Maria Rita CRAMAROSSA - personale UniMoRe

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Maria Rita CRAMAROSSA

Personale tecnico amministrativo
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita sede ex-Chimica

Pubblicazioni

2023 - Integrated wastewater treatment and CO2 capture by microalgae-based system [Articolo su rivista]
Frongia, F; Cramarossa, Mr; Arru, Laura; Forti, Luca
abstract

2022 - Microalgae potential in the capture of carbon dioxide emission. [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Frongia, F; Arru, L; Forti, L; Cramarossa, Mr
abstract

2021 - Microalgae potential in the capture of CO2 emission [Articolo su rivista]
Frongia, F.; Arru, L.; Cramarossa, M. R.; Forti, L.
abstract

In a perspective projected to reduce the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, in which carbon dioxide is the master, the use of microalgae is an effective and decisive response. The review describes the bio circularity of the process of abatement of carbon dioxide through biofixation in algal biomass, highlighting the potential of its reuse in the production of high value-added products.

2018 - Nonconventional Yeast-Promoted Biotransformation for the Production of Flavor Compounds [Capitolo/Saggio]
Forti, Luca; Cramarossa, Maria R.; Filippucci, Sara; Tasselli, Giorgia; Turchetti, Benedetta; Buzzini, Pietro
abstract

The rising consumer requests for natural flavors and fragrances has generated a great interest in the aroma industry to seek new methods to obtain fragrance and flavor compounds naturally. An alternative and attractive route for these compounds is based on biotransformations. In this context, non-conventional yeasts (NCYs) have attracted increasing interest due to their biochemical characteristics and potential applications, being able to produce aroma compounds from a variety of carbon sources, including sugars, alkanes, plant oils, starch hydrolysates, ethanol, and glycerol. Apart from classical fermentation processes (de novo synthesis), bioconversion of appropriate precursor compounds are also being developed to produce food aromas. An overview on the potential of NCYs whole cell for producing food flavors by biotransformation is illustrated in this chapter by a discussion of the production of different class of compounds, namely Aldehydes, Ketones and related compounds, Alcohols, Lactones, Terpenes and Terpenoids, Alkenes, and Phenols.

2016 - Study of Holtermanniella wattica, Leucosporidium creatinivorum, Naganishia adeliensis, Solicoccozyma aeria, and Solicoccozyma terricola for their lipogenic aptitude from different carbon sources [Articolo su rivista]
Filippucci, Sara; Tasselli, Giorgia; Scardua, Alessandro; Di Mauro, Simone; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Perini, Davide; Turchetti, Benedetta; Onofri, Andrea; Forti, Luca; Buzzini, Pietro
abstract

Background The ability of some microorganisms to accumulate lipids is well known; however, only recently the number of studies on microbial lipid biosynthesis for obtaining oleochemical products, namely biofuels and some building blocks for chemistry, is rapidly and spectacularly increased. Since 1990s, some oleaginous yeasts were studied for their ability to accumulate lipids up to 60–70% of their dry weight. Due to the vast array of engineering techniques currently available, the recombinant DNA technology was the main approach followed so far for obtaining lipid-overproducing yeasts, mainly belonging to the Yarrowia lipolytica. However, an alternative approach can be offered by worldwide diversity as source of novel oleaginous yeasts. Lipogenic aptitude of a number of yeast strains has been reviewed, but many of these studies utilized a limited number of species and/or different culture conditions that make impossible the comparison of different results. Accordingly, the lipogenic aptitude inside the yeast world is still far from being fully explored, and finding new oleaginous yeast species can acquire a strategic importance. Results Holtermanniella wattica, Leucosporidium creatinivorum, Naganishia adeliensis, Solicoccozyma aeria, and Solicoccozyma terricola strains were selected as a result of a large-scale screening on 706 yeasts (both Ascomycota and Basidiomycota). Lipid yields and fatty acid profiles of selected strains were evaluated at 20 and 25 °C on glucose, and on glycerol, xylose, galactose, sucrose, maltose, and cellobiose. A variable fatty acid profile was observed in dependence of both temperature and different carbon sources. On the whole, L. creatinivorum exhibited the highest performances: total lipid yield (YL) >7 g/l on glucose and glycerol, % of intracellular lipids on cell biomass (YL/DW) >70% at 20 °C on glucose, lipid coefficient (YL/Glu) around 20% on glucose, and daily productivity (YL/d) on glucose and sucrose >1.6 g/(l*d). Conclusions This study provides some meaningful information about the lipogenic ability of some yeast species. Variable lipid yields and fatty acid profiles were observed in dependence of both temperature and different carbon sources. L. creatinivorum exhibited the highest lipogenic performances.

2016 - The investigation of resveratrol and analogs as potential inducers of fetal hemoglobin [Articolo su rivista]
Theodorou, Andria; Phylactides, Marios; Forti, Luca; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Spyrou, Pantelis; Gambari, Roberto; Thein, Swee Lay; Kleanthous, Marina
abstract

Beta-thalassemia, is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by reduced beta-globin chain synthesis, leading to imbalanced globin chain production, ineffective erythropoiesis and anemia. Increasing gamma-globin gene expression is a promising therapeutic approach as it reduces this imbalance by combining with the excess alpha globin chains and producing fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Furthermore, increased iron absorption and repeated blood transfusions lead to iron overload and tissue damage secondary to reactive oxygen species. Compounds exhibiting both antioxidant and HbF inducing activities are, therefore, highly desirable therapeutic agents. Resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin, combines these two activities but is also cytotoxic. Nine hydroxystilbenic resveratrol derivatives were synthesized in an attempt to identify compounds that retain the HbF-inducing and antioxidant activities of resveratrol but exhibit reduced cytotoxicity. Three derivatives (P1, P4 and P11) exhibited similar hemoglobin-inducing properties to resveratrol in K562 cells, however, only P11 showed reduced cytotoxicity. All three derivatives demonstrated variable HbF-inducing activity in primary erythroid progenitor cells from healthy donors. Resveratrol and P11 increased HbF induction significantly, with P11 having the highest activity. Additionally, P4 significantly increased progenitor numbers. A combinatorial treatment in K562 cells using resveratrol and decitabine resulted in a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin-inducing activity only above the level shown by resveratrol alone.

2016 - Valorization of glass wastes as support for lipase immobilization [Articolo su rivista]
Barbieri, Luisa; Bursi, Elena; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Ferroni, Laura; Forti, Luca; Lancellotti, Isabella; Ponzoni, Chiara; Vassura, Ivano
abstract

This work focuses on treatment of lead polluted waste glass from urban collection (Pb≈5% wt) for its valorization as support in the immobilization of lipase, because soda-lime glasses are used in enzymatic catalysis. First of all, an extraction process of surface Pb was performed. The process is based on nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) chelating agent. The operating conditions are: T=80°C, t=1h, pH 10, solid/liquid weight ratio=1/10, reagent concentration=0.1 M. Leaching tests at controlled pH performed on treated glass confirmed the typical inert nature of the glass and the effectiveness of the NTA treatment. Afterwards lead polluted waste glasses, both untreated and treated with NTA, together with a commercial reference glass, were used as physical supports for the adsorption of Rhizopus oryzae lipase, in order to investigate their immobilization capability after specific washing/activation treatments to make functional their surface. The biocatalytic activity of the immobilized enzyme on the glasses was tested through the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl acetate to para-nitrophenol, quantifying the conversion percentage after 60 min of reaction by means of UV analyses at 410 nm. From the first results, lipase immobilization on waste glasses appears to be encouraging. In particular, lipase immobilized on lead polluted glass from urban collection showed an activity comparable to that of reference glass.

2015 - Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of new resveratrol-related dimers containing the benzo[b]furan framework and evaluation of their radical scavenger activities [Articolo su rivista]
Beneventi, Elisa; Conte, Silvia; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Riva, Sergio; Forti, Luca
abstract

The chemo-enzymatic synthesis and the evaluation of radical scavenger performance of resveratrolrelated dimers with antioxidative power have been investigated. The dimeric compounds, containing the benzo[b]furan framework, were prepared via an oxidative dimerization catalyzed by a laccase from Trametes versicolor, followed by a treatment with the organic oxidant DDQ. This methodology can be useful for the synthesis of various 2,3-diarylbenzo[b]furans derivates, a class of compound that exhibits a wide range of biological activities.

2015 - Non-Conventional Yeasts Whole Cells as Efficient Biocatalysts for the Production of Flavors and Fragrances [Articolo su rivista]
Forti, Luca; Di Mauro, Simone; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Filippucci, Sara; Turchetti, Benedetta; Buzzini, Pietro
abstract

The rising consumer requests for natural flavors and fragrances have generated great interest in the aroma industry to seek new methods to obtain fragrance and flavor compounds naturally. An alternative and attractive route for these compounds is based on bio-transformations. In this review, the application of biocatalysis by Non Conventional Yeasts (NCYs) whole cells for the production of flavor and fragrances is illustrated by a discussion of the production of different class of compounds, namely Aldehydes, Ketones and related compounds, Alcohols, Lactones, Terpenes and Terpenoids, Alkenes, and Phenols.

2013 - Fungal laccases and enoate reductases as biocatalysts of fine chemical transformations [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
A., Romagnolo; F., Spina; D., Carusetta; L., Nerva; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; F., Parmeggiani; Forti, Luca; E., Brenna; G. C., Varese
abstract

Laccase and enoate reductase are promising tools in bioconversion of several substrates of biotechnological interest. In this study, one fungus producing laccase and two fungi producing enoate reductase were used in the bioconversion of caffeic acid and a set of unsaturated compounds (α- methylcinnamaldehyde, α- methylnitrostyrene and cyclohexenone) showing interesting conversion products.

2013 - Production of Flavours and Fragrances via Bioreduction of (4R)-(-)-Carvone and (1R)-(-)-Myrtenal by Non-Conventional Yeast Whole-Cells [Articolo su rivista]
M., Goretti; B., Turchetti; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; P., Buzzini
abstract

As part of a program aiming at the selection of yeast strains which might be of interest as sources of natural flavours and fragrances, the bioreduction of (4R)-(−)-carvone and (1R)-(−)-myrtenal by whole-cells of non-conventional yeasts (NCYs) belonging to the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaryomyces, Hanseniaspora, Kazachstania, Kluyveromyces, Lindnera, Nakaseomyces, Vanderwaltozyma and Wickerhamomyces was studied. Volatiles produced were sampled by means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and the compounds were analysed and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Yields (expressed as % of biotransformation) varied in dependence of the strain. The reduction of both (4R)-(−)-carvone and (1R)-(−)-myrtenal were catalyzed by some ene-reductases (ERs) and/or carbonyl reductases (CRs), which determined the formation of (1R,4R)-dihydrocarvone and (1R)-myrtenol respectively, as main flavouring products. The potential of NCYs as novel whole-cell biocatalysts for selective biotransformation of electron-poor alkenes for producing flavours and fragrances of industrial interest is discussed.

2012 - Asymmetric reduction of (4S)-(+)-carvone catalyzed by enoate reductases (ERs) expressed by non-conventional yeast (NCY) whole-cells [Capitolo/Saggio]
P., Buzzini; M., Goretti; C., Ponzoni; E., Caselli; E., Branda; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; B., Turchetti; Forti, Luca
abstract

(4S)-(þ)-Carvone was totally reduced after 120 h by ER activity expressed by lyophilized whole cells of K. exigua DBVPG 7133 to (1S,4S)-dihydrocarvone (yield¼60%) and (1R,4S)-dihydrocarvone (40%). About 15% of (1S,4S)-dihydrocarvone was further reduced to (1S,2S,4S)-dihydrocarveol (7%) and (1S,2R,4S)-dihydrocarveol (8%). In close analogy with previous literature, the use of lyophilized yeast whole cells was generally preferred to growing and resting ones. Besides, because yeast cells contain only catalytic amount of NAD(P)H and cofactor regeneration must take place by means of metabolism of an electron donor, the simultaneous use of lyophilized yeast whole cells and glucose (the last acting as auxiliary substrate for cofactor-recycling systems) showed a significant increase of efficiency in reducing (4S)-(þ)-carvone.

2012 - Response surface methodology as optimization strategy for asymmetric bioreduction of (4S)-(+)-carvone by Cryptococcus gastricus [Articolo su rivista]
M., Goretti; E., Branda; B., Turchetti; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; A., Onofri; Forti, Luca; P., Buzzini
abstract

Response surface methodology was applied in optimizing the asymmetric bioreduction of (4S)-(+)-carvoneto dihydrocarvone (with low incidence of unsought side reactions) by using whole-cells of Cryptococcusgastricus. A factorial design (2e5) including five independent variables was performed: X1 = incubationtime; X2 = pH; X3 = amount of whole-cells; X4 = concentration of (4S)-(+)-carvone; X5 = concentration ofcofactor-recycling system. The utilization of glucose and glycerol as cofactor-recycling systems waschecked. On the basis of the results of factorial design, three independent variables (X1, X3 and X4) outof five were further selected for performing a central composite design (CCD).First and second order polynomial equations obtained by CCD were used to select the optimal values ofindependent variables in order to maximize the bioreduction yield of (4S)-(+)-carvone and, at the sametime, to minimize the occurrence of side reactions (i.e. further reduction of dihydrocarvone todihydrocarveol).

2011 - Bioreduction of α,β-unsatured ketones and aldehydes by non-conventional yeast (NCY) whole-cells [Articolo su rivista]
M., Goretti; C., Ponzoni; E., Caselli; E., Marchigiani; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; B., Turchetti; Forti, Luca; P., Buzzini
abstract

The bioreduction of alfa,beta-unsaturated ketones (ketoisophorone, 2-methyl- and 3-methyl-cyclopentenone)and aldehydes [(S)-(-)-perillaldehyde and alfa-methyl-cinnamaldehyde] by 23 ‘‘non-conventional’’ yeasts (NCYs) belonging to 21 species of the genera Candida, Cryptococcus, Debaryomyces, Hanseniaspora, Kazachstania, Kluyveromyces, Lindnera, Nakaseomyces, Vanderwaltozyma, and Wickerhamomyces was reported. The results highlight the potential of NCYs as whole-cell biocatalysts for selective biotransformation of electron-poor alkenes. A few NCYs exhibited extremely high (>90%) or even total ketoisophorone and 2-methyl-cyclopentenone bioconversion yields via asymmetric reduction of the conjugated C=C bond catalyzed by enoate reductases. Catalytic efficiency declined after switching from ketones to aldehydes. High chemoselectivity due to low competing carbonyl reductases was also sometimes observed.

2009 - Biotransformation of electron-poor alkenes by yeasts: asymmetric reduction of (4S)-(+)-carvone by yeast enoate reductases [Articolo su rivista]
M., Goretti; Ponzoni, Chiara; Caselli, Elisa; E., Marchigiani; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; B., Turchetti; P., Buzzini; Forti, Luca
abstract

Within the framework of a large-scale screening carried out on 146 yeasts of environmental origin, 16 strains (11% of the total) exhibited the ability to biotransform (4S)-(+)-carvone. Such positive yeasts, belonging to 14 species of 6 genera (Candida, Cryptococcus, Hanseniaspora, Kluyveromyces, Pichia andSaccharomyces), were thus used under different physiological state (growing, resting and lyophilised cells). Yields (expressed as% of biotransformation) varied from 0.14 to 30.04%, in dependence of both the strain and the physiological state of the cells. Products obtained from reduction of (4S)-(+)-carvone were1S,4S- and 1R,4S-dihydrocarvone, (1S,2S,4S)-, (1S,2R,4S)- and (1R,2S,4S)-dihydrocarveol. Only traces of (1R,2R,4S)-dihydrocarveol were observed in a few strains. As far as the stereoselectivity of the biocatalysis, with the sole exception of a few strains, the use of yeasts determined the prevalent accumulation of 1S,4S-isomers [(1S,4S)-dihydrocarvone + (1S,2S,4S)-dihydrocarveol + (1S,2R,4S)-dihydrocarveol].The addition of glucose (acting as auxiliary substrate for cofactor-recycling system) to lyophilised yeast cells determined a considerable increase of biocatalytic activity: in particular, two strains showed a surprising increase of the% of biotransformation of (4S)-(+)-carvone (to values >98%).

2009 - Psychrophilics yeasts: new biocatalytic agents for enoate reductase activities [Abstract in Rivista]
E., Marchegiani; M., Goretti; Caselli, Elisa; E., Branda; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Ponzoni, Chiara; B., Turchetti; Forti, Luca; P., Buzzini
abstract

Owing to widespread diffusion of areas characterized by permanent low temperatures (e.g. deep-sea waters, mountains and polar regions), psychrophilic microorganisms have the largest terrestrial distribution. Adaptation of microbial life at low temperatures requires some changes, mainly at the level of cell membrane components (including transport systems), proteins and nucleic acids.Psychrophilic organisms produce enzymes functioning in coldenvironment and simply denaturing at high temperature. Suchcold-active enzymes have a more flexible structure to undergo the conformational changes necessary for catalysis with a lower energy demand. Owing to their high catalytic activity at low temperatures, low thermostability and unusual specificities, cold-active enzymes offer novel opportunities for biotechnological exploitation.The enormous potential of biocatalysts for the production of enantiopure products of industrial interest remains to beexploited, especially in the area of enantioselective alkene reductions, due to their marked regio- and stereo-selectivity. One of the emerging reductive chemistry is the asymmetric reductionof alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds through microbialwhole-cells rich in enoate reductase (ER), a flavin-dependentenzyme belonging to the ‘old yellow enzyme’ (OYE) family.Even though massive screenings for yeasts as reducing catalystshave been carried out so far, there is still a need for new biocatalysts able to performing highly stereoselective reactions. Consequently, the potential of yeast biocatalysis appears to be still far from being fully explored. In this study we report the results of a screening on facultative psychrophilic yeasts (belonging to the species Cryptococcus gilvescens and Cryptococcus gastricus) for new cold-adapted enoate reductases using (4S)-(+)-carvone as a model substrate. The preliminary results obtained using growing cells demonstrate that the ERs activities are apparently expressed to a greater extent inpsychrophilic yeasts with respect to the mesophilic ones. In particular, C. gastricus exhibited the better biocatalytic performances.The results obtained by using other catalytic forms (resting orlyophilized cells) will be presented.

2008 - Biotransformation of Acyclic Monoterpenoids by Debaryomyces sp., Kluyveromyces sp. and Pichia sp. Strains of Environmental Origin [Articolo su rivista]
Ponzoni, Chiara; C., Gasparetti; M., Goretti; B., Turchetti; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; P., Buzzini
abstract

Sixty yeast strains, which belong to 32 species of the genera Debaryomyces, Kluyveromyces and Pichia, and which were isolated from plant-, soil- or insect-associated habitats, were screened for their ability to biotransform the acyclic monoterpenes geraniol and nerol. The aptitude to convert both compounds (from 2.6 to 30.6 and from 2.7 to 29.1 %/g cell DW, = dry weight), resp.) was apparently a broad distributed character in such yeasts. Depending upon the substrate used, the production of linalool, alfa-terpineol, β-myrcene, D-limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, (Z)-β-ocimene or carene was observed. Linalool was the main product obtained from geraniol, whereas linalool and alfa-terpineol were the main products obtained through the conversion of nerol. Yet, differently from nerol, the aptitude to exhibit high bioconversion yields of geraniol to linalool was an apparently genus-related character, whereas the ability to produce other monoterpenes was a both genus- and habitat-related character. The possible pathways of bioconversion of geraniol or nerol to their derivative were proposed/discussed.

2007 - Laccase catalyzed dimerization of hydroxystilbenes [Articolo su rivista]
Ponzoni, Chiara; E., Beneventi; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Raimondi, Stefano; G., Trevisi; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; S., Riva; Forti, Luca
abstract

A series of hydroxystilbenes, analogues of the bioactive phytoalexin resveratrol, were synthesized and submitted to the catalytic action of a laccase from Trametes pubescens in a biphasic system made of ethyl acetate and acetate buffer. Oxidation took place at the 4’-hydroxy (4-hydroxy) position ofthe hydroxystilbenicm oieties, followed by radicalradicalcoupling dimerization reactions. Most of the products were isolated in good yields and fully characterized.Depending on the substrates, three different dimeric products could be identified, the main products usually being 4-O-a-ß-5 (dihydrofuran-like) dimers.

2006 - Application of the response surface methodology (RSM) for optimizing the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Trichosporon moniliiforme [Articolo su rivista]
C., Gasparetti; P., Buzzini; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; B., Turchetti; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Forti, Luca
abstract

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied in optimizing the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by shake-flask cultures of a selected Trichosporon moniliiforme strain (DBVPG 4665). A factorial experiment (2(3)) was designed by setting three parameters at two levels: X-1 = incubation time (IT = 72-168 h); X-2 = pH (4-7); X-3 = L-methionine concentration (L-MET = 5-20 g l(-1)). On the basis of the results of factorial design, X-2 (pH) and X-3 (L-MET) were optimized by performing a central composite design (CCD). Second-order polynomial models and response surfaces were obtained for total VOC concentration (VOC1) and for the percentage of dimethyl disulphide (DMDS)/total VOCs (%DMDS). A range of variation of X-2 and X-3 able to maximize simultaneously both responses has been found. Average final values of responses (VOC1 = 4.9 +/- 1.3 mg l(-1); %DMDS = 97.6 +/- 1.1%) were about 532 and 133% of data of central point and were in good agreement with calculated values, thus confirming the reliability of our empirical model in optimizing VOCs production by T. moniliiforme (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2006 - Industrial applications of culture collections: yeasts of environmental origin as cellar biocatalysts for the biotransformation of monoterpenoids of agroalimentary interest [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Buzzini, ; C., Gasparetti; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; B., Turchetti; Forti, Luca; A., Vaughan Martini
abstract

2005 - Biocatalytic reduction of (+)- and (–)-carvone by bacteria [Articolo su rivista]
Cramarossa, Maria Rita; A., Nadini; Bondi, Moreno; Messi, Patrizia; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Forti, Luca
abstract

The biotransformation of the two enantiomers of carvone, (–)-(1a) and (+)-(1b), by two bacteria (Pseudomonas putida and Acinetobacter lwoffi) isolated from different environments is reported. The metabolites from the biotransformations carried out in liquid cultures using the sterile TS-2 mineral medium were screened by headspace solid phase microextraction/GC–MS. The results show that these bacteria are efficient tools in the diastereoselective bioreduction of (+)- and (–)-carvone.

2005 - Production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by yeasts isolated from the ascocarps of black (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) and white (Tuber magnatum Pico) truffles [Articolo su rivista]
P., Buzzini; C., Gasparetti; B., Turchetti; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; A., Vaughan Martini; A., Martini; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Forti, Luca
abstract

Twenty-nine yeast strains were isolated from the ascocarps of black and white truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt. and Tuber magnatum Pico, respectively), and identified using a polyphasic approach. According to the conventional taxonomic methods, MSP-PCR fingerprinting and sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of 26S rDNA, the strains were identified as Candida saitoana, Debaryomyces hansenii, Cryptococcus sp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Trichosporon moniliiforme. All isolates assimilated L-methionine as a sole nitrogen source and produced the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 2-methyl butanol, 3-methyl butanol, methanethiol, S-methyl thioacetate, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, dihydro-2-methyl-3(2H)-thiophenone and 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (MTP). ANOVA analysis of data showed significant (P < 0.01) differences in VOCs produced by different yeasts, with MTP as the major component (produced at concentrations ranging from 19.8 to 225.6 mg/l). In addition, since some molecules produced by the isolates of this study are also characteristic of truffle complex aroma, it is possible to hypothesize a complementary role of yeasts associated with this ecosystem in contributing to final Tuber spp. aroma through the independent synthesis of yeast-specific volatile constituents.

2004 - Biotransformation of resveratrol: synthesis of trans-dehydrodimers catalyzed by laccases from Myceliophtora thermophyla and from Trametes pubescens [Articolo su rivista]
S., Nicotra; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Mucci, Adele; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; S., Riva; Forti, Luca
abstract

Laccases from different sources have been used, for the first time, for the selective oxidation of the stilbenic phytoalexin transresveratrol (3,5,4´-trihydroxystilbene, 1a) on a preparative scale. Specifically, the enzymes from Myceliophtora thermophyla and from Trametes pubescens gave the dehydrodimer 2a in 31 and 18% isolated yields, respectively. These results compare favorably with the reported data for the chemically catalyzed dimerization of la (18% yields). The antioxidant properties of 2a have also been investigated.

2004 - Produzione di aromi e fragranze da impiegarsi in campo alimentare mediante biodegradazioni microbiche di terpeni [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Bondi, Moreno; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; A., Nadini; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Messi, Patrizia
abstract

2003 - Biodegradazioni microbiche di terpeni per la produzione di aromi e fragranze [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Bondi, Moreno; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; Nadini, A; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; Messi, Patrizia
abstract

2003 - Biotrasformazioni di terpeni mediate da batteri ambientali [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bondi, Moreno; Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; Messi, Patrizia; A., Nadini; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria
abstract

Negli ultimi anni si è avuto un incremento della produzione biotecnologica di aromi chimici naturali (NACs) legato alla richiesta, da parte dei consumatori, di prodotti biologici. L’interesse per gli aromi naturali rispetto a quelli ottenuti per sintesi chimica ha comportato un aumento della produzione “microbica” di bioaromi. Un aroma per essere definito “naturale” deve essere ottenuto da sostanze naturali attraverso trasformazioni biocatalitiche che utilizzino enzimi o microrganismi ed il prodotto finale deve essere identico ad una sostanza nota già presente in natura. Se lo stesso prodotto è ottenuto per sintesi chimica si può classificare come “natural identic”. I terpenoidi sono precursori naturali poco costosi, facilmente reperibili e rinnovabili e costituiscono il maggior gruppo di prodotti naturali con piu’ di 22.000 strutture conosciute. I monoterpeni, che sono ampiamente distribuiti in natura e sono fra i componenti principali degli olii essenziali di erbe, spezie e conifere, costituiscono una classe di substrati precursori molto utili e, dato il loro utilizzo nell’industria profumiera ed alimentare, sono prodotti di partenza ideali per la produzione biotecnologica di NACs.Sono note in letteratura diverse bioconversioni di monoterpeni per la produzione di aromi naturali con vari microorganismi, in particolare funghi e lieviti, mentre sono state meno sudiate le bioconversioni con batteri. In questo lavoro sono riportate le biotrasformazioni di citrale e carvone biocatalizzate da alcuni batteri ambientali: Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter lwoffi e Flavobacterium spp. In tutte le bioconversioni le uniche fonti di carbonio e di energia sono rappresentate dai monoterpeni. Pseudomonas putida riduce selettivamente il carvone a diidrocarvone, mentre Acinetobacter lwoffi, Flavobacterium spp. e Pseudomonas aeruginosa sono in grado di ridurre ulteriormente il prodotto a diidrocarveolo. Non vi è alcuna bioconversione né con la Pseudomonas cepacia nè con la Pseudomonas fluorescens. La citrale (miscela di nerale e geraniale) è ridotta a nerolo e geraniolo da Acinetobacter lwoffi mentre con Pseudomonas putida si ha un’ulteriore riduzione a citronellolo. La bioconversione con Flavobacterium spp è caratterizzata da un cammino riduttivo, che porta dapprima alla formazione di nerolo e geraniolo e successivamente a citronellolo, e da un cammino degradativo, in cui si ottiene il 6-metil-5-epten-2-one (un prodotto lineare di degradazione dei terpeni) nelle prime 24 ore e successivamente CO2 ed H2O. Lo stesso cammino degradativo si ha anche con Pseudomonas cepacia, con Pseudomonas fluorescens e con Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

2001 - Cyclization of citronellal to menthone and isomenthone catalyzed by Al/Fe-Pillared Clays [Articolo su rivista]
Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; Pagnoni, Ugo Maria; M., Vidali
abstract

The cyclization of citronellal to a mixture of menthone and isomenthone (2:1) is catalyzed by Al/Fe-Pillared Clay (Al/Fe-PILC) at 80 degreesC in 1,2-dichloroethane in good yield. At room temperature the products are isopulegol and neo-isopulegol, the isomer ratio depending on the reaction conditions.

1997 - Acetals by AlFe-pillared montmorillonite catalysis [Articolo su rivista]
Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; Ghelfi, Franco
abstract

AlFe-pillared montmorillonite is an efficient catalyst for acetals preparation in CH2Cl2 at room temperature

1997 - Reactivity of transition-metal-modified, Keggin-type heteropolycomplexes in the homogeneous oxidation of cyclohexane and adamantane [Articolo su rivista]
Cramarossa, Maria Rita; Forti, Luca; M. A., Fedotov; L. G., Detusheva; V. A., Likholobov; L. I., Kuznetsova; G. L., Semin; F., Cavani; F., Trifirò
abstract

The oxidation of cyclohexane and adamantane catalyzed by Keggin-type transition-metal-containing heteropolycomplexes (TMC-HPCs) is reported. The reactions were carried out at 20 degrees C in CCl4 or in CH2Cl2 as reaction solvent in the presence of t-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidizing agent. A radical chain mechanism of oxidation by t-BuOOH in the presence of molecular oxygen is proposed for all complexes tested, involving a R-H hydrogen atom abstraction by an intermediate active form of the TMC-HPC. Under the examined conditions molecular oxygen was necessary to initiate the reaction, The preparation of Co(II), Fe(III) and Cr(III)-HPC samples and their composition under reaction conditions are also discussed, based on P-31-NMR and W-VIS absorption spectra.

1993 - Synthesis and structural, thermal and electrical properties of piperazinium lodocuprates(I) [Articolo su rivista]
Corradi, A. B.; Cramarossa, M. R.; Manfredini, T.; Battaglia, L. P.; Pelosi, G.; Saccani, A.; Sandrolini, F.
abstract

The iodocuprate(I) systems [H-2pipz]2[Cu2I6].H2O 1 and [H-2pipz] [Cu2I4] 2 (L = pipz = piperazine) have been prepared and their structural, thermal and electrical properties investigated. Compound 1 is monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 8.609(3), b = 20.072(4), c = 13.763(4) angstrom, beta = 101.3(l)-degrees, Z = 4, R = 0.050. The crystal structure consists of organic cations, unco-ordinated water molecules and dimeric [Cu2I6]- anions composed of two CuI4 tetrahedra sharing a common edge. Hydrogen bonds between organic counter cations and water molecules are present. Compound 2 is triclinic, space group P1BAR, a = 7.559(3), b = 7.465(3), c = 6.826(3) angstrom, alpha = 68.1 (1 ), beta = 69.1 (1 ), gamma = 89.4(l)-degrees, Z = 1, R = 0.050. The crystal structure consists of organic dications and infinite chains of [CuI2]- units forming a one-dimensional polymer running along the [001] axis. The chains are composed of edge-sharing CuI4 tetrahedra. Hydrogen-bond interactions between organic counter cations and inorganic chains are present and contribute to the crystal packing. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements did not show the presence of any structural phase transitions. Electrical measurements revealed an essentially ionic mechanism of conduction, especially at high temperature, protons involved in the hydrogen bonds being the charge carriers.

Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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