The course aims to deepen the basics, the study methodologies and the most recent advances in the use of microorganisms for food and human health. The knowledge about prebiotics and first-generation probiotics (identities, formulations, action mechanisms and associated health claims) will be deepened, and then the vision will be extended to the intestinal microbiota and its composition, in relation to the well-being of man: the intestinal microbiota constitutes both an important intervention target and a source of microorganisms with beneficial activities. Finally, the most recent developments in the field of new generation probiotics will be discussed. At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the relationship between food, microorganisms and health and will have the skills to play an active role in the technological transfer of scientific knowledge for the innovation of the health food / functional market.
1. Introduction: basic concepts and definitions, health claims, regulatory aspects.
2. Prebiotics: chemical compounds, action mechanisms, health claims.
3. First-generation probiotics: definition and taxonomic classification, safety aspects, action mechanisms, formulations and health claims.
4. The human intestinal microbiota: study methodologies, composition and physiological roles. The microbiota as a target for intervention through diet. The intestinal microbiota as a source of microorganisms with beneficial properties.
5. New generation probiotics: beneficial effects, safety, regulation for use.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN | Note |
| Battistini Pedrazzi Prampolini | Curare con il cibo Gli alimenti funzionali nella dietetica e nella dietoterapia (Edizione 1) | Carocci Faber | 2012 | 9788874666263 | |
| Arienti G. | Le basi molecolari della nutrizione (Edizione 4) | Piccin | 2015 | 978-88-299-2698-5 |
The exam consists of an oral interview on the topics covered during the course and will aim to ascertain not only the concepts learned but also the ability to link concepts and discuss their implications. The description and discussion of the characteristics of a commercial product or of a scientific article concerning the topics of the course may also be requested. The exam methods are the same for attending and non-attending students.
