Learning objectives
The successful student will know: main goals of a metagenome study; techniques and technologies for the metagenomes assessment; role of microbiomes in food systems. connection with food quality and risk assessment. Furthermore, students will acquire the basic knowledge on the principles and the methods for risk evaluation in human population exposed to toxic compounds in food. The main sources of chemical contaminants in food and their health implications will be addressed. Students will be also addressed to use the risk analysis framework promulgated by international food safety authorities in controlling food safety.
Course unit content
General Introduction the study of microbiomes: metagenomics, microbial ecosystems and microbiomes, definitions, importance and applications, main technical aspects, goals for a metagenome study, types of metagenome studies, NGS sequencing, second-and third-generation NGS platforms;
NGS sequencing: sampling, DNA extraction from different matrices (soil, air, water and biological samples), multiplexing and library preparation, NGS sequencing reaction; marker gene 16S sequencing and shotgun metagenomics;
bioinformatic analysis: demultiplexing, quality filtering, reads mapping, contigues reconstruction, assignment on reference databases (KEGG, COGS, greengenes and SILVA, alpha and beta diversity), multivariate statistics
microbiomes in food system: microbiomes of the food system actors, microbiomes circulation in food systems and connection with food quality and safety, food system microbiome modulation for a better food.
Introduction to toxicological studies and food toxicology.
Dose-response assessment and safety limits.
Natural toxins in food.
Pesticides residues and heavy metals.
Food supplements and functional foods: focus on toxicological concerns.
Food processing and food-borne carcinogens.
Food poisoning, food-borne illness and HACCP principles.
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Food safety risk analysis: focus on risk management, risk assessment and risk communication
Bibliography
Notes of lectures; scientific publications Readings/Bibliography
Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons, by Curtis D. Klaassen, Mc Graw Hill ed, 9th edition.
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Curtis D. Klaassen, John B. III Watkins, McGraw-Hill Professional, 2015.
Teaching methods
Oral lectures and scientific seminaries
Teaching tools
projector, computer, instruments of microbiological laboratory
Assessment methods and criteria
Theoretical knowledge will be tested in a oral examination
Other information
Office hours
See the website of Marco Candela and Fabio Vivarelli, Unibo
