ISAFOM researcher (Rende office)

email: mariagrazia.cipriani@isafom.cnr.it

tel:    0984. 841443

fax:   0984. 841497

Area of Interest

Microbiology and molecular biology of phytopathogenic microorganisms and biocontrol; soil and microbiome studies; isolation and characterisation of lignocellulolytic bacteria for biotechnology and bioremediation; characterisation of secondary metabolites from Gentiana lutea e Hypericum perforatum for supplement production and antioxidant activity.

Description of the activity carried out

My research activity has developed along a multidisciplinary path integrating microbiology, molecular biology and soil science. At the CNR-ISPA I was involved for many years in the study of phytopathogenic microorganisms, analysing their virulence determinants, interactions with plants and possible biocontrol strategies, also through the characterisation of mutants obtained by transposon insertion. Later, at ISAFoM-CNR, I extended my interest to the study of soil and biogeochemical cycles, analysing the distribution of radionuclides and nutrients in the soil-plant system and contributing to projects on food quality and safety. I have also collaborated on the development of protocols for nutrient assessment in photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation. In recent years, I have initiated studies on the soil microbiome and created a strain library of 150 lignocellulolytic bacteria isolated in protected natural areas, characterising them for their enzymatic activities, cellulolytic and chitinolytic potential, tolerance to heavy metals and antagonistic capacities towards fungal pathogens. These strains are now the subject of in-depth genetic studies, biotechnological applications in the pre-treatment of plant biomasses and evaluations of their use in biocontrol and bioremediation, also through collaborations with research institutes and companies in the sector. In parallel, I have conducted preliminary studies on the secondary metabolites of Gentiana lutea e Hypericum perforatum, collecting various tissues and analysing their total polyphenols and antioxidant activity, with chromatographic investigations underway for detailed characterisation of the compounds.

CV Cipriani