Associate Professor in Microbiology at the University of Bologna. She carries out her research in the field of human microbial ecosystems. The research interests are aimed at the study of the interactions between mutualistic bacteria, pathogens and host cell epithelium and at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria.
Education
Master degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology in 1997 (110 cum laude), PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2002 (University of Bologna).
Academic career
In 2005 she became a researcher in the disciplinary sector CHIM/11-Chemistry and Biotechnology of Fermentation, at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Bologna, with affiliation to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Since February 2018 she is Associate Professor of the Scientific Disciplinary Sector BIO/19 - Microbiology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna.
In September 2018 she obtained the national scientific qualification for the functions of full professor for the disciplinary sector 05/I2 - Microbiology.
Teaching activity
Since 2005 she has been continuously teaching for Bachelor's and Master's Degrees for the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology and the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences.
She is currently a professor of Applied Microbiology for the Master's Degree Course in Health Biology of the University of Bologna and of Microbiology for the Degree Courses in Biotechnology and Biological Sciences of the University of Bologna.
Scientific activity
She coordinated/participated in numerous national and international research programs including:
Alma Value - PoC 2023 (Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU). Female lactobacilli as biotherapeutic agents to promote the correct development of the intestinal microbiota and the immune system in the newborn (LATONA).
PRIN 2022. Guidelines and protocols for quality and functional assessment of probiotic formulations (Prob-ID).
Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna 2021. Postbiotics for the health of women and the new generations: a “bio” and “green” strategy in line with the priorities of innovation and sustainable development (DIANA).
PRIN 2020-2021. Future-proof bioactive peptides from food by-products: an eco-sustainable bioprocessing for tailored multifunctional foods (PROACTIVE).
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna 2020. Biotherapeutic strategy to combat gynecological infections based on probiotic lactobacilli extracellular vesicles.
H2020-BBI-JTI-2018. Production of functional innovative ingredients from paper and agro-food side-streams through sustainable and efficient tailor-made biotechnological processes for food, feed, pharma and cosmetics (INGREEN).
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola 2016. Study for the development of new dressings in broom fiber for dermatological applications.
Fondazione del Monte di Bologna and Ravenna 2015. Vaginal microbiota and women's health: role of lactobacilli in the prevention of infertility.
PRIN 2010-2011. Micro-organisms in food and humans: a study of the microbiota and its metabolome depending on omnivorous, vegetarian or vegan diet.
ASI MARS500 2011: Microbial ecology of confined habitats and human health (MICHA).
FP7-KBBE 2010. New dietary strategies addressing the specific needs of the elderly population for healthy aging in Europe (NU-AGE).
FP7-SME 2007. New E-Services for a dietary approach to the elderly (RISTOMED).
Institutional activities
President of the Joint Commission and member of the Quality Assurance Commission of the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna.
