Banca de DEFESA: RUANA CELIA GOMES DE MORAIS COSTA

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : RUANA CELIA GOMES DE MORAIS COSTA
DATE: 29/08/2025
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: Auditório da direção EAJ - UFRN
TITLE:

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM ARTISANAL COALHO CHEESE IN THE SERIDÓ POTIGUAR REGION

KEY WORDS:

Metagenomic analysis; genetic diversity; raw milk; dairy microbiota; artisanal cheese; 16S rRNA sequencing.

PAGES: 52
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Zootecnia
SUBÁREA: Produção Animal
SUMMARY:

Artisanal coalho cheese is a food of great sociocultural and economic importance in Northeastern Brazil, especially in the Seridó Potiguar region. Produced with raw milk and through spontaneous fermentation, it develops an autochthonous microbiota that provides unique sensory characteristics. This study aimed to molecularly characterize the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microbiota in 32 samples from the region. Sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed after DNA extraction using magnetic beads, and metagenomic analysis identified 69 bacterial species distributed across 25 genera, with Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as the predominant phyla. Among Firmicutes, LAB of the genera Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus stood out, recognized for their technological relevance in acidification, exopolysaccharide production, modulation of texture and aroma, and inhibition of undesirable microorganisms. The presence of Proteobacteria, often associated with environmental contamination, indicated potential sanitary risks and reinforced the need for control measures along the production chain. The microbial diversity reflects the artisanal nature of the cheese, influenced by the semi-arid climate, animal management, Caatinga vegetation, and local practices, supporting the concept of microbial terroir. The results highlight the duality between identity valorization and the need for hygienic–sanitary standardization, recommending future research focused on targeted microbiota management and the systematic implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure product quality, food safety, and market expansion.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 2313454 - ADRIANO HENRIQUE DO NASCIMENTO RANGEL
Externa à Instituição - EMMANUELLA DE OLIVEIRA MOURA ARAÚJO
Externa ao Programa - 1760065 - KATYA ANAYA JACINTO SCATTONE - null