The Microbiology Research Unit hosts the Industrial Yeast Collection DBVPG (www.dbvpg.unipg.it), which is a partner of MIRRI.IT (https://www.mirri-it.it/) and the Italian National Node of the European research infrastructure MIRRI ERIC (https://www.mirri-eric.eu/national-nodes).
The scientific activities of the Research Unit are focused on yeast taxonomy, biodiversity, and biotechnology. In particular, the Research Unit is involved in research projects focused on:
- Isolation, characterization, and ex situ preservation of yeasts.
- Molecular taxonomy of yeasts and description of new species.
- Metagenomic characterization (NGS-based) of fungal communities from cold environments (Antarctica, Arctic regions, Himalayas, Andes, Alps) and extreme environments (Sahara Desert, polluted Mediterranean habitats, etc.).
- Selection of yeasts for the production of secondary metabolites (e.g., lipids, pigments, enzymes, volatile organic compounds), development of non-conventional fermented foods, and yeast-catalyzed stereoselective processes.
- Isolation and genotyping of yeast-like organisms belonging to the genus Prototheca.
- Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of novel natural and/or synthetic molecules against yeasts of biomedical and/or veterinary relevance.
Academic Staff
Pietro Buzzini \Scholar \Scopus
Benedetta Turchetti \Scholar \Scopus
Ciro Sannino \ Scholar \ Scopus
Technical Staff
Nicoletta Ferradini
Zoe Proietti
PhD Students
Nicoletta Ferradini
Zoe Proietti
Coordinator: Prof. Pietro Buzzini