BIO-MEMORY

The project is organized in 3 main activities:

1) Implementation and updating of the BioGenRes network of biobanks, with a focus on nationally/internationally recognized collections of animal, plant or microorganism species samples (animal and plant germplasm banks, microbial strain libraries of pathogenic/toxigenic organisms, nematodes, soil and water microflora and microorganisms used in agro-industry and food (e.g. microbial starters for fermentations)).

2) Replication (rejuvenation) and expansion of material stored in collections. For plant and microbial collections: multiplication of accessions for which a small amount of material is available and rejuvenation of accessions whose seed viability data are below the expected standards (> 85%). For animal collections of zootechnical interest: collection and freezing of genetic material of local breeds to complete sampling carried out in previous projects or expansion of the number of species and breeds stored in cryobanks.

3) Biochemical, molecular, metabolic, functional and phenotypic characterization of the material conserved in the biobanks of the BioGenRes network, also in order to carry out association studies and to identify markers associated with traits linked to production and/or adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors.

SUS-MIRRI.IT - Strengthening the MIRRI Italian Research Infrastructure for Sustainable Bioscience and Bioeconomy

The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure (MIRRI) is the pan-European infrastructure in charge of preservation, analysis, supply and exploitation of microbial resources and biodiversity. The project SUS-MIRRI.IT aims to develop research, services and training within the Italian network of culture collections MIRRI-IT, which will preserve biological diversity, collect and store data associated with microorganisms, carry on research and provide external users with support and services related to microbial resources. The optimised management of the bioresources at the MIRRI-IT Research Infrastructure, coupled with the digital platform and data handling/sharing strategy will allow the exploitation of microbial biodiversity and provide innovative solutions and products of biotechnological interest, stimulating the bio- and circular economy.

FP7-SME BIOBOTTLE - Biodegradable solutions for packaging of liquid dairy products

Poor thermal resistance of biodegradable materials currently available on the market is a major drawback for the wide range of applications of these materials. The Biobottle project developed innovative plastic bottles and bags manufactured in biodegradable materials that fulfil the requirements for packaging of different types of dairy products. The main challenge in this project was to modify the chemical structure of the biodegradable materials to increase thermal resistance without decreasing their mechanical resistance and their biodegradability properties. Reactive extrusion can be used to overcome these limitations as the material can become more resistant to creep and abrasion, among other properties. It was developed a material that is thermally and mechanically resistant, shows better properties than HDPE or PET, and is harmless after biodegradation. The developed bottles and bags, intended for packaging dairy products, are stable during pasteurisation and can withstand form-filling sealing for flexible pouches.

Project IBBA-ISPRA

During the project, studies assessing variables related to soil functionality were selected with the aim of utilizing the reported data in the analysis and management of possible impacts of genetically modified crops. To perform the study selection, protocol for a critical appraisal of designed experiments, sampling, analysis methods and statistical analyses was prepared, and a systematic review, prerequisite for metanalysis of data reported in the studies, was carried out. The work allowed to obtain valuable data which can be used in the procedures of evaluation of environmental effects of genetically modified crops.

LIFE+ MAN-GMP-ITA. Validation of risk management tools for genetically modified plants in protected and sensitive areas in Italy

The LIFE+ Project MAN-GMP-ITA implemented a methodology used in the risks analysis arising from the release of genetically modified plants on agroecosystems and adjacent areas, particularly sensitive and protected areas. During the project relevant endpoints related to functional biodiversity of insects and soil communities, aimed at analysing and managing possible impacts of genetically modified crops, were selected. Moreover, experimental crops of corn and canola, simulating the potential impact of corn expressing the Cry toxin on non-target Lepidoptera and the potential for gene flow among Brassicacae and its ecological consequences, were monitored to set specific protection goals for sensitive and protected areas near genetically modified crops. A software including decision trees which have general value and can be used in other crop plants and areas combinations was developed. (http://www.man-gmp-ita.sinanet.isprambiente.it/documenti/output-finali/dss-decision-supporting-system).