Bacteriology and Mycology
Principal Investigator (PI)/Coordinator: Prof. Anna Maria Cuffini
Team
- Prof. Anna Maria Cuffini, Full Professor, Head of research team
- Prof. Vivian Tullio, Associate Professor
- Prof. Giuliana Banche, Associate Professor
- Prof. Narcisa Mandras, Associate Professor
- Prof. Valeria Allizond, Associate Professor
- Dr. Janira Roana, Technician
- Dr. Sara Comini, Biologist resident
- Dr. Lorenza Cavallo, Biologist resident
PI contacts
Prof. Anna Maria Cuffini
E-mail: annamaria.cuffini@unito.it
Phone: + 39 0116705638
Webex Room
Laboratorio di Batteriologia e Micologia, Sezione di Microbiologia, Via Santena 9, 10126 Torino
Research Activities
The research activity of the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Mycology is mainly focused on the complex interaction between aspecific immunity and antimicrobial agents (i.e. antibiotics, antifungals, essential oils, vegetal extracts) in combating bacterial and fungal infections. In particular, the study concerning the in vitro potential synergistic activity of antimicrobial compounds against pathogens (such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi) is carried out through the evaluation of their immunomodulating activity on primary functions of phagocytes (microbicidal activity, cytokine release, etc.) harvested from healthy subjects and immunocompromised patients.
In clinical field, the following researches are ongoing:
- Influence of dextran and chitosan nanoformulations (nanobubbles and nanodroplets), functionalized with antimicrobial agents, to counteract the growth of bacteria and fungi in the treatment of skin infections;
- Study of prosthetic biomaterial, modified with antimicrobials and calcium phosphates to enhance their antimicrobial properties by limiting microbial adhesion in periprosthetic infections and, at the same time, to promote osteointegration;
- Evaluation of the incidence and role of dermatophyte fungi, related molds and opportunistic fungi in mycotic infections affecting the immunocompromised patient;
- Studies of root canal disinfection and microbiological evaluation of therapeutic devices in the treatment of oral microbial infections.