Genomic and Phenotypic Evaluation of Safety, Functionality, and Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria from enological origin

This thesis project involved the valorization of a collection of bacterial isolates from grape pomace with the aim of identifying strains with strong industrial and technological potential. To achieve this goal, screenings were conducted to identify enzymatic activities of technological relevance and the production of exopolysaccharides. Furthermore, the level of antibiotic resistance was assessed among a group of selected strains, which served as representatives of the dominant bacterial population in grape pomace, belonging to the species Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. This investigation aimed to evaluate the safety of the selected strains as potential commercial starters for food production. Lastly, a genomic analysis-based study was initiated to compare Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from different habitats and various geographic origins to understand the genetic basis of bacterial adaptation to the enological environment.