Keywords:
human microbiota, vaginal ecosystem, Lactobacillus, probiotics
Phylogenetic and functional characterization of human microbial ecosystems. The research mainly concerns the vaginal microbiota and the oral microbiota, which are characterized from a phylogenetic point of view through molecular techniques (array, next generation sequencing) and from a functional point of view through metabolomic and proteomic approaches. Particular attention is paid to the study of interactions between mutualistic bacteria, host cellular epithelium and pathogens.
Study of the health-promoting effects of lactobacilli. Bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus represent the main component of the human vaginal microbiota and contribute to the homeostasis of the ecosystem. The research is aimed at identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial activities of lactobacilli and at identifying metabolites with antimicrobial, trophic and immunomodulating activity.
Selection of bacterial strains for the development of probiotic formulations. The research is focused on selecting new bacterial strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera for the development of probiotic formulations with pharmaceutical or nutraceutical applications. Among the probiotic properties, antimicrobial activity, adhesion to cellular epithelium, survival in simulated biological fluids, resistance to technological processes and conservation are mainly characterized.
