| KEYWORD |
Area Engineering
The UV-Induced Maturation of Ergosterol into Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)
Thesis abroad
keywords ERGOSTEROL, FERMENTATION, FUNGI, VITAMIN D2
Reference persons FRANCESCA BOSCO
External reference persons Ing Carlos Gomez Camacho (EMPA)
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description Vitamin supplementation is crucial, particularly for people on specific diets that may provide lower levels of essential micronutrients, such as vitamin D. While the most studied form of vitamin D is D3 (cholecalciferol, primarily derived from animals), vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) has gained increasing attention due to its plant, algal or fungal-based origin, making it more suitable for alternative diets and for its potential use in food fortification. This thesis aims to conduct laboratory experiments to study the photochemical maturation of ergosterol into vitamin D2. The research will involve both in vivo studies (using different fungal species) and in vitro studies (using ergosterol extracted from fungi). The experimental work includes cultivating various fungal species, exposing mycelium, fruiting bodies, and ergosterol-rich fungal lipid extracts to UV radiation to observe the dynamics and kinetics of this conversion process.
Required skills • Biotechnology - fungi cultivation (high share of experimental work, detail-oriented required)
• Chemical Engineering – Extraction techniques
• Chemical Engineering – Advanced characterization techniques
Deadline 03/09/2025
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA