Molecular traceability of foods
A.A. 2023/2024
Obiettivi formativi
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge to use and implement biomolecular analytical tools for traceability in agri-food chains and the quali / quantitative determination of food components through the analysis of DNA and proteins.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
At the end of the course the students will be able to manage the most common biomolecular methods of analysis and to implement new molecular tools for the biomolecular analysis of food products. Students will be able to correctly understand and manage the current national and community regulations on traceability of food products. At the end of the course the students will be able to proceed with the purification of DNA and proteins starting from food, to detect and quantifying GMOs and to assess the compliance of typical and niche foods with their production specifications, as well as detecting potential allergens and harmful biological macromolecules.
Periodo: Secondo semestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Secondo semestre
eaching methods: The lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform according to the timetable of the second semester. the lessons will be broadcast live and recorded and left available to students on the same platform. The calendar of the lessons and all the details of the activities will be published on the ARIEL bulletin board of the course before the beginning of the course. Any updates will also be communicated promptly through notices on the ARIEL board.
The methods and criteria for participating to lessons in the presence according to what will be established by the University, will be published in time on the ARIEL board of the course. Practical labs will take place partly in person and partly online, both asynchronously (providing the material with audio commentary through the Ariel website) and in live mode to critically discuss publications and scientific reports of interest (through the Microsoft Teams platform).
Program and reference material: The program and reference material will not change.
Learning assessment procedures and assessment criteria: The exam will take place orally using the Microsoft Teams platform, according to the official instructions provided by the University.
The methods and criteria for participating to lessons in the presence according to what will be established by the University, will be published in time on the ARIEL board of the course. Practical labs will take place partly in person and partly online, both asynchronously (providing the material with audio commentary through the Ariel website) and in live mode to critically discuss publications and scientific reports of interest (through the Microsoft Teams platform).
Program and reference material: The program and reference material will not change.
Learning assessment procedures and assessment criteria: The exam will take place orally using the Microsoft Teams platform, according to the official instructions provided by the University.
Programma
Fundamentals concerning the regulations on traceability and traceability (Reg.178 / 2002, Regs. 1829-1830 / 2003) for the classification of the analytical needs aimed at: i) Traceability and genuinity of varieties and species in raw materials and vegetable ingredients; ii) Molecular traceability and labeling of GMO products; iv) Identification of food ingredients and cross contamination ; v) Molecular characterization for compliance with the production regulations of typical products. Classical and advanced methodologies for the analysis of informational macromolecules. Genomic material analysis: extraction and amplification by PCR and RT-PCR. Protein analysis: extraction, one and two-dimensional electrophoresis, western blot, densitometric analysis, ELISA, . Fatty acids analysis: gas-chromatography and oxidation index. Determination of amylose/amylopectin ratio by colorimetric assay. Methods for the simultaneous determination of ingredients in complex matrices.
Problems related to the fragmentation / degradation of proteins and nucleic acids following production and storage processes. Assessment of matrix effects. GMOs: detection methods for the identification and quantification of GMOs (determination of unique identifiers, transformation events); method validation: role of reference laboratories; databases of validated methods.
Evaluation of the presence of allergens. Development of diagnostic kits of agri-food interest.
Problems related to the fragmentation / degradation of proteins and nucleic acids following production and storage processes. Assessment of matrix effects. GMOs: detection methods for the identification and quantification of GMOs (determination of unique identifiers, transformation events); method validation: role of reference laboratories; databases of validated methods.
Evaluation of the presence of allergens. Development of diagnostic kits of agri-food interest.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of biomolecular techniques and methodologies of applied biochemistry and molecular biology (PCR, immunochemical methods, electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids).
Metodi didattici
Lectures and individual laboratory exercises.
Lessons: 28 hours (3.5 CFU)
Laboratories: 8 hours (0.5 CFU)
Lessons: 28 hours (3.5 CFU)
Laboratories: 8 hours (0.5 CFU)
Materiale di riferimento
Course slides and scientific articles. Material is available on the ARIEL website of the course
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
Oral exam based on the presentation and discussion of a scientific article proposed and various questions related to the topics explained during the course. The exam can be taken after registering for a session.
The exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Proof of understanding of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory exercises
2. Ability to discuss, in a critical and integrated way, the concepts and issues of traceability along the agri-food supply chains
3. Knowledge of the principles underlying the laboratory methodologies used
4. Correct terminology
5. Completeness of responses
Specific procedures for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be applied also for telematic exams. Here the complete information:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
In case you need specific procedures, please inform the teacher by mail at least 10 days before the exam, including in the addresses [email protected] or [email protected].
The exam will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Proof of understanding of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory exercises
2. Ability to discuss, in a critical and integrated way, the concepts and issues of traceability along the agri-food supply chains
3. Knowledge of the principles underlying the laboratory methodologies used
4. Correct terminology
5. Completeness of responses
Specific procedures for students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be applied also for telematic exams. Here the complete information:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-disabilities
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/services-students-specific-learning-disabilities-sld
In case you need specific procedures, please inform the teacher by mail at least 10 days before the exam, including in the addresses [email protected] or [email protected].
Siti didattici
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Su appuntamento
Via Celoria 2, Scienze Chimiche e Biomolecolari, 1P