Dr. Salvatore Laudani is currently a PhD student in the first year of the PhD course in Chemical Sciences, with a fellowship of the Sicilian Region (PR FSE+ 2021-27). In collaboration with CREA of Acireale, he is carrying out a research project entitled “In-depth characterization of the seed molecular composition of autochthonous Sicilian genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)”; tutor: prof. Vincenzo Cunsolo. Graduated in 2024 (110/110 cum laude) in Chemical Sciences (curriculum in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry), at the University of Catania, disserting a thesis entitled “Proteomic analysis of blue lupin varieties (Lupinus angustifolius) through Shotgun approaches”. Dr. Laudani, in the same year, also obtained the qualification to practice the profession of Senior Chemist. Scientific skills: ESI mass spectrometry, n-ESI, and mass/mass spectrometry; liquid chromatography; RP-HPLC/ESI-MS; analysis of food protein mixtures by proteomic approaches and bioinformatics analyses. Informatics skills: Windows system and the main Office programs. Origin software, molecular modeling software, and software for bioinformatics analysis. Finale music writing software. Language skills: C2 certification in English, obtained in 2023. Other information: Dr. Laudani obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at the University of Catania in 2021, disserting a thesis entitled: "Study of some biological activities of hyaluronic acid bioconjugates". Graduated at the Conservatory "Vincenzo Bellini" of Catania in Clarinet in 2015, in the same year he obtained the 24 CFU (Ministerial Decree n.616, 10/8/2017) at the "Vincenzo Bellini" Music High School in Catania, and is currently included in the provincial and institute lists for teaching (classes: A029, A030, A053, AC55, AC56, A028, A034, A050).
Thesis title: In-depth characterization of the seed molecular composition of autochthonous Sicilian genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Keywords: Fenugreek, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Shotgun Approaches, Label-Free, Biologically active secondary metabolites
Abstract: Fenugreek is a very important spice herb showing many health-benefitting properties, that are mainly related to its protein composition. But also carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other low-molecular-mass compounds are associated with these benefits. This PhD project, in collaboration with CREA of Acireale, will aim to investigate the protein composition and the profile of biologically active secondary metabolites of different autochthonous Sicilian varieties of fenugreek, by MS-based methods and NMR. The outcome of these cross-comparisons may elucidate the variability between genotypes and improve breeding programs.
