Karin Kovačević Ganić

Green extraction of grape skin phenolics by using deep eutectic solvents.

Conventional extraction techniques for plant phenolics are usually associated with high organic solvent consumption and long extraction times. In order to establish an environmentally friendly extraction method for grape skin phenolics, deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a green alternative to conventional solvents coupled with highly efficient microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods (MAE and UAE, respectively) have been considered. Initially, screening of five different DES for proposed extraction was performed and choline chloride-based DES containing oxalic acid as a hydrogen bond donor with 25% of water was selected as the most promising one, resulting in more effective extraction of grape skin phenolic compounds compared to conventional solvents. Additionally, in our study, UAE proved to be the best extraction method with extraction efficiency superior to both MAE and conventional extraction method. The knowledge acquired in this study will contribute to further DES implementation in extraction of biologically active compounds from various plant sources.

Characterization of seed and skin polyphenolic extracts of two red grape cultivars grown in Croatia and their sensory perception in a wine model medium.

A study of proanthocyanidin and anthocyanin composition and concentrations in seed and skin extracts of two Croatian native red grape cultivars (Plavac mali and Babić) by HPLC-UV-Fluo/MS analysis was conducted in this work. A sensory analysis of extracts astringency and bitterness intensity was also performed. In the seeds, Babić showed generally higher concentrations of proanthocyanidins, while in the skins, Plavac mali showed higher concentrations of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Babić proanthocyanidin seed fractions, greater in polymer size and percentage of galloylation, were perceived to be significantly more astringent. Babić proanthocyanidin skin fractions, greater in polymer size and lower in percentage of galloylation and prodelphinidins, were perceived to be significantly bitterer, but only in polymeric fractions. A positive correlation was found between the degree of polymerization, the percentage of galloylation and astringency intensity in the seeds. A negative correlation was found between the percentage of prodelphinidins and bitterness intensity in the skins.

Extraction of Proanthocyanidins and Anthocyanins from Grape Skin by Using Ionic Liquids

In this study, eight different types of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were applied as new solvents in the extraction of flavonoids from grape skin, and compared to the conventional organic solvent extraction that was not reported earlier. The structure of anions, cations and concentration of ILs significantly affected extraction yields. The highest mass fractions of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins were obtained with 2.5 mol/L of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C4mim][Br] and 2.5 mol/L of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [C2mim][Br], respectively. The studied ILs provided an excellent preliminary result in the extraction of anthocyanins. Significantly higher mass fractions of total and all free anthocyanins were extracted with 2.5 mol/L of [C2mim][Br] and 2.5 mol/L of 1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [mim][HSO4] than with conventional solvent with the exception of anthocyanin-3-O-acetylmonoglucosides in the latter. On the other hand, 2.5 mol/L of [C4mim][Br] and 2.5 mol/L of 1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [sC4mim][HSO4] showed significantly higher selectivity towards anthocyanin-3-O-acetylmonoglucosides and anthocyanin-3-(6-O-p-coumaroyl)monoglucosides.

Comparison of Proteomic, Metabolic, and Growth Profiles for Brettanomyces bruxellensis Isolates from Croatian Wines

Brettanomyces bruxellensis is one of the most important spoilage yeasts in red wine production. The aim of this paper was to investigate the diversity of B. bruxellensis isolates in regard to their proteomic, growth, and metabolic profiles. Ten isolates were obtained from several wineries in Croatian winegrowing regions during different phases of wine production. Proteomic analysis revealed 12 proteins that were expressed by all tested isolates and the reference strain. These proteins could be used as biomarkers in Dekkera/B. bruxellensis yeast identification. Five of these proteins were involved in carbohydrate metabolism (enolase, hxk2p, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and pyruvate decarboxylase), and four were involved in protein biosynthesis (elongation factor 1-alpha, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5a, 60s ribosomal protein 13, and putative cytosolic ribosomal protein s24). One each was involved in cellular stress responses to glucose starvation (heat shock protein ssb1); ubiquitin conjugation pathways such as transcription, proteolysis trafficking, and kinase activation (ubiquitin); or nitrogen metabolism (peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase). Isolates identified as B. bruxellensis and taken during malolactic fermentation expressed 18 similar proteins, and isolates from aging in steel vessels/wood barrels or bottled wine expressed 23 and 24 similar proteins, respectively. Growth and metabolic profiles of these isolates were evaluated in two growth media (glucose complex and wine-mimicking media). The growth profiles of the tested isolates and conversion of hydroxycinnamic acids varied among the investigated media in that the use of glucose complex medium resulted in faster growth and consumption of hydroxycinnamic acids and in higher production of volatile phenols and esters. The results obtained suggest the possibility of applying proteomic fingerprinting for the identification and differentiation of B. bruxellensis wine isolates and reveal different spoilage capacities, such as growth and metabolic profiles, of the tested isolates.

Green solvents for green extraction of biologically active compounds

I this study, decontamination and detoxification effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure and low-pressure plasma systems were investigated on hazelnuts artificially contaminated with 7.9±0.06 log (CFU/mL) of Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus) and 7.8±0.06 log (CFU/mL) of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) spores. Different plasma parameters for atmospheric plasma (plasma frequency: 16-20-25 kHz, reference voltage: 40-100, plasma jet velocity: 50-100 m/min, gas flow rate: 3000-5000 L/h, raster offset: 3-5 mm, cycle time: 5, temperature, gases: high purity air or nitrogen) and low-pressure plasma (treatment time, gases: high purity oxygen, air or nitrogen) were tested for decontamination purposes. Optimum parameters for both plasma systems were determined according to remained viable spores counted after plasma treatments. Additionally, the effects of optimum plasma conditions on different concentration of aflatoxin B1(1-1000 ppb) and total aflatoxins (B1+B2, 1-1000.39 ppb) were also determined and compared with the effect of gamma radiation (10 kGY Cobalt-60 for 10 min). Improved spore inactivation of 5.6 and 4.7 log (CFU/mL) in A. paraciticus and A. flavus, respectively were achieved after 100 W-30 min of low pressure plasma treatment by using air as the plasma forming gas. Similarly, 5.5 and 5.4 log (CFU/mL) in A. paraciticus and A. flavus, respectively, were achieved after atmospheric pressure air plasma at 100 voltages, 25 kHz frequency, 3000 L/h flow rate, 60 m/min plasma jet velocity, 3 mm raster off set and 5 cycle time. 89-90% of AFB1 reduction was achieved when 10-50 ppm of pure AFB1 was treated with low-pressure air plasma at optimum conditions. On the other hand, highest AFB1 reduction of 75 % was achieved when 50 ppb of AFB1 was treated atmospheric pressure air plasma at optimum conditions.A common problem encountered in the use of grain sorghum is the milling process before the seeds can be used as food, feed or others. Milling aims to remove layers of sorghum pericarp and testa layer contains tannin from the endosperm. The layer can reduce protein digestibility in the stomach and the feeling of constipation. Institute for Agricultural Technology (BPTP East Java in cooperation with Indonesian Center for Agricultural Engineering Research and Development (ICAERD) Serpong, Banten) have developed a simple sorghum polishing machine with a diesel engine and abrasive stones type with a working capacity of 50-100 kg/hour. The purpose of this activity is to design the prototype machine polishing grain sorghum with the main objectives, namely: (i) Develop a milling system with a stone abrasive; (ii) Produce sorghum with the appearance of an intact form and bright colors. The design of sorghum polishing machine is done with the method and stage activities are divided into: the preparation stage, the stage of fabrication, testing, and reporting stage. The test results showed that the optimum milling capacity (2 × milling) is 100 kg/hour with tannin content of 0.09% and 3-5% broken grains and whiteness reached 44.66% (whole bean and bright appearance).S and their properties are playing an increasingly significant role in the industrial application. In general, materials are used according to their property requirements such as elasticity, strength, heat resistance or to meet other requirements such as corrosion resistance. However, traditional surfaces are often not able to meet the ever-increasing demands of today ́s applications in automotive, textile, medical and food industry. Thus, in recent years, advances have been made using functional coatings to exceed limitations of material to make surfaces more attractive for specific industry applications. Hygienic and efficient automation technologies are key aspects of a successful production process for example in the food and beverage industry. Requirements regarding the clean ability and durability of surfaces that are in food contact are key factors. The approach of this study was to design functional surfaces with easy to clean and/ or self-cleaning coatings that enable automation components to be easily or less cleaned. For coating procedure, physical vapor deposition was carried out to facilitate separation of the vaporized coating material to the substrate. Substrates used are aluminum, stainless steel, and plastics, for example, polyamide or polyethylene. Analytical descriptions of surface characteristics were performed using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and roughness. Different surfaces were successfully coated with easy to clean coatings and characterized analytically. In addition, a coating of automation components consisting of varied materials was realized and coating adhesion was improved. First application tests showed a clear improvement of material properties relating to chemical resistance and clean ability compared to today’s standard materials used.

The effect of high power ultrasound on phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics, and aroma compounds of red wines

High power ultrasound (HPU) is a novel, non-thermal technology the application of which has been primarily evaluated in managing food quality. The application of high power ultrasound in wine technology is therefore directed at modulating microbial activity during fermentation, extraction of phenolic and aroma compounds from grapes to must, as well as at accelerating aging reactions in wine. The main aim of this article was to evaluate the effect of different HPU process parameters on sustaining the phenolic and aroma composition of red wine and its colour characteristics. Three different red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Plavac mali, were treated with high power ultrasound (20kHz), considering the variations in ultrasound probe diameter size (12.7 and 19 mm), amplitude level (20, 30, and 40 %), and processing time (2, 4, and 6 minutes). Total polyphenol content, total anthocyanin concentration, and chromatic characteristics were analyzed by spectrophotometry, free anthocyanins were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography, and wine aroma compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography combined with solid-phase microextraction. The obtained results show that ultrasonic irradiation induces chemical changes in phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics, and aroma compounds concentration, and accelerates chemical reactions responsible for wine aging. The intensity of the mentioned chemical changes depends on the selected processing parameters and on the treated variety. Among three different parameters, the selection of the probe diameter was showed to be most significant factor influencing chemical composition, followed by the amplitude level and processing time. The smaller diameter probe size (12.7 mm), lowest amplitude (20%), and a shorter processing time (2 minutes) showed a more favourable and lighter effect on the chemical composition of the treated red wines.

Evaluation of deep eutectic solvent in extraction of plant phenolic

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.