RESEARCH TOPICS FOR XL CYCLE – Selection procedure for one position with grant on the specific topic "Valorization of regional agri-food supply chain by-products for the development of nutraceuticals"
1 (one) position with grant to be carried out mainly at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) on the following Research topic:
Valorization of regional agri-food supply chain by-products for the development of nutraceuticals
Title: Valorization of regional agri-food supply chain by-products for the development of nutraceuticals
Scientific tutor: Alberto Amaretti
Hosting Institution: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy)
Due to their content of potentially bioactive components, the by-products from the agri-food supply chain can be valorized for the development of functional or bioactive foods or ingredients, with a positive impact on health, nutrition, and the sustainability of the production chain. The PhD project consists in high-quality research focused on identifying the strategies for valorizing agri-food by-products utilizing biotransformation/fermentation processes with microorganisms or microbial consortia and/or enzymatic catalysis with the aim to obtain high value-added nutraceutical molecules or ingredients.
Key steps include the screening of biocatalysts, environmental microorganisms, and microbial consortia, the study of their genomes and metagenomes, the analysis of relevant parameters affecting transformation, possible strain improvement, cultivation in laboratory-scale bioreactors, the optimization of cultivation conditions, and the validation in vitro or in vivo of biological activity (e.g. for prebiotics, antioxidants, etc.).
The candidate should have a strong biological/biotechnological background, motivation to work in national and international research teams, the ability to process acquired data, and to present written and oral scientific reports. The PhD program includes a 3-month period abroad, not necessarily consecutive.