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BLOC: enhancing the territory through Food Packaging Design
No full textA partire dagli assunti e dagli elementi del design della comunicazione in generale, il progetto di tesi in oggetto si propone, basandosi sull’analisi e sullo studio di prodotti appartenenti all’ambito beverage e di progetti volti alla promozione, comunicazione e comprensione di uno specifico territorio/cultura, di progettare gli aspetti grafico/ visivi di una linea di birre che evidenzi gli aspetti caratteristici dei quartieri della città di Parma, con l’intento di promuoverli anche al di fuori del contesto cittadino parmigiano tramite la progettazione dell’intera strategia comunicativa con fini – anche – promozionali.Starting from the assumptions and elements of communication design in general, this thesis project proposes, based on the analysis and study of products belonging to the beverage sphere and of projects aimed at the promotion, communication and understanding of a specific territory/culture, to design the graphic/visual aspects of a line of beers that highlights the characteristic aspects of the neighborhoods of the city of Parma, with the intention of promoting them also outside the Parma city context through the design of the entire communication strategy with - also - promotional purposes
Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a tool for the modeling of variants and the functional analysis of genes associated with mitochondrial diseases
No full textMitochondrial pathologies are multisystemic disorders caused by mutations in both nuclear and mitochondrial genes, resulting in an impairment of the OXPHOS activity or, more in general, of the mitochondrial metabolism. Altogether, these pathologies show an overlap of the affected tissues and of the symptoms, even if the primary causes are mutations in different genes. On the contrary, it is often observed that mutations in the same gene can lead to different pathological phenotypes, depending on different factors which in several cases are still unknown. Over the last 40 years, knowledge of the molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases has deeply increased, thanks to a multidisciplinary approach that involved both clinicians and researchers.
Before the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), novel mutations and novel genes were discovered at low rates according to the “function first”: although the “validation”, that is the demonstration of the causative role of the identified mutation(s), was essential, few novel mutations have a clinical uncertainty. However, the advent of NGS, thanks also to the continuous reduction of the costs for performing whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) as well as the improvement of the technology, has led to a paradigm shift towards “genetics first”. Several novel mutations, often private, have been identified, most of which are classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Although in several cases the phenotype of the patients is coherent with the mutations identified, validation is still necessary, to confirm, or exclude, the pathogenicity of the mutations identified. The validation is mandatory when mutations have been identified in a novel candidate gene known to be associated with mitochondrial metabolism but never reported as associated with mitochondrial diseases, and, even more, so if the mutations have been identified in a gene whose function is unknown or not related to mitochondrial function. For the reasons reported above, confirmation by in vitro and/or in vivo analysis is a fundamental prerequisite for demonstrating an underlying defect. In this thesis work, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model system to contribute to reaching this aim.
The work focused on the validation of 10 mutations found in patients suffering from different pathologies in six different genes. The activities carried out by the proteins encoded by the genes under study vary throughout mitochondrial metabolism, from the replication, repair, and recombination activity of POLG, to the involvement in the oxidative phosphorylation of SDHA, BCS1L, and CYCS, up to the modification of mitochondrial tRNAs of ELAC2 and the mitochondrial aminoacyl tRNA synthetase activity of LARS2. Eight of these new variants were confirmed to affect the mitochondrial metabolism in yeast, though with different mechanisms and to different extents, strongly suggesting a pathogenic role of the equivalent human mutation. A single homozygous
mutation found in LARS2 was demonstrated to be neutral in yeast, inducing our collaborators who identified the mutation to search for another mutation that could be explicative of the pathological phenotype, which was identified in linkage disequilibrium with the LARS2 mutation in another gene, CCR2.
Besides validation, we aimed at identifying a putative role of SNF8 in mitochondrial metabolism, since patients recently found to harbor compound mutations in such gene have symptoms typical of a mitochondrial disease We discovered that in yeast, the lack of Snf8 resulted in a general defect of the mitochondrial function, affecting OXPHOS activity, stability of the mtDNA and mitochondrial morphology, the latter typical of mutants with defects in mitochondrial fusion or fission.
This thesis also involved the search for beneficial molecules capable of recovering the defective mitochondrial phenotype of a strain mutated in MIP1, the ortholog of POLG, one of the nuclear genes mainly associated with a plethora of mitochondrial diseases, called POLG-related diseases, and characterized by mtDNA depletion or multiple mtDNA deletions. Through an approach mainly focused on drug repurposing and based on the screening of thousands of drugs, we identified five molecules whose administration to yeast resulted in a simultaneous improvement in the stability of the mtDNA, in the levels of mtDNA, and the increase of the oxygen consumption rate. In future, these molecules will be tested by collaborators in ad-hoc homozygous and heterozygous zebrafish polg mutants and, eventually, in fibroblasts from patients affected by mutations in POLG. As reported for other drugs identified using the same strategy, these molecules could also have a positive effect on other pathologies caused by mutations associated with mtDNA instability, becoming a new example of therapy for more diseases based not on targeting the primary cause, that is the nuclear mutation, but the secondary cause, that is the depletion and/or the deletions of the mtDNA
Sapori di Carnia, Food as a means for territorial enhancement
No full textIl cibo è un ottimo strumento per raccontare l’identità di un luogo e a partire da questo presupposto il turismo enogastronomico, settore del turismo che ha visto negli ultimi anni una forte evoluzione, costruisce la propria strategia, con l’affermazione di nuove forme, modalità e luoghi di fruizione che si caratterizzano per la capacità di introdurre, coinvolgere e immergere il viaggiatore nella cultura della meta visitata. Il crescente interesse turistico verso le mete minori ha fatto nascere la necessità di una strategia di comunicazione efficace e adatta a piccoli borghi e zone rurali. Queste zone seppur stiano cercando di farsi spazio e darsi una voce tra le altre mete più conosciute (quest’ultime stressate dall’overtourism) rimangono spesso indietro rispetto alle nuove tecnologie e alla possibilità di innovazione dell’offerta. La tesi si propone di esplorare le possibilità tecnologiche date dall'AR e VR nella valorizzazione di un territorio e nella comunicazione della sua identità e delle sue eccellenze enogastronomiche. Queste tecnologie, ancora spesso legate a settori diversi da quello alimentare, hanno il potere di intensificare le esperienze sensoriali e coinvolgere ad un livello maggiore il consumatore.Food is an excellent tool for conveying the identity of a place, and based from this idea, food and wine tourism— a sector that has seen significant growth in recent years—builds its strategy. It does so through the emergence of new forms, modes, and places of experience, characterized by their ability to introduce, engage, and immerse the traveler in the culture of the destination. The growing tourist interest in less visited destinations has generated the need for an effective communication strategy tailored to small villages and rural areas. Although these areas are attempting to gain visibility and establish their own voice among more renowned destinations (the latter increasingly affected by overtourism), they often lag behind in adopting new technologies and in innovating their tourism offer. This thesis aims to explore the technological opportunities offered by AR and VR for enhancing a territory and communicating its identity and gastronomic excellence. These technologies—still frequently associated with sectors other than food—have the potential to intensify sensory experiences and engage consumers on a deeper level.
Agro-Food By-Products as Sustainable Resources: Exploring Analytical Approaches for the Characterization and Development of Functional Foods and Active Packaging in a Circular Economy Perspective
No full textI sottoprodotti industriali agroalimentari come bucce, semi e fibre sono ricchi di composti bioattivi, tra cui antiossidanti, composti fenolici, carotenoidi e fibre alimentari. Molti di questi composti sono già conosciuti, e presentano proprietà antiossidanti, antinfiammatorie e antimicrobiche, che li rendono validi per nuove applicazioni, tra cui nell'industria alimentare, farmaceutica e cosmetica. Questa ricerca ha evidenziato il potenziale dei sottoprodotti di carciofo e pomodoro come fonti alternative di composti bioattivi ad alto valore aggiunto, per applicazioni industriali.
Lo studio sui sottoprodotti del carciofo ha previsto l'utilizzo tecniche analitiche come la spettroscopia infrarossa a trasformata di Fourier (FTIR-ATR), saggi spettrofotometrici e cromatografia liquida (HPLC) per indagare la loro composizione chimica, in particolare i profili dei carboidrati, per applicazioni come la produzione di pasta nutraceutica arricchita con queste matrici. Sono stati analizzati anche gli effetti dei trattamenti industriali sulle proprietà dei sottoprodotti del carciofo, per capire come la lavorazione influisca sulla sua composizione chimica di queste matrici. I sottoprodotti del pomodoro, compresi bucce e semi, sono stati valutati per il loro potenziale nutrizionale e funzionale, evidenziando l'importanza delle condizioni di conservazione per la gestione stagionale dei sottoprodotti. I componenti bioattivi come licopene, β-carotene e composti fenolici sono stati caratterizzati utilizzando saggi spettrofotometrici e tecniche avanzate come l'estrazione con fluido supercritico e la cromatografia con fluido supercritico accoppiata alla spettrometria di massa (SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS). La ricerca ha dimostrato che le formulazioni di imballaggi a base biologica possono eguagliare o superare le prestazioni di conservazione delle plastiche tradizionali, con eccellenti capacità di conservazione a breve termine nel caso della bioplastica.
Un altro lavoro ha riguardato l'ottimizzazione delle condizioni di estrazione di Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) mediante Response Surface Methodology (RSM) per migliorare l'efficienza, massimizzando il recupero di composti bioattivi con forti proprietà antiossidanti. La caratterizzazione di questi estratti ha rivelato un'inibizione enzimatica contro gli enzimi correlati alla malattia di Alzheimer e ha mostrato un potenziale antinfiammatorio e neuroprotettivo. Il profilo metabolomico e gli studi di docking molecolare in silico hanno identificato interazioni tra enzimi chiave e flavonoidi abbondanti, evidenziando il potenziale di questi estratti nello sviluppo di agenti neuroprotettivi.
Sono state esplorate anche applicazioni innovative, tra cui tecniche di incapsulamento come l'essiccazione spray e la nanoemulsione, per stabilizzare gli estratti ricchi di carotenoidi e migliorarne la biodisponibilità in sistemi alimentari e nutraceutici. È stato sviluppato uno spray antiossidante a base biologica, ricco di composti fenolici e carotenoidi, come alternativa naturale e sostenibile ai conservanti sintetici, che riduce efficacemente l'ossidazione dei lipidi negli alimenti deperibili. Sono stati sviluppati rivestimenti biodegradabili arricchiti con polifenoli e flavonoidi derivati dal pomodoro per migliorare le proprietà idrofobiche e di barriera dei materiali a base di cellulosa, offrendo soluzioni sostenibili per l'imballaggio funzionale. Questi progressi sottolineano il potenziale dei sottoprodotti agroalimentari come risorse sostenibili per ridurre i rifiuti, migliorare la qualità degli alimenti e sostenere pratiche industriali rispettose dell'ambiente. Questo lavoro ha contribuito in modo significativo allo sviluppo di alternative alla plastica in un contesto di economia circolare e si allinea con gli obiettivi globali di sostenibilità.Agro-food industrial by-products such as peels, seeds and fibres are rich in bioactive compounds including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fibres. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them valualble for other applications includin in food indusrty , pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This research highlighted the potential of artichoke and tomato by-products as alternative sources of high value compounds for industrial applications.
The study on artichoke by-products used analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), spectrophotometric assays and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to investigate their biochemical composition, particularly carbohydrate profiles, for applications such as nutraceutical pasta production. The effects of industrial treatments on the properties of artichoke by-products were also analysed to understand how processing affects their functional suitability.
Tomato by-products, including peels and seeds, were evaluated for their nutritional and functional potential, highlighting the importance of storage conditions for seasonal by-product management. Bioactive components such as lycopene, β-carotene and phenolic compounds were characterised using spectrophotometric assays and advanced techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction-supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SFE-SFC-QqQ/MS). The research showed that bio-based packaging formulations could simulate the storage performance of traditional plastics, with excellent short-term preservation capabilities in case of bioplastic. Green extraction processes were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to enhance Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) efficiency, maximizing the recovery of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant properties. Characterizations of these extracts revealed enzymatic inhibition against Alzheimer’s disease-related enzymes and showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. Metabolomic profiling and in silico molecular docking studies identified interactions between key enzymes and abundant flavonoids, highlighting the potential of these extracts in developing neuroprotective agents.
Innovative applications were also explored, including encapsulation techniques like spray drying and nanoemulsion, to stabilize carotenoid-rich extracts for improved bioavailability in food and nutraceutical systems. A bio-based antioxidant spray, rich in phenolic compounds and carotenoids, was developed as a natural, sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives, effectively reducing lipid oxidation in perishable foods. Biodegradable coatings enriched with tomato-derived polyphenols and flavonoids were developed to enhance the hydrophobic and barrier properties of cellulose-based materials, offering sustainable solutions for functional packaging. These advancements underscore the potential of agro-food by-products as sustainable resources for reducing waste, improving food quality, and supporting environmentally friendly industrial practices. This work contributed significantly to the development of alternative to plastics in a context of circular economy and aligns with global sustainability goals
The theatre of consumption. Solitude as a design code in contemporary supermarkets
No full textIl seguente elaborato esplora il supermercato contemporaneo come teatro del consumo, indagando la solitudine come possibile componente progettuale implicita.
Attraverso un excursus storico viene ricostruita la genealogia del supermercato, fino alla sua introduzione in Italia, mettendo in luce le logiche distributive, gli aspetti spaziali e il ruolo del design nella costruzione di questo formato commerciale.
Successivamente, il lavoro colloca il supermercato all’interno del contesto sociologico dell’ipermodernità, analizzandolo come nonluogo e interrogandosi sulla natura della solitudine che lo attraversa: una condizione realmente percepita dai fruitori o ormai interiorizzata e invisibile.
La ricerca include inoltre uno sguardo ai possibili scenari futuri del retail, valutando se le evoluzioni tecnologiche e phygital condurranno verso spazi sempre più individualizzati o, al contrario, capaci di favorire nuove forme di relazione e interazione tra le persone.The following paper explores the contemporary supermarket as a theater of consumption, investigating loneliness as a possible implicit design component.
Through a historical overview, the genealogy of the supermarket is reconstructed, up to its introduction in Italy, highlighting the distribution logic, spatial aspects, and the role of design in the construction of this commercial format.
Subsequently, the work places the supermarket within the sociological context of hypermodernity, analyzing it as a nonplace and questioning the nature of the loneliness that passes through it: a condition truly perceived by users or now internalized and invisible.
The research also includes a look at possible future retail scenarios, assessing whether technological and phygital developments will lead to increasingly individualized spaces or, conversely, those capable of fostering new forms of relationships and interactions between people
Imitating to connect : interventions for the development of social skills in autism
No full textL'imitazione rappresenta un meccanismo evolutivo essenziale per l'apprendimento e lo sviluppo umano, consentendo ai bambini di acquisire competenze motorie, sociali e cognitive attraverso l'osservazione e la riproduzione del comportamento altrui. Il presente elaborato analizza il ruolo dell'imitazione nel processo di crescita, approfondendo le principali teorie psicologiche (Bandura, Piaget, Vygotskij) e i modelli neurobiologici, con particolare attenzione ai neuroni specchio, substrati neurali fondamentali per il riconoscimento e la riproduzione delle azioni.
Nei bambini con disturbo dello spettro autistico si manifesta un deficit dello sviluppo dell'imitazione , che si riflette in difficoltà in ambito motorio, sociale e cognitivo. Nel presente elaborato vengono analizzate i principali modelli che tentano di spiegare tali deficit, tra cui alterazioni nel corretto funzionamento della teoria della mente, secondo cui le compromissioni nell’imitazione derivano da una difficoltà nell’attribuire stati mentali agli altri, e la broken mirror theory, che attribuisce le difficoltà imitative a un malfunzionamento del sistema dei neuroni specchio. L'analisi di queste prospettive consente di comprendere meglio il legame tra imitazione e sviluppo delle competenze relazionali e comunicative nei bambini con autismo.
Infine, vengono esaminati gli approcci e gli interventi volti a potenziare l'imitazione nei bambini con autismo, tra cui tecniche comportamentali (l'Applied Behavior Analysis - ABA, l'Early Start Denver Model - ESDM e il Reciprocal Imitation Training - RIT), l'impiego della robotica, la realtà virtuale e attività ludiche strutturate. L'analisi di queste strategie mette in luce il potenziale dell'imitazione come strumento educativo e terapeutico, offrendo prospettive innovative per il supporto allo sviluppo dei bambini con autismoImitation represents a fundamental evolutionary mechanism for learning and human development, allowing children to acquire motor, social, and cognitive skills through the observation and reproduction of others' behaviour. This thesis examines the role of imitation in the growth process, exploring major psychological theories (Bandura, Piaget, Vygotsky) and neurobiological models, with particular attention to mirror neurons, key structures in action recognition and reproduction.
Children with autism spectrum disorder show a deficit in the development of imitation behavior, which is reflected in motor, social and cognitive difficulties. This thesis analyses the main models that attempt to explain these deficits, including alterations in the correct functioning of the theory of mind, according to which impairments in imitation derive from a difficulty in attributing mental states to others, and the broken mirror theory, which attributes imitative difficulties to a malfunction of the mirror neuron system. The analysis of these perspectives provides a deeper understanding of the connection between imitation and the development of relational and communicative skills in children with autism.
Finally, in the present thesis, it has been examined approaches and interventions aimed at enhancing imitation in children with autism, including behavioural techniques (Applied Behaviour Analysis - ABA, Early Start Denver Model - ESDM, and Reciprocal Imitation Training - RIT), the use of robotics, virtual reality, and structured play activities. The analysis of these strategies highlights the potential of imitation as an educational and therapeutic tool, offering innovative perspectives for supporting development in children with autism
Lactic fermentation for the valorisation of plant by-products: new substrates and novel applications
No full textEconomic development requires a large amount of raw materials, which are quickly consumed. In the agro-food industry, a significant quantity of by-products and/or waste is also produced, resulting in approximately one-third of food production being wasted. Agroindustrial biomasses are often characterised by high water content and chemical composition in fibers, proteins and bioactive compounds, making them matrices suitable for numerous applications. The nutrients present in waste matrices can be an excellent growth substrate for microorganisms. Through the fermentation process, these microorganisms can convert or produce molecules of industrial interest, which is why fermentation has attracted increasing interest. These final products could include bioactives, like antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, volatile compounds, organic acids and deglycosylated polyphenols. Fermentation offers several advantages, including low costs, minimal energy and water consumption, and the ability to convert by-products and waste into high-value products.
Lactic fermentation, in particular, is carried out by lactic acid bacteria, microorganisms which are considered GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or with the Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status by European Food Safety Authority. Due to their simple metabolism, characterised by a high nutrient intake and resistance to stress, such as acidic environments and high temperatures typically encountered in industrial process, their potential as cell factories for the chemical industry is being increasingly explored. With this knowledge, the thesis has been focused on the valorisation of different plant matrices through the application of lactic acid fermentation followed two lines. The first one was to evaluate the changes on molecular profile of two by-products which may be relevant in our agro-industrial sector, like Okara and Opuntia Ficus Indica Cladodes. The second line involved the possible application of an extract with antimicrobial activity, obtained from the lactic fermentation of tomato peels and seeds, in a production process
Effects of morbid curiosity levels on the stigmatized representation of psychiatric patients
No full textLo studio esamina la relazione tra stigmatizzazione (AQ-27) e curiosità morbosa (MCS), valutando l’influenza di variabili quali genere, formazione psicologica ed esperienza di cura psicoterapeutica o psichiatrica. La curiosità morbosa si riferisce a un interesse per tematiche disturbanti, spesso legate alla morte. Un recente studio di Sacco et al. (2024) ha ipotizzato che il decremento dei livelli di stigmatizzazione verso i pazienti psichiatrici, osservata con l’aumento della fruizione di contenuti multimediali disturbanti (ad esempio, film horror psicologici), sia mediata dalla curiosità morbosa.
Attraverso un questionario somministrato a un campione di 60 soggetti, è emerso che, sebbene il punteggio complessivo della MCS non sia predittivo dei livelli di stigmatizzazione, alcune sue sotto-scale – in particolare Violence e Motives of Dangerous People – lo sono. Nello specifico, una maggiore stigmatizzazione è associata a un'attrazione più elevata per la violenza e a un minore interesse nel comprendere le motivazioni delle persone pericolose.
Questi risultati suggeriscono l’esistenza di due forme di curiosità: una orientata alla violenza in sé, che potrebbe rafforzare stereotipi e pregiudizi, e un’altra volta alla comprensione delle ragioni psicologiche e sociali che portano ai comportamenti violenti, la quale potrebbe favorire una maggiore empatia e ridurre la stigmatizzazione, in linea con quanto proposto da Sacco e colleghi.The study examines the relationship between stigma (AQ-27) and morbid curiosity (MCS), assessing the influence of variables such as gender, psychological training and experience in psychotherapeutic or psychiatric care. Morbid curiosity refers to an interest in disturbing subjects, often related to death. A recent study by Sacco et al. (2024) has hypothesized that the decrease in levels of stigma towards psychiatric patients, observed with increased use of disturbing multimedia content (e.g., psychological horror films), be mediated by morbid curiosity. Through a questionnaire administered to a sample of 60 subjects, it was found that, although the overall score of MCS is not predictive of levels of stigmatization, some of its sub-scales - in particular Violence and Motives of Dangerous People - are. Specifically, increased stigma is associated with a higher attraction to violence and less interest in understanding the motives of dangerous people. These results suggest the existence of two forms of curiosity: one oriented towards violence in itself, which could reinforce stereotypes and prejudices, and another to the understanding of the psychological and social reasons that lead to violent behaviour, which could foster greater empathy and reduce stigma, in line with what Sacco and colleagues have proposed
Development of innovative tools for nutrition education: a promising strategy to tackle and prevent malnutrition and to reduce the environmental impact of food through the adoption of healthier and more sustainable diets
No full textMalnutrition is one of today’s major global challenges, characterized by the coexistence of
undernutrition and overnutrition: two seemingly opposite but often interconnected phenomena.
Undernutrition in developing countries is fueled by food insecurity, conflicts, and economic
disparities, while industrialized nations face overnutrition due to excessive consumption of calorie-
dense, nutrient-poor foods, leading to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This dual burden
places increasing pressure on healthcare systems and the environment, highlighting the urgent need
for innovative and sustainable solutions. Simultaneously, the global food system significantly
impacts the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and resource
overexploitation. Adopting sustainable dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), is
essential for addressing these challenges. Characterized by a variety of fresh, local foods—including
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and legumes—the MD is recognized for its health
benefits, including reduced cardiovascular risk, improved weight management, and anti-
inflammatory properties. Additionally, the MD supports environmental sustainability by promoting
seasonal and local foods and fostering biodiversity, thus balancing human health and environmental
well-being. The transition toward healthier and more sustainable diets requires systemic and
tailored interventions. Collective catering, clear food labeling, and the use of digital tools are key in
guiding consumer food choices. Technologies such as apps, digital platforms, and educational
programs play a pivotal role in supporting informed and sustainable eating behaviors. Nutrition
education emerges as a central strategy to prevent and combat malnutrition. Innovative approaches
like nudging, which subtly encourages healthier choices, and edutainment, combining education
with entertainment, are particularly effective in engaging younger generations and fostering long-
term behavioral change. This doctoral thesis, conducted in collaboration with the social enterprise
Madegus S.r.l., aimed to promote sustainable food choices by engaging children, adolescents, and
adults in diverse settings, including schools, workplaces, and sports organizations.
To achieve this goal, seven research projects were undertaken. Giocampus Method, monitored
through the Giocampus Prospective Project, and the AUDACE Project demonstrate the
effectiveness of playful, interactive food education for youth, utilizing innovative strategies to instill
sustainable and healthy habits. The LOSTELLO Project focuses on promoting sustainable eating
practices within communities, particularly emphasizing the MD and its health and environmental
benefits. In workplace settings, initiatives such as the Wellness Project and the INAIL Worklimate
Study highlight how nutrition education can align with broader goals of health and productivity.
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These projects aim to enhance worker well-being by providing educational resources and practical
support to encourage informed and sustainable dietary choices. The SONMED Study, targeting
adults with chronic conditions, explores the potential of the MD in disease management, showing
improvements in health markers linked to its adoption. However, long-term monitoring is necessary
to confirm and expand on these findings.
These projects provide concrete examples of how targeted, evidence-based educational
interventions can address malnutrition, promote healthy lifestyles, and advance environmental
sustainability by engaging individuals across different age groups and social contexts. Despite
progress, there is a lack of educational tools that effectively integrate health, sustainability, and
personalization. Further development of integrated programs that tackle malnutrition and
environmental impacts is necessary. These should promote the MD and other eco-friendly dietary
models through long-term, multidimensional interventions. The research underscores that
collaborative approaches, supported by public policies and digital technologies, can significantly
improve eating habits, contributing to healthier lives and a sustainable future
Caratterizzazione di tecniche di marcatura di proteine per dirigere modifiche sito-selettive
No full textProtein labelling is an essential tool for advanced biological applications, from therapeutic development to diagnostics. However, labelling techniques requires overcoming significant challenges due to protein complexity, particularly related to the presence of multiple reactive sites that can lead to undesirable multifunctionalisation, which compromises the functionality and applicability of bioconjugates. The recently developed linchpin-directed modification (LDM) method aims to address these challenges by exploiting bifunctional molecules with high chemoselectivity towards lysine and histidine residues and spacers with tuneable length. The first, reversible reaction with lysine provides an anchoring point for subsequent alkylation of histidine, occurring at distances defined by the spacer length. Our study aimed to build a platform to direct LDM based on a priori structure evaluation of species taking part in the reaction. To set up this platform Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) was used as a model protein. We analysed the distances between reactive groups on both LDM and protein, and residues spatial orientation to predict favourable interaction. By absorption spectroscopy, we determined the solubility of a series of LDM molecules under conditions compatible with most proteins’ native state. W also calculated the reaction rates of LDM molecules with their target amino acid free in solution and within the model protein. After confirming the labelling mechanism and the modification site by mass spectrometry experiments on entire and proteolytic digestion products, we approached the validation of the predictions by creating GFP mutants lacking residues identified as potential LDM anchors to observe any changes in labelling profile respect to wild type protein. To assess the applicability of the methodological approach to proteins different from a model protein, we conjugated LDM molecules with hemoglobin, aiming to produce a bioconjugate for therapeutic uses, by employing LDM to generate chemoselectivity on hemogbobin to finally obtain a site-selective PEGylation. Additionally, the importance of site-selective modifications was further investigated by the conjugation of bovine serum albumin with a fluorescent probe, producing a highly sensitive and homogeneously biosensor, which is valuable for analytical applications such as monitoring the hydrolysis of lipid formulations used in the pharmaceutical field