UNICA
University of Cagliari
Associated Member
The UNICA-DSMSP refers to the microbial collection of the University of Cagliari, hosted at the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health. The collection consists of bacteria, yeasts and fungi isolated over 30 years, mainly from different food matrices, but strains of environmental and clinical origin are also included. UNICA-DSMSP is part of the Sardinian microbial culture collection MBDS and, in 2023, has become an affiliated member of the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) and of the European Culture Collection Organization (ECCO). All data are reported in a federated open-access database developed for the dissemination of information associated with the deposited microbial resources and for the promotion of their scientific and industrial use. UNICA-DSMSP microbial collection represents a precious source of resources capable of fostering innovation in the regional agri-food industry and contributing to the qualitative and hygienic–sanitary improvement of the various products, as well as being a tool to protect and enhance microbial biodiversity. Besides characterization, valorization and maintenance of microbial resources, the expertise of UNICA-DSMSP staff provides additional services such as strain isolation and identification, and consultancy to the food industry for sustainable food production and product diversification.
Key people:
- Sofia Cosentino
Professor of Hygiene, Scientific Coordinator of the Applied Hygiene Unit of the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health. Scientific coordinator and curator of UNICA-DSMSP culture collection.
Member of the Scientific Committee of MIRRI-IT. - Maria Barbara Pisano
Associate Professor at the Applied Hygiene Unit of the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health. - Maura Deplano
Technician at the Applied Hygiene Unit of the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health. Member of the General Assembly of MIRRI-IT. Quality control manager of UNICA-DSMSP culture collection.
