural samples. 
- Real Time PCR
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The use of this instrument allows us to amplify and simultaneously quantify DNA through the use of fluorescent dyes that intercalate with double-stranded (ds) DNA and modified DNA oligonucleotides (called probes) that are fluorescent once hybridized with a DNA. 
- S.O.U.R. (specific oxygen up-take rate)
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S.O.U.R. (Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate) used to determine the biological stability of the compost, allows to determine the rate of consumption of dissolved oxygen in the sample in optimal conditions of pH, humidity and nutrients for the microbial microflora 
- Juffman Acidimeter
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This is a rapid steam distiller - electric heating V200 W780 - complete with glassware, accessories and reagents for the titration of Volatile Acidity. 
- Micro-Ultra Ultrafilter*
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This apparatus is used for the separation of biomass and molecules based on molecular weight. The sample is passed through interchangeable membranes with variable cut-offs, driven by the force generated by a pump. 
Staff
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Full Professor
071 220 4987
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Associate Professor
071 220 4150
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Dott. Laura Canonico Researcher l.canonico@univpm.it |
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| Dott. Alice Agarbati Post-doc a.agarbati@univpm.it |
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Dott. Silvia Gattucci PhD student s.gattucci@pm.univpm.it |
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Dott. Laura Moretti PhD student laura.moretti@pm.univpm.it |
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| Dott. Federica Zannini PhD student f.zannini@pm.univpm.it |
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