Obiettivo Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms with a long history of safe use and a robust evidence for providing beneficial effects to the consumer. The majority of probiotic bacteria belong to Lactobacillus genus, which includes a large number of GRAS species, essential in fermented food production and for use as food preservatives. Lactobacilli have also a range of non-food applications, such as industrial production of lactate for the textile industry in environmentally friendlier ways than chemical synthesis.Despite their broad use, health claims approval by EFSA for probiotics is challenging due to scientific difficulties in validating probiotic mechanisms and a lack of proper strain characterization. Although there has been a surge in research into probiotics, the conversion into actual claims and compliance with the regulatory requirements has proved difficult. The aim of the project is to perform forensically detailed comparative genomic analysis of Lactobacillus species to i) unravel the genetic backbone that has been moulded by genome decay and gene acquisition ii) delineate the genetic features and molecular mechanisms that underpin their health-promoting effects and suitability for use, and iii) identify genes associated with the phenotypes for new food applications.A deeper insight into the safety-related issues for food strains will provide a comprehensive assessment on risk factors to be transferred to companies as supplementary safety guidelines for successful health claim proposals. Data obtained will be used to develop new dietary solutions and safe non-food applications, thus increasing manufacturers’ interest in placing beneficial products on the market and meeting the consumer’s ambitions to live healthier.Within the project, the applicant will have the chance to perform high-level research with leading scientists and create a link between academic institutions and companies for efficient technology transfer and novel industrial solutions. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringtextilesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantibioticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug resistanceantibiotic resistance Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Argomento(i) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Invito a presentare proposte H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinatore UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK Contribution nette de l'UE € 187 866,00 Indirizzo WESTERN ROAD T12 YN60 Cork Irlanda Mostra sulla mappa Regione Ireland Southern South-East Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 187 866,00