0000000000673552

AUTHOR

Carmela Garofalo

Inactivation of the ftsH gene of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1: Effects on growth, stress tolerance, cell surface properties and biofilm formation

FtsH proteins are ubiquitous membrane-bound, ATP-dependent metalloproteases of the AAA family. In eubacteria, FtsH is involved in protein quality control under stress conditions. Lactobacillus plantarum is a widespread lactic acid bacterium that is encountered in several fermented food, including dairy products, vegetables and meat. In the present work the expression of the ftsH gene of L. plantarum was studied by quantitative real time RT-PCR in bacterial cultures subjected to various abiotic stresses. Both oxidative stress and addition of a membrane-fluidizing agent induced ftsH transcription, while a depletion of carbon-source repressed its mRNA level. Mutants deprived of the FtsH protea…

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Use of autochthonous yeasts and bacteria in order to control Brettanomyces bruxellensis in wine

Biocontrol strategies for the limitation of undesired microbial developments in foods and beverages represent a keystone toward the goal of more sustainable food systems. Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a wine spoilage microorganism that produces several compounds that are detrimental for the organoleptic quality of the wine, including some classes of volatile phenols. To control the proliferation of this yeast, sulfur dioxide is commonly employed, but the efficiency of this compound depends on the B. bruxellensis strain; and it is subject to wine composition and may induce the entrance in a viable, but nonculturable state of yeasts. Moreover, it can also elicit allergic reactions in humans. …

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Selection of indigenous yeast strains for the production of sparkling wines from native Apulian grape varieties.

We report the first polyphasic characterization of native Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to select candidate strains for the design of starter cultures tailored for Apulian sparkling wines obtained from local grape variety. In addition, it is the first survey in our region that propose the selection of autochthonous starter cultures for sparkling wine i) including a preliminary tailored genotypic and technological screening, and ii) monitoring analytical contribution during secondary fermentation in terms of volatile compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, we exploit the potential contribute of autochthonous cultures throughout the productive chain, including the possible improvement of base wine…

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