Alida Musatti

Enzymatic and metabolic activities of four anaerobic sludges and their impact on methane production from ensiled sorghum forage

Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests were run on ensiled sorghum forage using four inocula (urban, agricultural, mixture of agricultural and urban, granular) and differences on their metabolic and enzymatic activities were also discussed. Results indicate that no significant differences were observed in terms of BMP values (258±14NmLCH4g(-1)VS) with a slightly higher value when agricultural sludge was used as inoculum. Significant differences can be observed among different inocula, in terms of methane production rate. In particular the fastest biomethanization occurred when using the urban sludge (hydrolytic kinetic constant kh=0.146d(-1)) while the slowest one was obtained from the agricultural sludge (kh=0.049d(-1)). Interestingly, positive correlations between the overall enzymatic activities and methane production rates were observed for all sludges, showing that a high enzymatic activity may favour the hydrolysis of complex substrate and accelerate the methanization process of sorghum.

Glutathione-enriched baker's yeast: production, bioaccessibility and intestinal transport assays

A glutathione (GSH) yeast‐based biomass (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used to investigate GSH stability, solubilization during gastrointestinal digestion and GSH intestinal transport.

Sakacin-A antimicrobial packaging for decreasing Listeria contamination in thin-cut meat: preliminary assessment.

Abstract BACKGROUND Minimally processed ready‐to‐eat products are considered a high‐risk food because of the possibility of contamination with pathogenic bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes from the animal reservoir, and the minimal processing they undergo. In this study, a sakacin‐A anti‐Listeria active package was developed and tested on thin‐cut veal meat slices (carpaccio). RESULTS Enriched food‐grade sakacin‐A was obtained from a cell‐free supernatant of a Lactobacillus sakei culture and applied (0.63 mg cm−2) onto the surface of polyethylene‐coated paper sheets to obtain an active antimicrobial package. The coating retained antimicrobial features, indicating that the process did not affect sakacin‐A functionality, as evidenced in tests carried out in vitro. Thin‐cut veal meat slices inoculated with Listeria innocua (a surrogate of pathogenic L. monocytogenes) were laid on active paper sheets. After 48 h incubation at 4 °C, the Listeria population was found to be 1.5 log units lower with respect to controls (3.05 vs 4.46 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the possibility of using an antimicrobial coating containing sakacin‐A to inhibit or decrease the Listeria population in ready‐to‐eat products, thus lowering the risk of food‐related diseases.

Unconventional bacterial association for dough leavening

The purpose of the research was to obtain innovative yeast-free doughs leavened by Zymomonas mobilis and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis. Z. mobilis, as well as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, produces an equimolar mixture of ethanol and CO2 through glucose, fructose or sucrose fermentation. In the present work, the inability of Z. mobilis to metabolize maltose has been circumvented by the addition of L. sanfranciscensis in the formulation. Indeed, L. sanfranciscensis, a heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium (LAB) typical of sourdough environment, hydrolyzes maltose releasing glucose which can be used by Z. mobilis for its metabolism. Biomass samples of Z. mobilis subs. mobilis DSM 424 and L. sanfranciscensis DSM 20663 were grown separately in liquid media and then associated in a model dough. Leavening trials set up by using three different microbial combinations (Lactobacillus:Zymomonas 80+80mg, 15+145mg and 145+15mg biomass, i.e. 1:1, 1:10 and 10:1 respectively on cell dry weight basis) evidenced CO2 production levels (mL) higher than the mathematical sum of CO2 produced by the single bacteria. In particular, when the biomass combination of L. sanfranciscensis and Z. mobilis was 1:1 (80+80mg cdw) and 10:1 (145+15mg cdw) a CO2 production of 46.3-41.4mL versus 26.7-28.5mL was achieved. The calculated productivity gain showed positive performances of the microbial combination up to 180-240min leavening. The subsequent efficiency loss may be due several factors, above all glucose shortage for Z. mobilis, as well as decrease of dough pH that can negatively affect both Lactobacillus and Zymomonas metabolism. As in traditional sourdoughs, L. sanfranciscensis was responsible for the souring activity with positive effects on both dough tasting and reduction of spoilage microbiota; Z. mobilis was instead responsible for most of the CO2 production. A bakery product leavened with the unconventional association Z. mobilis - L. sanfranciscensis will be addressed to people having adverse responses to the ingestion of bakery goods, thus providing innovation in the area of yeast-free leavened food.

Post-fermentative production of glutathione by baker's yeast (S. cerevisiae) in compressed and dried forms.

The study was aimed at investigating the best biotransformation conditions to increase intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in samples of bakers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) employing either the commercially available compressed and dried forms. Glucose, GSH precursors amino acids, as well as other cofactors, were dissolved in a biotransformation solution and yeast cells were added (5%dcw). Two response surface central composite designs (RSCCDs) were performed in sequence: in the first step the influence of amino acid composition (cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid and serine) on GSH accumulation was investigated; once their formulation was set up, the influence of other components was studied. Initial GSH content was found 0.53 and 0.47%dcw for compressed and dried forms. GSH accumulation ability of bakers yeast in compressed form was higher at the beginning of shelf life, that is, in the first week, and a maximum of 2.04%dcw was obtained. Performance of yeast in dried form was not found satisfactory, as the maximum GSH level was 1.18%dcw. When cysteine lacks from the reaction solution, yeast cells do not accumulate GSH. With dried yeast, the highest GSH yields occurred when cysteine was set at 3 g/L, glycine and glutamic acid at least at 4 g/L, without serine. Employing compressed yeast, the highest GSH yields occurred when cysteine and glutamic acid were set at 2-3 g/L, while glycine and serine higher than 2 g/L. Results allowed to set up an optimal and feasible procedure to obtain GSH-enriched yeast biomass, with up to threefold increase with respect to initial content.

Ready-To-eat vegetables : microbial quality and active packaging solutions

Ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables belong to the convenience foods category: they offer features like freshness, commodity of use and good retention of nutritional qualities. Nevertheless, as the raw material is characterized by a high enzymatic content and water activity, it represents an excellent substrate for microorganisms. For these reason, microbial growth is a key factor in RTE product deterioration. Total bacterial count (TBC) was taken as the most relevant index to define hygiene and quality. Lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds were present only occasionally. TBC was found lower when the product is packed under modified atmosphere. Gram-negative aerobic rods are dominant in air-packaged products, whilst the presence of Enterobacteriaceae becomes important in salads packaged under Modified Atmosphere. Pseudomonas fluorescens was the most frequently found species among the aerobic isolates, whilst for the Enterobacteriaceae strains no dominant species was found. These isolated strains were tested for their sensitivity against two natural antimicrobial compounds, carvacrol (essential oil, active in vapour form), and ethyl-lauroyl-arginate (LAE, water soluble). Sensitivity was compared with that evidenced for strains belonging to official collections. Near 60 % of the tested Gram negative bacteria were found sensitive to LAE at a concentration of 20 mg/L, and near 90 % at 50 mg/L. Instead, carvacrol antimicrobial activity seemed more strain specific and not evidenced against lactic acid bacteria (LAB). A higher antimicrobial effect was found when the two antimicrobials were used in association. This combined approach, effective both in vapour and liquid phase, can represent an innovative solution to increase shelf life of RTE products.

Influence of substrate on β-galactosidase production byKluyveromyces strains

The aim of the present research was to investigate the influence of culture conditions on the levels of β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activity produced byKluyveromyces strains. Interest was focused on evaluating enzyme activity levels when lactose or cheese whey was employed as substrate in culture medium formulation. From an overall look at the obtained results, the tested strains were found to be able to produce β-galactosidase at promising levels. The use of cheese whey, either for strain maintenance and production trials, allowed to obtain a high cell yield associated with β-galactosidase production. The maximum β-galactosidase volumetric activity, EAmax 66.5 IU/ml, corresponding to 3184 EAspec IU/g cell dw, was obtained withK. marxianus MIM 782 at 37°C and 72 h incubation.

Can Zymomonas mobilis Substitute Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Cereal Dough Leavening

Baker’s yeast intolerance is rising among Western populations, where Saccharomyces cerevisiae is spread in fermented food and food components. Zymomonas mobilis is a bacterium commonly used in tropical areas to produce alcoholic beverages, and it has only rarely been considered for dough leavening probably because it only ferments glucose, fructose and sucrose, which are scarcely present in flour. However, through alcoholic fermentation, similarly to S. cerevisiae, it provides an equimolar mixture of ethanol and CO2 that can rise a dough. Here, we propose Z. mobilis as a new leavening agent, as an alternative to S. cerevisiae, overcoming its technological limit with different strategies: (1) adding glucose to the dough formulation; and (2) exploiting the maltose hydrolytic activity of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis associated with Z. mobilis. CO2 production, dough volume increase, pH value, microbial counts, sugars consumption and ethanol production were monitored. Results suggest that glucose addition to the dough lets Z. mobilis efficiently leaven a dough, while glucose released by L. sanfranciscensis is not so well fermented by Z. mobilis, probably due to the strong acidification. Nevertheless, the use of Z. mobilis as a leavening agent could contribute to increasing the variety of baked goods alternative to those leavened by S. cerevisiae.

Antilisterial Bacteriocins for Food Security: The Case of Sakacin A

Sakacin A, a class IIa bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus sakei , is a 41 amino acids peptide possessing a strong antilisterial activity, acting by permeabilizing cell membrane through the formation of pores. Due to its antimicrobial effectiveness, sakacin A possesses a significant potential as biopreservative. In the present chapter, different methods of applying bacteriocins to food are discussed: the direct use of the sakacin A-producing bacterium, as well as the addition of the purified or semi-purified peptide, even incorporated in an active packaging device to control its release during food storage.

Approaching differently to Zymomonas mobilis: A promising leavening agent

The effect of five plant species ( Tagetes erecta L., Datura stramonium L., Nerium oleander L., Ipomea palmata L. and Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) on severity of Tylenchulus semipenetrans on citrus rootstocks ( Citrus sinensis, C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium and C. sinensis grafted on C. aurantium ) was investigated in greenhouse and laboratory conditions. All plant species reduced the larval population of T. semipenetrans and their effect increase as the period increase. I. palmata gave the highest percentage of reduction when intercropped with C.sinensis and C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium 20.5 and 25% respectively. N. oleander and D. stramonium came next when intercropped with C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium 13.5 and 11% respectively, While D. stramonium gave the highest percentage of reduction when intercropped with C. sinensis grafted on C. aurantium. And T. erecta gave the lowest percentage of reduction when intercropped with the three rootstocks.M Pseudoalteromonas piscicida was isolated from Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt, it was identified using 16S rRNA. It showed amylolytic and agarolytic activities, it hydrolyzed some marine macro-algae, Ulvalactuca, Sargussumsp. and Pterocladiasp. and produce marine monosaccharaides. The percentage of the carbohydrate content of these algae was estimated, it was 44%, 27% and 25%, respectively. The algal substrates were chemically pretreated using 1N H2SO4 or 1 N NaOH. It was found that the acid pretreatment for U. lactucashowed more reducing sugars (17mg/g algae) compared to the alkaline pretreatment (9mg/g). Optimization of monosaccharaide production by P. piscicida was investigated using PlackettBurmman design. The main effect data and the t-test results suggested the beef extract, substrate concentration and inoculum size are the most effective variables controlled the produced monosaccharaides by P. piscicida. The verification experiment showed an average monosaccharide production of 158mg/g algae on using the near optimum culture conditions. While, the main effect data and the t-test results of the produced amylase and agarase enzymes suggested the substrate concentration and incubation period are the most effective variables controlled the activity of these enzymes. The verification experiment showed an average enzyme activity of 35 and 41mm hydrolytic zoon, respectively, also on using the near optimum culture conditions. The interaction between these effective variables for both monosaccharaide production and the enzyme activity were carried out using the response surface plot analysis. The HPLC analysis of the produced monosaccharaides indicated the production of D-glucose and D-galactose in a ratio of 6:1 compared to the standard curves.Mushrooms have been widely used as medicine in the treatment of several infections and also boosting the immune system. The present study was carried out to ascertain the haematological and the antioxidants properties of aqueous extracts of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus tuber-regium . Twenty five albino rats were grouped into five, each group consisting of five rats of A to E. Group A serves as the control, group B to D were fed with Pleurotus tuber-regium in 400mg, 600mg and 1000mg concentration respectively while group E was fed with 400mg of Agaricus bisporus. On completion of the administration of extracts, the haematological profiles and antioxidant parameters were analysed. The experimental rats showed some little significant increase in both the haematological profile and biomarkers properties with P<0.05, Generally the haematological profiles implies that there was no significant decrease in the level of the experimental rats immunity and also some organs such as the liver and the kidney were intact. SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA are antioxidant enzymes measured to detect toxic consequences of oxidative stress in mammalian systems. The SOD values in rats treated with 400mg/kg/lb of SOD is 113.58mm/mg/protein and rats treated with1000mg/kg in pleuntus tuberregium, the values of MDA is 23.32±2.09 (nmol/ml). There was a significant difference in the liver homogenated and kidney homogenated biomarkers in the rats treated with Pleurotus tuber regium and Agaricus bisporous . They are cellular and enzymatic defenses against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes toxic and adaptive responses within a cell. The importance of an antioxidant defenses in protecting cells and organisms from oxidative damage and toxicity. Further research with higher dosage of the extracts may be required to test on laboratory rats before providing the true haematological and antioxidant properties. Keywords: Mushroom, Antioxidants and Albino ratsThis is the first report on soybean with the aim to show the effects of gamma radiation on trichome metabolim. Soybean seeds were subjected to 300 Gy gamma radiation at a dose rate of 10 Gy/min using a Cs-137 gamma source. The photosynthetic pigment, total protein content and ascorbate peroxidase activity were studied. The results showed that the chlorophyll a content was decreased by 80% on day 14 and by 77% on day 21 of irradiation. The chlorophyll b content was reduced by 58.6% and 62.06% on day 14 and 21 after irradiation, respectively. The total carotenoid concentration was reduced by 81.14% on the 14th day after irradiation and by 91% on the 21st day of irradiation, compared to control. The total protein concentration was found to have decreased significantly at 14 and 21 day after treatment. High level of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was recorded in the leaves developed from irradiated soybean seeds, compared to the non-irradiated group. The trichome densities were 6.76 fold increased at 21 day of irradiation, while the stomatal densities were decreased, compared to control. We also performed a qRT-PCR analysis to detect the transcription levels of the soybean trichome developmental genes. The GL2 and CPC genes were up-regulated (P<0.05). The results of this study pointed out that the CPC transcription factor has to be study in further studies to provide an insight on its exact role in regulation of trichome development in soybean under radiation stress.Trabajo presentado en el 5th World Congress on Biotechnology, celebrado en Valencia (Espana) del 25 al 27 de junio de 2014.P interactions (PPIs) play a crucial role in many biological processes. Abnormal PPIs constitute prime therapeutic targets for the development of medicines so that there is tremendous interest in developing methods to identify inhibitors of such interactions. Paradigmatic pathogenic PPIs are the increased formation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor heterodimers ERBB2-ERBB3 and EGFR-ERBB2 as a result of ErbB2 over expression in breast cancer patients. ERBB2 (HER2) dimerization inhibitors (HDIs) constitute a new family of therapeutic agents whose founder member is pertuzumab. However, cumbersome administration regime, high production costs, acquired resistance and inability to cross the brainblood barrier, which makes brain metastasis untractable, impel the identification of additional HDIs.T fungal genus Trichoderma comprises powerful industrial enzyme producers and successful biofungicides applied in today’s agriculture. The biological control of plant diseases by Trichoderma includes direct antagonism of phytopathogenic fungi by parasitism; however, our understanding of the exact molecular mechanisms of their activity still is fragmentary. The direct attack of prey fungi (mycoparasitism) by Trichodermaatroviride comprises sensing of the prey and chemotropic growth towards it followed by activation of the production of “molecular weapons” such as cell wall-lytic enzymes, secondary metabolites, and infection structures. T. atroviride mutants missing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Tmk1 show infection structures comparable to the parental strain, however, they over-produce chitinases, key enzymes of mycoparasitism, and show elevated antifungal activity caused by over-production of low molecular-weight metabolites. Despite these enhancements in mycoparasitism-relevant processes, ∆tmk1mutants exhibit reduced mycoparasitic activity against prey fungi.These findings suggests thatadditional still unknown genes/proteins and processes are contributing to T. atroviride mycoparasitism which were aimed to be identified by using the ∆tmk1 mutant as a tool. To this end, comparative transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were applied to identify target genes and proteins being regulated by the signaling pathway employing the Tmk1 MAPK upon prey recognition and playing key roles in triggering of the mycoparasitic response.B belong to the group of enzymes able to cleave β linked galactose residues from various compounds and is commonly used to cleave lactose into galactose and glucose. The objective of this study was to enhance the sweet cheese whey for beta galactosidase production by using an Algerian strain of lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus. Firstly, different physicochemical analysis of cheese whey were carried out includingash, protein, fat and lactose. Secondly, the operating parameterssuch as temperature, pH, inoculum size and incubation period were optimized. Finally, the production of beta galactosidase was carried out in the optimized conditions. The results of physicochemical analysis of sweet cheese whey have shown that it has an adequate quality given it high nutrient materials such as: Lactose (37.24 g/l), ash (8.32 g/l), protein (3.11 g /l) and low fat amount (0.4 g / l). Moreover, the results of the optimisation of beta galactosidase production indicatedthatthe optimum values of temperature, pH, inoculum size and incubation periodwerefound to be 40°C, 6.5, 10% (v/v) and 18 h respectively. Under these optimales conditions, the production of β-galactosidase has presented a maximum specific activity of 314, 91 IU/g.D muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive X-linked inherited disorder of childhood and represents one of the most common genetic disorders of the neuromuscular system. In the most severe cases of dystrophinopathy, primary abnormalities in the dystrophin gene cause the almost complete absence of this crucial membrane cytoskeletal protein. The secondary reduction in dystrophin-associated glycoproteins renders muscle fibres more susceptible to necrosis and triggers abnormal calcium handling and disintegration of the muscle surface membrane. Muscle wasting affects both skeletal muscles and the heart, warranting large-scale investigations into the molecular mechanisms that underlie fibre degeneration in striated muscle tissues. In order to generate a comprehensive biomarker signature of X-linked muscular dystrophy, our laboratory has initiated a proteomic screening program to identify global changes in dystrophin-deficient muscle fibres. For comparative studies, fluorescence difference in-gel electrophoresis was employed and established as an excellent biomarker discovery tool in the field of muscular dystrophy research. This advanced method of gel-based proteomics is an ideal analytical tool for studying the majority of muscle-associated proteins, such as contractile proteins and metabolic enzymes. With the help of mass spectrometry and a variety of biochemical and cell biological verification experiments, distinct changes in muscle proteins associated with cellular signaling, the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, ion homeostasis, metabolite transport, glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism and the cellular stress response were established. These new biomarker candidates of muscular dystrophy may be useful for improving diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic methodology.P (PAAs) are biodegradable polymers that can be purposely designed to exhibit minimal toxicity, display pH-dependent membrane activity and deliver genes and toxins. In addition, a guanidine-substituted PAA proved active against Herpes Simplex Viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 and several other viruses. Structural modifications of the same polymerimparted activity also against plant viruses. Moreover, some PAAs selectively targeted plasmodium-infected red blood cells, neglecting healthy cells,and gave conjugates with classical antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine. The chloroquine conjugates exhibited a remarkably superior activity in vivo compared with the free drugs. In a 4-day suppressive test, P. yoeliiinfected mice were almost freed of parasites at day 4 after intraperitoneal administration of 4×0.8 mg/kg doses of chloroquine conjugated to PAAs, whereas the same dose of free cloroquine only reduced parasitemia by 16%. At a higher dose(1.9 mg kg-1 day-1) parasite removal at day 4 was complete with the conjugate, but only 50% with the free drug. All conjugate treated mice survived and monitored until day 30appeared in good conditions,whereas all the free-drug-treated mice died.Chitin a naturally occurring compound specifically from fresh water crabs, is observed to have outstanding effect specifically on cucurbitaceae in controlling plant diseases, growth enhancement increasing size, colour, vigour of the plant & its fruits, leaves etc. When the plant is smoked with dried powder of chitin plant showed extraordinary response in their Growth, Maturation, Disease Resistance, Colour & Size of Fruit & Leaf. The topic was extracted from an ancient book Vyrukshaveda written by an eminent sage Surapala in 1000 B.C. Chitin is reported to be active against viruses, bacteria and other pests. Fragments from chitin is known to have eliciting activities leading to a variety of defence responses in host plants in response to microbial infections, including the accumulation of phytoalexins, pathogen related (PR) proteins and proteinase inhibitors, lignin synthesis, and callose formation. Based on these and other proprieties that help strengthen host plant defences, interest has been growing in using them in agricultural systems to reduce the negative impact of diseases on yield and quality of crops. This paper recapitulates the properties and uses of chitin, and will focus on their applications and its effect on growth and growth related aspects.S oils have been used as a vitreous humor substitute to treat difficult cases. However, several side effects are described, for example, glaucoma, hyperopia, and loss of transparency by means of emulsification. Thus, during the development of this work, the conditions for obtaining polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels using trisodiumtrimetaphosphate as the crosslinking agent were optimized (initial pH=9.48, mass=4.3067 g, SMTP/PVA ratio=1/6,154). After optimization of the conditions for obtaining of hydrogel, experiments were conducted, in this condition, in triplicates, with the hydrogel obtained analyzed with respect to the density, viscosity, final pH and refractive index at different temperatures and the results obtained at 36°C, have shown promise for the future application of these hydrogels as vitreous substitutes (density=1.01 g/mL; kinematic viscosity=4.2 mm2/s; dynamic viscosity = 4.2 mPas, refractive index = 1.34 and final pH = 7.18) . FTIR and DSC analysis of the film obtained by drying the hydrogel synthesized in optimized conditions were also performed and recorded the occurrence of crosslinks in the presence of trisodiumtrimetaphosphate (SMTP). Finally, analysis of cytotoxicity of hydrogels using Artemiasalina being verified a low death of larvae during a period of 24 h were performed.G traitsarepolygenic traits that are genetically determined by many genes.Knowledge of genes contributing to chicken growth can be used to identify polymorphisms of these genes in production lines to improve breeding program efficiency.A genome-wide scan was performed to detect chromosomal regions that affect 24 growth performance (body weight and body weight gain) and body composition (muscle mass, carcass parts and fat deposit)traits at different agesin reciprocal F2crosses(n=579) between the inbred lines New Hampshire (NHI) and White Leghorn(WL77). The lines NHI and WL77 had been selected for high body weight at the age of 20 weeks and for low egg weight during laying period, respectively. Afterwards, the lines were inbred. NHI chickens show a two-fold higher body weight at selection age compared to WL77.Linkage analyses provided evidence for highly significant quantitative traits loci (QTL)controlling growth performance and body composition on GGA2, 4 and 27. The peak QTL positions for different traits were located on GGA2 between 33.1 and 112.4 Mb, on GGA4 between 75.2 and 79.3 Mb, and on GGA27 between 3.6 and 3.8 Mb. The distal region of GGA4 (42.1 88.4 Mb) showed the highest effects on all analysed phenotypes. This region accounting for 4.6 to 40.2% of the phenotypic F2 variances of the corresponding affected traits. Additional genome-wide significant and highly significant QTL for different analysed traits were mapped on GGA1, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 26 and 27. For intramuscular fat content, a suggestive QTL was located on GGA14. Some loci have been reported in other studies. Other QTL effects were described for the first time. The majority of identified loci showed additive effects. The directions of the QTL effects were consistent in both reciprocal crosses, but the magnitude was higher in the high cross direction NHI x WL77. The difference between the parental lines and the highly significant QTL effects on GGA4 will further support fine mapping and candidate gene identification for growth traits in chicken.G acid (GABA) is a non-protein four-carbon amino acid widely considered a novel potent bioactive compound in food. Besides acting as the major neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, GABA has been shown to have the capacity to induce hypotension in animal models and humans. GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria have been studied because they are commercially useful as starters in fermented food products. In this study, experimental sourdough bread was manufactured using previously isolated (from Spanish artisan cheese) and selected Lactobacillus brevis CECT 8183 with proven high GABA-producing capacity. The strain selection was based on a qualitative test (PIM: pH indicator method) and the GABA-producing capacity of L. brevis CECT 8183 was evaluated in the sourdough fermentation (98.2 mg GABA/100 ml). The study also includes a comparative profile of amino acid content (including GABA and ornithine) and biogenic amine and acrylamide levels in commercial breads (assumed to be yeast-leavened) and artisan sourdough breads. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the two groups of breads for GABA concentration, total free amino acid content and acrylamide level. The highest synthesis of GABA (24.2±0.87 mg/100 g) and the presence of tyramine (41.8 mg/ kg), the only biogenic amine found, were observed in the experimental sourdough bread. These findings may contribute to enhancing the health benefits of GABA-enriched bread and considering the potential of L. brevis CECT 8183 as a starter for the production of GABA-enriched fermented foods.Z mobilis is a Gram-negative bacterium, able to use only sucrose, glucose and fructose as carbon and energy sources; sugar catabolism proceeds through the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, giving ethanol and CO2 as final products. Ethanol production using Z. mobilis in place of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been object of many study, while the aptitude of Z. mobilis to produce CO2 for baking application, has rarely been considered. As for S. cerevisiae used in bakery, the gas evolved can be used to leaven dough. In recent years the incidence of baker’s yeast intolerance (due to an immune response towards mannans) is rising, thus Z. mobilis can represent an interesting candidate to new products addressed to people having adverse responses to traditional bakery foods. Fermentation trials aimed to optimize cultural conditions and biomass yield were performed from flasks (300 mL1L) to pilot scale fermenter (14 L). A positive up-scaling effect was evidenced: from around 0.8 g dcw/L in flasks to 1.4 g dcw/L in pilot plant fermenter. The biomass samples obtained at 9 and 16 h of fermentation in bioreactor were employed in a dough-model system to evaluate their leavening performance, compared to S. cerevisiae. Leavening trials proved that Z. mobilis is able to rise a dough and also that it has a gas production rate (mL/g min) similar or higher than S. cerevisiae, reaching a higher total amount of gas evolved (Y End, mL/g). Results state the possibility of replacing S. cerevisiae with Z. mobilis to create new yeast-free baked goods.