A journey through the Metabioinfomics Lab projects

Project acronym and name: SIGMA – Single-Cell Genomics and Metabolic Modelling for tailored microbial consortia design

Project ID: –

Funding organization: University of Padova

Call: Supporting TAlent in ReSearch@University of Padua  STARS@UNIPD

Project website: –

Timeline: 2024-2025

Grant recipient: Dr. Laura Treu, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: – Dr. Filippo Savio (research assistant)

Representative Publication: manuscript under preparation

Short summary of project topic: single-cell genomics and metabolic modeling for tailored microbial consortia design has the purpose to discover the metabolic potential of non-culturable anaerobes and their interactions in the community, both with bacteria/archea and phages, within the anaerobic digestion (AD) microbiome. The ultimate goal is to pursue high-value applications of the AD microbiome and to develop appropriate techniques to achieve highly productive and specialised consortia.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: – 

Project acronym and name: CRONUS – Capture and Reuse Of biogenic gases for Negative-emission – sustainable biofUelS

Project ID: 101084405

Funding organization: co-funded by the European Union 

Call: HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03

Project website: https://cronushorizon.eu/

Timeline: 2022-2026

Grant recipient: Dimitris Malamis, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)

Partners institutions: NTUA, ELGO DIMITRA, DTU, Biotech Pro ApS, UNIPD, CIRAD, CATIF, AlgEn, NEVIS Imperial College London, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Madisi Ltd., UT SEMIDE

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu  (Associate Investigator); Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator); Dr. Guido Zampieri (Researcher); Dr. Alessandro Satta (PostDoc); Dr. Davide Sanguineti (PhD student)

Representative Publication: manuscript under preparation

Short summary of project topic: CRONUS aims to accelerate on the path to sustainable bioenergy and play an important and constructive role in achieving the UN SDGs by incorporating in the biofuels value chain carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CUS) techniques promoting the decarbonisation of the EU economy in accordance to European Green Deal goals. The spectrum of considered CUS technologies includes enzymatic capture of CO₂, autotrophic algae cultivation, biological CO₂ hydrogenation, syngas biomethanation, in-situ biomethanation, and biogenic carbon storage by biochar production. The proposed technologies are being validated in lab-scale (TRL4) and will be upscaled to 5 functional prototypes that will operate in relevant environments of biofuels production plants (TRL5).

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: a pivotal part of CRONUS focuses on the combined application of genome-centric metagenomics and genome-scale metabolic modelling in the context of the investigated CUS technologies. One or more internship projects are available over the use of these computational techniques on the data generated within CRONUS. The main part of these proposed projects involves the development of models to reconstruct the cross-feeding exchanges occurring within heterogeneous microbial populations sustaining relevant biological processes such as biological CO₂ hydrogenation and syngas biomethanation.

Project acronym and name: CO₂toCH₄ – Demonstration of a mobile unit for hybrid energy storage based on CO₂ capture and renewable energy sources

Project ID: LIFE20 CCM/GR/001642

Funding organization: Co-funded by the European Union

Call: LIFE20

Project website: https://co₂toch₄.eu/

Timeline: 2021-2025

Grant recipient:  Dr. Apostolos Antoniadis, PUBLIC POWER CORPORATION RENEWABLES S.A. – PPCR

Partners institutions: ELGO Dimitra; PPC renewables; NEVIS; NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS – NTUA; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – AUTH

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu  (Associate Investigator); Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator); Dr. Gabriele Ghiotto (PhD student)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.149824

Short summary of project topic: LIFE CO₂toCH₄ aims at developing and demonstrating an innovative, integrated, and sustainable industrial process for simultaneous energy storage and CO₂ capture and utilization (CCU). The ultimate goal of the project is to construct, test and operate (TRL8) a smart mobile unit for hybrid energy storage able to be installed in remote energy systems that commonly have low capacity (e.g., remote areas or islands that are not interconnected with the central energy grid). The technology relies on the fact that the RES (Renewable Energy Sources) will be used for water electrolysis, and subsequently the produced H₂ will be biologically converted into methane (as a non-fossil biofuel) together with CO₂ from exhaust gasses.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: This internship focuses on unraveling strain-level fluctuations within CO₂-fixating microbiomes through cutting-edge metagenomics and single-cell approaches. Interns will delve into the intricate dynamics of microbial communities, employing advanced genomic tools to decipher the genetic diversity at the strain level. By exploring metagenomic data and utilizing single-cell resolution techniques, interns will contribute to understanding the mechanisms governing microbial interactions in CO₂-fixating environments. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to advance knowledge in the burgeoning field of microbiome research and gain valuable insights into the genomic intricacies shaping microbial responses to CO₂ fixation.

Project acronym and name: Power to gas: metagenomics and metabolic modeling for the optimization of anaerobic CO₂ capture and green biomethane production

Project ID: – 

Funding organization: Co-funded by the European Union

Call: http://www.ponricerca.gov.it/notizie/2021/dottorati-su-tematiche-dell-innovazione-e-green-nuove-risorse-dal-pon-ricerca-e-innovazione/ 

Project website: –

Timeline: 2023-2025

Grant recipient: Dr. Laura Treu, University of Padova 

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu  (Supervisor, Associate Investigator); Dr. Nicola De Bernardini (PhD student)

Representative Publication: 10.1186/s40168-022-01311-1

Short summary of project topic: The advancements in bioinformatics have facilitated the generation of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), crucial for studying unculturable microbes. These MAGs serve as the foundation for constructing genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) through gene prediction and annotation, allowing in silico simulations. GSMMs are mathematical representations of biochemical capabilities, enabling constraint-based simulation methods like flux balance analysis (FBA), a powerful tool for studying microbial communities. The accurate reconstruction of GSMMs for microbes involved in biomethane upgrading is essential for optimizing CO₂ capture. However, discrepancies arise in models from MAGs due to MAG fragmentation and limited gene-to-reaction annotation. The proposed study aims to enhance the accuracy of in-silico simulations for microbial communities by incorporating additional constraints from multi-omics data. The focus is on unraveling the dynamics and inter-species interactions within anaerobic digestion (AD) microbiomes, particularly the syntrophic relationship between hydrogenotrophic methanogens and acetate-consuming bacteria. Understanding these interactions is crucial for controlling the energetic balance during nutrient degradation/synthesis in AD environments.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: The project is strictly related to our LIFE CO2toCH4. See that for information.

Project acronym and name: ICARUS – BIologically-mediated CO2 CAptuRe for medium-term storage into FUelS

Project ID: EMBO ALTF 739-2022

Funding organization: EMBO ALTF 739-2022 (Working under LIFE CO₂toCH₄ Project)

Call: Autumn 2022

Project website: –Timeline: 2022-2024

Grant recipient: Dr. Esteban Orellana, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu  (Supervisor, Associate Investigator)

Representative Publication: 10.1186/s40793-023-00545-2

Short summary of project topic: ICARUS is a project focused on reducing greenhouse emissions by developing a CO₂ fixation process using a viral-microbial consortium. The research involves four work packages: identifying key substrates in microbial interactions, characterizing the carbon trophic chain by DNA-SIP, studying phage-microbe interactions, and optimizing CO₂ capturing consortia. The goal is to gain insights into efficient CO₂ transformation, leading to a high-performance microbiota for sustainable green energy production and meeting EU goals for a bio-based circular economy and CO₂ emission reduction.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: The research plan encompasses multiple master thesis positions with distinct focuses. A primary objective is the comprehensive characterization of the Carbon Trophic Chain within CO₂-based microbial consortia, employing stable isotope probing (SIP) techniques, heavy carbon (¹³C) labeling, ultracentrifugation, and GC-MS for time-series analysis. This endeavor aims to track carbon compounds, understand consuming microbes, and refine metabolic models. Another pivotal aspect involves the Recognition of Phage-Host Interaction, where we investigate the impact of phages on microbial dynamics, assessing their potential for community manipulation. Techniques include the analysis of viral populations, studying phage-microbiome interactions, and exploring CRISPR-Cas mechanisms. Concurrently, opportunities exist for master thesis positions focusing on the Validation of Knowledge and Optimization of CO₂ Fixation Consortia. Here, the objective is to validate and optimize microbiota for CO₂ fixation while assessing gas fermentation system efficiency. Techniques encompass growth validation, product formation assessment, CH₄ production analysis using biofilm formation and/or fluorometric assays, along with GC measures and the optimization of operational parameters for enhanced efficiency.

Project acronym and name: MICRO-BIOfuels – Sviluppo e caratterizzazione di un inoculo microbico da impiegare nella valorizzazione di sottoprodotti difficilmente degradabili tramite produzione di bioidrogeno e biogas

Project ID: –

Funding organization: University of Padova, MarcoPolo Engineering

Call: Uni-Impresa

Project website: –

Timeline: 2023-2025

Grant recipient: Prof. Stefano Campanaro, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Prof. Maria Cristina Lavagnolo  (Associate Investigator); Dr. Laura Treu (Associate Investigator); Maria Chiara Valerin (Research assistant)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.biteb.2019.01.011

Short summary of project topic: The MICRO-BIOfuels project aims to characterize microbial species present in an inoculum developed by the company MarcoPolo using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. This will enable the precise identification of species potentially relevant for the production of biohydrogen and biogas. Subsequent analyses will be conducted to assess the inoculum’s potential for generating these energy carriers under various conditions and with different substrates. Lastly, the primary goal is to adapt the microbial consortium to extreme conditions, thereby expanding its use in biogas production from challenging substrates.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: – One project for a master thesis is available in the context of inoculum adaptation to harsh conditions, such as high ammonia concentrations. The student will focus on the management of anaerobic inocula and on basic metagenomics analysis.

Project acronym and name: CooCE – Harnessing potential of biological CO₂ capture for Circular Economy

Project ID: 327331 

Funding organization: ERA-Net cofund Accelerating CCS Technologies (ACT)

Call: ACT3

Project website: https://cooce.eu/

Timeline: 2021-2024

Grant recipient: Prof. Tomas Morosinotto (University of Padova)

UNIPD project members: Laura Treu (Associate Investigator); Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator); Maria Silvia Morlino (PhD student)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108264

Short summary of project topic: The CooCE project aims to accelerate the use of CCUS and revolutionize CO₂ capture and utilization by closing carbon loops in a circular economy approach. CooCE targets to demonstrate novel biotechnological platforms for conversion of CO₂ (either from biogas or exhaust gasses) into upgraded biofuels (i.e., biomethane) and platform chemicals, namely biosuccinic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates, that form the building blocks of various biopolymers and bioproducts.

The University of Padova is involved in the bioconversion of CO₂ to polyhydroxyalkanoates. Our group focuses on this bioprocess using the facultative chemolithotroph Cupriavidus necator DSM 545. In particular, the carbon sources under exploration are biogas, which contains significant amounts of CO₂ that can be captured, and digestate, rich in volatile fatty acids (VFA) as an alternative heterotrophic source. Bioinformatic analyses of the organism’s genome, including comparative genomics, gene annotation, and metabolic modelling, are performed to select the best conditions for growth, CO₂ uptake, and PHA synthesis. Alongside, batch cultures are set up to test substrates, culturing conditions, and small-scale bioprocesses.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: There is one master thesis position on the project, which is occupied until June 2024. Master students involved in the project are tasked with setting up and maintaining batch experiments to test the ability of the bacterium to utilize diverse carbon sources and to establish the best culturing strategies for CO₂ bioconversion in large-scale processes.

Project acronym and name: BioCO2-TRAPPING – development and optimization of a biological process for CO2 capture and its conversion into bioplastics in a context of circular economy

Project ID: –

Funding organization: Fondazione Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Verona Vicenza Belluno e Ancona (CARIVERONA)

Call: Call for Research and Development

Project website: – 

Timeline: 2022-2025

Grant recipient: Prof. Stefano Campanaro, University of PadovaUNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator), Dr. Tatiana Spatola Rossi (PostDoc)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130556

Short summary of project topic: The reduction of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere is one of the main global challenges to be tackled by humanity. The BioCO₂-TRAPPING project has the aim of optimizing a Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) technology, based on the use of the bacterium Cupriavidus necator, which is able to grow autotrophically using CO₂ and convert it into polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a polymer which is promising as a base for bioplastic materials. In particular, the project studies the bioconversion of CO₂-rich waste gas from wine fermentation. The main aim of the work includes optimizing the growth of Cupriavidus necator on CO₂ and increasing the yield of PHB production applying diverse nutritional stresses, as well as finding sustainable extraction techniques of the biopolymer (in collaboration with DAFNAE, UniPD). Other lines of research include genetically engineering the microorganism to either improve its carbon assimilation capacity or PHB yields.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: One position for a master’s project is available (wet lab). The project can focus on carrying out adaptive evolution in C. necator for improved growth on CO₂, and generating and testing new C. necator mutants. Alternatively the project can focus on improving physiological conditions to increase PHB yields when grown on winery waste gas. Tasks will include setting up and maintaining batch cultures, daily measurements of gasses, bacterial growth, measurements of PHB.

Project acronym and name: MICS – Made in Italy Circolare e Sostenibile – Spoke 3

Project ID: PE000004

Funding organization: European Union – NextGenerationEU 

Call: within the scope of the Italian Progetto Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR)

Project website: https://www.mics.tech/

Timeline: 2023-2025

Grant recipient: –

UNIPD project members: Dr. Guido Zampieri (Researcher); Dr. Laura Treu  (Associate Investigator)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157017

Short summary of project topic: The activity of the group in the project involves the exploration of (meta)genomic datasets and gene databases for the identification of new enzymes for the depolymerization of plastic materials. The functional mechanisms related to enzymatic activity and gene regulation will be studied with artificial intelligence, genomic and transcriptomic approaches. Moreover, activities of characterization and validation of the depolymerization potential of the identified enzymes are planned. Finally, the different potential types of degradation intermediates and monomers derived from depolymerization will be evaluated with predictive algorithms, considered as a selection parameter of the enzymes and verified in vitro.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: One position for a master’s thesis project is currently available. The objective of the project is to characterize microbial communities possibly involved in the degradation of various plastic materials by means of metagenomic data analysis and biochemical assays. Basic knowledge of bioinformatics workflows is recommended and interest in carrying out wet lab activities is a plus.

Project acronym and name: Sviluppo di un additivo alimentare di origine biologica ricco in polifosfati: verso un’alternativa ecosostenibile ai processi di produzione sintetica

Project ID: – 

Funding organization: Venetian region (Co-funded by the European Union)

Call: PR VENETO FSE+ 2021-2027 (European Social Found)

Project website: – 

Timeline: 2023-2024

Grant recipient: Dr. Raffaele Lopreiato, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator); Junior Lemos (PostDoc); Dr. Marco Roverso; Prof.ssa Sara Bogialli (Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova)

Representative Publication: manuscript under preparation

Short summary of project topic: The main purpose of this research project is to use new strains of the yeast S. cerevisiae to develop a biological additive rich in polyphosphates for use in the food industry. The goal is to generate a type of product that is currently absent but desirable in the commercial sphere. Additionally, protocols for large-scale production of this product will be optimized.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: –

Project acronym and name: PROACTIVE – Future-proof bioactive peptides from food by-products: an eco-sustainable bioprocessing for tailored multifunctional foods

Project ID: 2020CNRB84

Funding organization: Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito (MIUR)

Call: PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2020 Prot. 2020CNRB84

Project website: – 

Timeline: 2022-2025

Grant recipient: Raffaella Di Cagno, Libera Università di Bolzano

Partners: University of Padova (Department of Biology); University of Bologna; University of  ROMA “La Sapienza”; University of Bari “Aldo Moro”

UNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator); Edoardo Bizzotto (PhD student)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2024.100186

Short summary of project topic: The main aim of PROACTIVE is the exploitation of five food by-products categories (derived from oil, cereal, legume, fruit, and vegetable) to recover bioactive peptides (BPs) for the fortification of new healthy foods intended for a wide population. The production of BPs will be modulated and enhanced by combining different biotechnologies. Highly innovative in silico proteome analyses to select and predict the yield of BPs from by-products proteins will be adopted as the preliminary strategy. The health-promoting potential of BPs-enriched foods will be assessed on human cell lines and human gut microbiome.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: Analysis of the robo-gut microbial environment to discover the impact of different BPs in the human gut microbiome – STARTS IN 2024 (AVAILABLE FOR BIOINFO STUDENTS)

Project acronym and name: Multi-omic exploration for characterizing oenologically relevant yeast strains

Project ID: – 

Funding organization: Italiana Biotecnologie S.r.l.; MIUR

Call: – 

Project website: – 

Timeline: 2023-2026

Grant recipient: Dr. Laura Treu, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu (Associate Investigator); Prof. Stefano Campanaro; (Associate Investigator); Davide Santinello (PhD student)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103753

Short summary of project topic: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) is extensively employed in the vinification industry to perform fermentation in a controlled manner. Different characteristics of the substrate matter and specific product requirements can be accommodated by the use of strains with suitable traits, which are currently investigated mostly through biochemical and empirical analyses. This project aims to apply next-generation and third-generation sequencing technologies to obtain insights into genomics and transcriptomics of oenological S. cerevisiae strains, correlating gene content, mutations and gene expression with specific metabolic capabilities and biotechnological applications. Ultimately, techniques perfected in this project and the results obtained will be instrumental to perform efficient screening of strains of interest, identifying their applicability in the oenological industry.

Availability of master thesis positions and respective topics: One position for a Master student is available. The student will help with sample preparation for sequencing, bioinformatic analysis through pre-existing tools and analysis of results, highlighting the relevance of identified features in pathways and metabolisms relevant to vinification. Although programming skills are not strictly required, a bioinformatics background and knowledge of basic NGS and bioinformatics workflow will be favored.

Project acronym and name: Più-BIOGAS App: development of innovative strategies to optimize renewable energy production from agricultural waste (Più-BIOGAS App: sviluppo di strategie innovative per ottimizzare la produzione di energia rinnovabile da scarti agroalimentari)

Project ID: C25F20000520003

Funding organization: Fondazione Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Verona Vicenza Belluno e Ancona (CARIVERONA)

Call: Call for Research and Development

Timeline: 2021-2023

Grant recipient: Prof. Lorenzo Favaro, DAFNAE, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Laura Treu (Associate Investigator)

Representative Publication: manuscript under review

Short summary of project topic: Più-BIOGAS App aimed at developing knowledge and methodology to improve industrial biogas production. Six full-scale anaerobic digesters were monitored over 18 months through feedstock tracking, biochemical measurements and genome-centric metagenomic. This allowed identification of relationships between specific microbial taxa and substrates, as well as their roles in the anaerobic digestion process.

Project acronym and name: Biofermenters: new applications (Biofermentatori: nuove applicazioni)

Project ID: –

Funding organization: MIUR ex D.M.738 dd 08/08/19 (through the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnologies-CIB)

Call: CIB competitive project “Sviluppo Catalisi dell’Innovazione nelle Biotecnologie”

Timeline: 

Grant recipient: Prof. Stefano Campanaro, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator)

Representative Publication: j.biortech.2022.126754

Short summary of project topic: The project brings together experiences from three universities (Padova, Insubria and Bari) concerning the field of “white” biotechnologies, with particular attention to some of the main energy and environmental issues related to waste. The project aims to improve the process of biogas upgrading mediated by microbial species, develop innovative biofermenters for the degradation of plastic (PET) generating metabolizable and non-polluting organic compounds, and promote good practices of innovation and environmental sustainability through integrated biorefinery approaches for the complete exploitation of waste biomass.

Project acronym and name: F.A.&A.F. – The agriculture of the future and functional foods: a challenge for the research and revitalization of the Venetian region (F.A.&A.F. – L’agricoltura del futuro e gli alimenti funzionali: una sfida per la ricerca e il rilancio del territorio veneto)

Project ID: –

Funding organization:  Venetian region (Co-funded by the European Union)

Call: POR FESR 2014-2020

Timeline:

Grant recipient: Prof. Tullio Pozzan, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator)

Representative Publication: manuscript under preparation

Short summary of project topic: This joint project aims to investigate various aspects related to precision agriculture to innovate the regional agricultural sector. Our unit’s role was to develop, validate and execute microbiological tests aimed at evaluating the maintenance of functional properties of food ingredients.

Project acronym and name: SYMBIO Integration of biomass and wind power for biogas enhancement and upgrading via hydrogen assisted anaerobic digestion

Project ID: 12-132654

Funding organization: Danish Council for Strategic Research

Call: Danish Innovation Foundation (DSF)

Timeline: 2013-2019

Grant recipient: Prof. Irini Angelidaki, Technical University of DenmarkUNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu (PostDoc), Dr. Stefano Campanaro (Researcher)

Representative Publication: 10.1016/j.biortech.2018.05.070

Short summary of project topic: Biogas, generated via anaerobic digestion, involves a diverse microbial community and understanding their genetic potential is crucial. Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions help simulate microbial behavior and validate models experimentally. This project aims to reconstruct metabolic models and develop a framework for analyzing the microbiome’s dynamics in anaerobic digestion. By optimizing CO2 fixation processes and understanding microbial responses to disturbances, it aims to enhance biogas production efficiency and develop novel CO2 sequestration methods.

Project acronym and name: New strategies for the identification of enological yeasts using genomic and metabolic profiling

Project ID: 2015-17-11-2018

Funding organization: Venetian region (Co-funded by the European Union)

Call: PR VENETO FSE+ (European Social Found)

Timeline:

Grant recipient: Dr. Raffaele Lopreiato, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Prof. Stefano Campanaro (Associate Investigator)

Short summary of project topic: The project aims to develop new software for the identification of genetic markers, to effectively and rapidly distinguish a specific yeast strain, as well as the presence of a particular phenotypic trait in oenological yeast.

Project acronym and name: SYMBIO Integration of biomass and wind power for biogas enhancement and upgrading via hydrogen assisted anaerobic digestion

Project ID: BIRD198423

Funding organization: Danish Council for Strategic Research

Call: 

Timeline: 2013-2019

Grant recipient: Dr. Laura Treu, University of Padova

UNIPD project members: Dr. Laura Treu (PostDoc), Dr. Stefano Campanaro (Researcher)

Representative Publication: –

Short summary of project topic: Biogas, generated via anaerobic digestion, involves a diverse microbial community and understanding their genetic potential is crucial. Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions help simulate microbial behavior and validate models experimentally. This project aims to reconstruct metabolic models and develop a framework for analyzing the microbiome’s dynamics in anaerobic digestion. By optimizing CO2 fixation processes and understanding microbial responses to disturbances, it aims to enhance biogas production efficiency and develop novel CO2 sequestration methods.

Project acronym and name: Development of new enological starters obtained from autochthonous yeast strains to improve the peculiar characters of the Venetian wines

Project ID: 

Funding organization: Venetian region (Co-funded by the European Union)

Call: PR VENETO FSE+ (European Social Found)

Timeline: –

Grant recipient: Stefano Campanaro (Researcher)

Representative Publication: –

Short summary of project topic: The target of the present project was to develop an innovative product to be used in the oenological sector for the improvement of Venetian wines quality by enhancing the characteristics linked to the original territory. In particular, the goal was the development of a new enological starter using indigenous yeasts isolated in the production area of Raboso Piave wine. Furthermore, with the acquired expertise, a detailed working protocol was produced, allowing the same experimental setup to be used in the production of other starters based on indigenous yeasts for use in various traditional wine-producing territories in the Veneto region.

Project acronym and name: Genomic characterization, transcriptomics and analysis of the metabolites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains of oenological interest

Project ID: 

Funding organization: University of Padova

Call: University research projects 2008 (Progetti di ricerca di Ateneo 2008)

Project website: –

Grant recipient: Stefano CampanaroUNIPD project members: –

Representative Publication: 10.1111/1462-2920.12327

Short summary of project topic: The aim of the project was the identification of the genomic characters influencing gene expression and having a relevant impact on phenotypic characters such as alcoholic fermentation efficiency, and stress resistance in autochthonous yeast strains.