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The Finnish Graduate School on
Applied Bioscience:
Bioengineering, Food & Nutrition, Environment
Annual Report 2008
Issued by the Board of the ABS Graduate School
Annual Report 2008
Issued by the Board of the ABS Graduate School
Annual Report 2008
Contents
Director´s Introduction .............................................................................................. 2
SUMMARY 2008 ..................................................................................................... 4
Organization .......................................................................................................... 4
Educational Programme ......................................................................................... 6
PhD Theses of ABS Students................................................................................. 7
Courses ............................................................................................................... 20
The Thirteenth Annual ABS Seminar for PhD Students ....................................... 22
Finance of the ABS Graduate School................................................................... 22
UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES................................................. 23
1. University of Helsinki ......................................................................................... 23
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry ..................................................................... 23
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology....................................... 23
Department of Food Technology ..................................................................... 34
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine ........................................................................... 41
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences ........................................................ 41
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene ............................................ 45
2. University of Kuopio ........................................................................................... 51
Faculty of Medicine ............................................................................................. 51
Department of Clinical Nutrition / Food and Health Research Centre, School of
Public Health and Clinical Nutrition ................................................................ 51
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences ................................................... 55
Department of Biosciences .............................................................................. 55
3. University of Turku ............................................................................................. 57
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences ...................................................... 57
Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry............................................ 57
4. Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) ........................................................... 60
Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Sciences ....................................................... 60
Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology................................. 60
5. MTT Agrifood Research Finland ......................................................................... 65
6. National Public Health Institute (KTL) ................................................................ 68
Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases ........................................ 68
Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention ................... 69
Department of Health and Functional Capacity ................................................ 70
7. Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira ................................................................... 72
Research Department ....................................................................................... 72
8. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland ......................................................... 74
The Associated Universities and Research Institutes of the ABS Graduate School ... 79
Director´s Introduction
It is unbelievable that more that 14
Academy of Finland. Our doctors have
years have passed from the starting
been employed well both in the
point of our Graduate School in the
academia and also in the enterprise
beginning of 1995. Time goes fast.
sector, as the labour market survey of
Even more amazing is that there are
doctors who graduated from the ABS
still many members of the original
Graduate School in the period 1995-
Management Board working today.
2007 showed. The total number of the
This indeed proves commitment and
graduated doctors was 182.
sense of responsibility towards training
of graduate students in Food Sciences.
It was rewarding to see that ABS
I would like to thank you all most
doctors had a positive view on the
sincerely!
effects of education. They commented
that
Respectful thoughts are aimed at the
the
doctoral
degree
had
contributed to an increase in salary and
founder members of the ABS Graduate
job requirements and had been a good
School, too. They were far-sighted in
investment for working life.
seeing the importance of co-operation
as a tool to improve the quality of
When ABS doctors were asked, how
training of PhD students and the
the education should be developed,
Ministry of Education made it possible
their placement in working life had an
in 1995. Since then, the ABS School
effect on the answer. Doctors working
has had training posts. In fact, we have
in universities tend to face different
had more ABS-funded students than
expectations than doctors working in
we have had training posts, as many
private enterprise, and doctors working
students have started their PhD studies
in research or planning are required to
with funding from some other source.
have
a
different
qualifications
In my opinion, we can truthfully say
that
the
ABS
School
has
orientation
from
those
and
in
management tasks. This will be a
been
challenge
successful and this has also been the
for
the ABS
Graduate
School also in the coming years.
opinion of the evaluators of the
2
The employers who took part in this
director of the School was elected on
survey said that doctors produce image
the 4th of June. He is professor Hannu
value for the enterprise or organisation.
Korkeala from the Department of Food
However, work requirements, not a
and Environmental Hygiene in the
doctoral
Faculty
degree,
are
decisive
in
of
Veterinary
Medicine.
defining wages. Any exact estimation
Professor Hely Tuorila (Department of
of how many ABS doctors will be
Food
hired in the future cannot be done, but
Agriculture and Forestry) was elected
preparedness for recruitment exists in
as vice-director of the School in the
the enterprises and organisations.
same meeting of the Management
Technology,
Faculty
of
Board.
At the end of 2008 the ABS School
had 175 registered students and 95
I thank all the members of the
supervisors
Management Board, all supervisors
accepted
by
the
Management Board. In 2008, 26
and
coordinators
doctoral theses were finalised, 8 of
cooperation. From the bottom of my
which were graded "approved with
heart,
distinction" (30 %). This fact can be
Directors as well as the PhD students,
regarded as an indication of the
every success.
I
wish
the
for
ABS
excellent
School,
excellent quality of education and
supervision.
16 new four-year training posts, which
Lea Hyvönen
Professor (Food Technology)
Director of the School (1.1.199631.8.2009)
Professor (Food Technology)
Director of the School
were granted to the ABS School this
year ares a source of more good news.
Announcement
of the
posts
was
advertised in June and decisions will
be made in late autumn 2009.
As I shall take retirement from my
professorship in Food Technology in
the University of Helsinki at the end of
2009, I left my duties at the ABS
School at the end of August. A new
3
SUMMARY 2008
Organization
The ABS Graduate School is subordinate to the University of Helsinki. The Director
was Professor Lea Hyvönen (Food Technology). Professor Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen
(Microbiology) acted as the Vice-Director until December 9th, 2008. MSc. Laila
Huumonen was the coordinator of the School, and she was also the secretary of the
Management Board.
The highest authority in the ABS Graduate School is held by the Management Board
(MB), where each associated university and research institute is represented (the
addresses on pages 79-83). The Management Board had one meeting during the year
2008. Professor Kaisa Poutanen was elected as an ordinary member of Management
Board to take the place of Professor Juha Ahvenainen who wanted to withdraw from
the Management Board. Professor Vieno Piironen and Professor Anu KaukovirtaNorja were elected as new deputy members. The members of the Management Board
and associated universities and the research institutes of the ABS Graduate School
are:
Universities
1. University of Helsinki
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
Department of Food Technology
MB: Prof. Lea Hyvönen / Prof. Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen until December 9th, 2008
Professor Vieno Piironen as a depyty member since December 9th, 2008
Coordinator: MSc. Laila Huumonen
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences
Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology
Division of Pathology and Parasitology
Division of Veterinary Physiology
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene
MB: Prof. Airi Palva / Prof. Hannu Korkeala
2. University of Kuopio
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Nutrition
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Department of Biosciences
Institute of Applied Biotechnology
MB: Prof. Hannu Mykkänen / Prof. Atte von Wright
4
3. University of Turku
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry
MB: Prof. Heikki Kallio / Prof. Seppo Salminen
4. Helsinki University of Technology
Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Sciences
Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology
Applied Biochemistry
Applied Microbiology
Bioprocess Engineering
MB: Prof. Katrina Nordström / Prof. Matti Leisola
Research institutes
5. MTT Agrifood Research Finland
MB: Prof. Hannu Korhonen / Anne Pihlanto, Ph.D.
6. National Public Health Institute (KTL)
Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases
Enteric Bacteria Laboratory
Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention
Nutrition Unit
Department of Health and Functional Capacity
Biomarker Laboratory
MB: Doc. Liisa Valsta / Prof. Anja Siitonen
7. Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira
Research Department
MB: Prof. Tuula Honkanen-Buzalski / Prof. Vesa Myllys
8. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
MB: Prof. Juha Ahvenainen / Prof. Kaisa Poutanen until December 9th, 2008
Prof. Kaisa Poutanen / Prof. Anu Kaukovirta-Norja since December 9th, 2008
5
Educational Programme
The ABS Graduate School (Applied Bioscience: Bioengineering, Food & Nutrition,
Environment) was established in 1995 as a partnership between the institutions of four
universities and four research institutes. The training of PhD students takes mainly
place in research groups. The aim of the ABS Graduate School is to offer high quality
training for students aiming at a doctor’s degree at a nationwide level. The strengths
of the School are the multidisciplinary scientific approach, the interaction with the
relevant business and social sectors, and international activities. The education offered
by the School is focused on food and nutrition, food-related technologies, sustainable
management of the environment and utilization of natural resources.
There were 165 students registered in the School in 2008, at different stages of their
studies for doctor’s degree. In the beginning of 1995 20 students could start their
doctoral studies with a four-year grant. In the beginning of 1998 five new four-year
grants were awarded to our students. The new four-year period began in 1999 when
15 grants were awarded to the School. In the beginning of 2002 the School received
eight new four-year grants. In 2003 the School got funding for 19 new four-year
positions for the period of 2003-2006. These 19 four-year grants were divided up
among 29 students because many applicants had already started their postgraduate
studies and needed shorter funding period than four years. In the beginning of 2006
six new four-year grants were divided up among 16 students. For the period 20072009 the School got funding for 19 three-year student positions and these positions
were divided up among 29 students. In addition to these grants funded by the Ministry
of Education, the ABS Graduate School has had three grants funded by the Academy
of Finland. Other students are funded by the universities, research institutes, the
Academy of Finland, research groups, through EU programmes, through TEKES
programmes, private foundations and by food industry.
There were 33 ABS students funded by the Ministry of Education in the School in
2008. Twenty six ABS students finished their PhD theses by the end of 2008.
Seventeen of these were ABS-funded students. Nineteen new students were registered
in the School in 2008. The School had 95 major supervisors (ABS supervisors)
responsible for the training of the students in 2008.
The requirements for doctor’s degree are those established by the associated
university in which the student is registered for a doctor’s degree. The criteria when
choosing the students to the School were previous success in graduate and in post
graduate studies, field of research within the scope of the ABS School, and the quality
of research plan written by the student.
6
PhD Theses of ABS Students
Aarnisalo Kaarina. Equipment hygiene and risk assessment measures as tools in the
prevention of Listeria monocytogenes -contamination in food processes. Helsinki
University of Technology. 101 p. and appendices.
I Aarnisalo, K., Tallavaara, K., Wirtanen, G., Maijala, R., and Raaska, L. 2006. The
hygienic working practices of maintenance personnel and equipment hygiene in the
Finnish food industry. Food Control 17: 1001-1011.
II Aarnisalo, K., Autio, T., Sjöberg, A.-M., Lundén, J., Korkeala, H., and Suihko,
M.-L. 2003. Typing of Listeria monocytogenes isolates originating from the food
processing industry with automated ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Journal of Food Protection 66 (2): 249-255.
III Aarnisalo, K., Raaska, L., and Wirtanen, G. 2007. Survival and growth of Listeria
monocytogenes in lubricants used in the food industry. Food Control 18: 1019-1025.
IV Aarnisalo, K., Lundén, J., Korkeala, H., and Wirtanen, G. 2007. Susceptibility of
Listeria monocytogenes strains to disinfectants and chlorinated alkaline cleaners at
cold temperatures. LWT Food Science and Technology 40: 1041-1048.
V Aarnisalo, K., Sheen, S., Raaska, L., and Tamplin, M. 2007. Modelling transfer of
Listeria monocytogenes during slicing of .gravad. salmon. International Journal of
Food Microbiology 118: 69-78.
VI Aarnisalo, K., Vihavainen, E., Rantala, L., Maijala, R., Suihko, M.-L., Hielm, S.,
Tuominen, P., Ranta, J., and Raaska, L. Use of results of microbiological analyses for
risk-based control of Listeria monocytogenes in marinated broiler legs. International
Journal of Food Microbiology. In press.
Constantin Camelia. Cereulide producing Bacillus cereus and amylosin producing
Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus mojavensis: Characterization of strains and
toxigenicities. University of Helsinki. 88 p. and appendices.
I Häggblom, M., Apetroaie, C., Andersson, M., and Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2002.
Quantitative analysis of cereulide, the emetic toxin of Bacillus cereus, produced under
different conditions. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 68 (5): 2479-2483.
II Apetroaie, C., Andersson, M., Spröer, C., Tsitko, I., Shaheen, R., Jääskeläinen, E.,
Wijnands, L., Heikkilä, R., and Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2005. Cereulide producing
strains of Bacillus cereus show diversity. Archives of Microbiology 184 (3):
141-151.
III Apetroaie-Constantin, C., Shaheen, R., Andrup, L., Smidt, L., Rita, H., and
Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2008 Environment driven cereulide production by emetic
strains of Bacillus cereus. International Journal of Food Microbiology 127: 60-67.
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IV Apetroaie-Constantin, C., Mikkola, R., Andersson, M., Teplova, V., Suominen, I.,
Johansson, T., Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2008. Food and food poisoning strains from
Bacillus subtilis group produce the heat stable toxin, amylosin. Journal of Applied
Microbiology. In press.
Hakovirta Janetta. Modern techniques in detection, identification and quantification
of bacteria and peptides from foods. University of Helsinki. 44 p. and appendices.
I Kim, Y., Jett, J.H., Larson, E. J., Penttila, J.R., Marrone, B.L., , and Keller, R.A..
1999. Bacterial fingerprinting by flow cytometry: bacterial species discrimination.
Cytometry 36: 324-332.
II Larson, E.J., Hakovirta, J.R., Jett, J.H., Burde, S., Keller, R.A., and Marrone,
B.L. 2000. Rapid DNA fingerprinting of pathogens by flow cytometry. Cytometry 41:
203-208.
III Velappan, N., Snodgrass, J.L., Hakovirta, J.R, Marrone, B.L., and Burde, S. 2001.
Rapid identification of pathogenic bacteria by single-enzyme amplifi ed fragment
length polymorphism analysis. Diagn. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 39: 77-83.
IV Hakovirta, J., Reunanen, J., and Saris, P.E.J. 2006. Bioassay for nisin in milk,
processed cheese, salad dressings, canned tomatoes, and liquid egg products. Appl.
Environ. Microbiol. 72: 1001-1005.
V Hakovirta, J.R., Hoornstra, D., Salkinoja-Salonen, M.S., and Saris, P.E.J. 2008.
Microfl ora of customer returned wines – mitochondriotoxin producing Bacillus
simplex in wine. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Submitted.
Halttunen Teemu. Removal of cadmium , lead and arsenic from water by lactic acid
bacteria. Universtity of Turku. 96 p. and appendices.
I Halttunen, T., Kankaanpää, P., Tahvonen, R., Salminen, S., and Ouwehand, A.
2003. Cadmium removal by lactic acid bacteria. Bioscience and Microflora 22 (3):
93-97.
II Halttunen, T., Tahvonen, R., and Salminen, S. 2007. Rapid removal of cadmium
and lead from water by specific lactic acid bacteria. International Journal of Food
Microbiology 114 (1): 30-35.
III Halttunen, T., Finell, M., and Salminen, S. 2007. Arsenic removal by native and
chemically modified lactic acid bacteria. International Journal of Food Microbiology
120 (1-2): 173-178.
IV Halttunen, T., Collado, M.C., El-Nezami, H., Meriluoto, J., and Salminen, S. 2007.
Combining strains of lactic acid bacteria may reduce their toxin and heavy metal
8
removal capacity. Letters in Applied
doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2007.02276.x.
Microbiology.
Available
online
V Halttunen, T., Salminen, S., Meriluoto, J., and Tahvonen, R. 2007. Reversible
surface binding of cadmium and lead by lactic acid and bifidobacteria. Submitted.
Heikinheimo Annamari. Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of cpe-positive
Clostridium perfringens type A. University of Helsinki. 76 p. and appendices.
I Heikinheimo, A., Lindström, M., and Korkeala, H. 2004. Enumeration and isolation
of cpe-positive Clostridium perfringens spores from feces. J. Clin. Microbiol. 42:
3992-3997.
II Heikinheimo, A., and Korkeala, H. 2005. Multiplex PCR assay for toxinotyping
Clostridium perfringens isolates obtained from Finnish broiler chickens. Lett. Appl.
Microbiol. 40: 407-411.
III Keto-Timonen, R., Heikinheimo, A., Eerola, E., and Korkeala, H. 2006.
Identification of Clostridium species and DNA fingerprinting of Clostridium
perfringens by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. J. Clin. Microbiol.
44: 4057-4065.
IV Heikinheimo, A., Lindström, M., Granum, P.E., and Korkeala, H. 2006. Humans
as reservoir for enterotoxin gene-carrying Clostridium perfringens type A. Emerg.
Infect. Dis. 12: 1724-1729.
V Lahti, P., Heikinheimo, A., Johansson, T., and Korkeala, H. 2008. Clostridium
perfringens type A isolates carrying plasmid-borne enterotoxin gene (genotypes
IS1151-cpe or IS1470-like-cpe) are a common cause of food poisonings. J. Clin.
Microbiol. 46: 371-373.
Häkkinen Suvi. A functional genomics approach to the study of alkaloid biosynthesis
and metabolism in Nicotiana tabacum and Hyoscyamus muticus cell cultures.
Helsinki University of Technology. 90 p. and appendices.
I Goossens, A., Häkkinen, S.T., Laakso, I., Seppänen-Laakso, T., Biondi, S., De
Sutter, V., Lammertyn, F., Nuutila, A.M., Söderlund, H., Zabeau, M., Inzé, D., and
Oksman-Caldentey, K.-M. 2003 a. A functional genomics approach toward the
understanding of secondary metabolism in plant cells. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 100:
8595-8600.
II Häkkinen, S.T., Rischer, H., Laakso, I., Maaheimo, H., Seppänen-Laakso, T., and
Oksman-Caldentey, K.-M. 2004. Anatalline and other methyl jasmonate inducible
nicotine alkaloids from Nicotiana tabacum cv. BY-2 cell cultures. Planta Med. 70:
936-941.
9
III Häkkinen, S.T., Tilleman, S., Wi tek, A., De Sutter, V., Rischer, H., Vanhoutte, I.,
Van Onckelen, H., Hilson, P., Inzé, D., Oksman-Caldentey, K.-M., and Goossens, A.
2007. Functional characterisation of genes involved in pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis
in tobacco. Phytochemistry 68: 2773-2785.
IV Häkkinen, S.T., Moyano, E., Cusidó, R.M., Palazón, J., Piñol, M.T., and OksmanCaldentey, K.-M. 2005. Enhanced secretion of tropane alkaloids in Nicotiana
tabacum hairy roots expressing heterologous hyoscyamine-6 -hydroxylase. J. Exp.
Bot. 56: 2611-2618.
V Goossens, A., Häkkinen, S.T., Laakso, I., Oksman-Caldentey, K.-M., and Inzé, D.
2003 b. Secretion of secondary metabolites by ATPbinding cassette transporters in
plant cell suspension cultures. Plant Physiol. 131: 1161-1164.
Jääskeläinen Elina. Assessment and control of Bacillus cereus emetic toxin in food.
University of Helsinki. 74 p. and appendices.
I Andersson, M., Jääskeläinen, E., Shaheen, R., Pirhonen, T., Wijnands, L., and
Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2004. Sperm bioassay for rapid detection of
cereulideproducing Bacillus cereus in food and related environments. International
Journal of Food Microbiology. 94: 175-183.
II Jääskeläinen, E., Häggblom, M., Andersson, M., Vanne, L., and Salkinoja-Salonen,
M. 2003. Potential of Bacillus cereus for producing emetic toxin, cereulide, in bakery
products: quantitative analysis by chemical and biological methods. Journal of Food
Protection. 66: 1047-1054.
III Jääskeläinen, E., Teplova, V., Andersson, M., Andersson, L.C., Tammela, P.,
Andersson, M.C., Pirhonen, T.I., Saris, N.-E.L., Vuorela, P., and Salkinoja- Salonen,
M.S. 2003. In vitro assay for human toxicity of cereulide, the emetic mitochondrial
toxin produced by food poisoning Bacillus cereus. Toxicology in Vitro 17: 737-744.
IV Jääskeläinen, E.L., Häggblom, M.M., Andersson, M.A., and Salkinoja-Salonen,
M.S. 2004. Atmospheric oxygen and other conditions affecting the production of
cereulide by Bacillus cereus in food. International Journal of Food Microbiology 96:
75-83.
Kariluoto Susanna. Folates in rye: Determination and enhancement by food
processing. University of Helsinki. 86 p. and appendices.
I Kariluoto, M.S., Vahteristo, L T., and Piironen, I.V. 2001. Applicability of
microbiological assay and affinity chromatographic purification followed by high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in studying folate contents in rye.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 81: 938-942.
10
II Kariluoto, S., Vahteristo, L., Salovaara, H., Katina, K., Liukkonen, K.-H, and
Piironen, V. 2004. Effect of baking method and fermentation on folate content of rye
and wheat breads. Cereal Chemistry 81: 134-139.
III Kariluoto, S., Aittamaa, M., Korhola, M., Salovaara, H., Vahteristo, L., and
Piironen, V. 2006. Effects of yeasts and bacteria on the levels of folates in rye
sourdoughs. International Journal of Food Microbiology 106: 137-143.
IV Kariluoto, S., Liukkonen, K.-H, Myllymäki, O., Vahteristo, L., Kaukovirta-Norja,
A., and Piironen, V. 2006. Effect of germination and thermal treatments on folates in
rye. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 54: 9522-9528.
V Vahteristo, L., Kariluoto, S., Bärlund, S., Kärkkäinen, M., Lamberg-Allardt, C.,
Salovaara, H., and Piironen, V. 2002. Functionality of endogenous folates from rye
and orange juice using human in vivo model. European Journal of Nutrition 41:
271-278.
Kemmo Suvi. HPLC analysis of plant sterol oxidation products. University of
Helsinki. 72 p. and appendices.
I Säynäjoki, S., Sundberg, S., Soupas, L., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2003.
Determination of stigmasterol primary oxidation products by high-performance liquid
chromatography. Food Chem. 80: 415-421.
II Kemmo, S., Soupas, L., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2005. Formation and
decomposition of stigmasterol hydroperoxides and secondary oxidation products
during thermo-oxidation. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 107: 805-814.
III Kemmo, S., Ollilainen, V., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2007. Determination of
stigmasterol and cholesterol oxides using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization
liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Food Chem. 101: 1438-1445.
IV Kemmo, S., Ollilainen, V., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2007. Liquid
chromatography mass spectrometry for plant sterol oxide determination in complex
mixtures. Eur. Food Res. Technol. Online.
Keskitalo Kaisu. A matter of taste. Genetic and environmental influences on
responses to sweetness. University of Helsinki. 77 p. and appendices.
I Keskitalo, K., Silventoinen, K., Tuorila, H., Perola, M., Pietiläinen, K. H., Rissanen,
A., and Kaprio, J. 2008. Genetic and environmental contributions to food use patterns
of young adult twins. Physiology & Behavior 93: 235-242.
II Keskitalo, K., Knaapila, A., Kallela, M., Palotie, A., Wessman, M., Sammalisto, S.,
Peltonen, L., Tuorila, H., and Perola, M. 2007. Sweet taste preferences are partly
11
genetically determined: identification of a trait locus on chromosome 16. American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition 86: 55-63.
III Keskitalo, K., Tuorila, H., Spector, T.D., Cherkas, L.F, Knaapila, A., Silventoinen,
K., and Perola, M. 2007. Same genetic components underlie different measures of
sweet taste preference. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 86: 1663-1669.
IV Keskitalo, K., Tuorila, H., Spector, T.D, Cherkas, L.F, Knaapila, A., Kaprio, J.,
Silventoinen, K., and Perola, M. 2008. Three-factor eating questionnaire, body mass
index, and fatty foods: a twin study of genetic and environmental associations.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 88: 267-271.
Keto-Timonen Riikka. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis in strain
typing and identification of Listeria and Clostridium species. University of Helsinki.
92 p. and appendices.
I Keto-Timonen, R., Autio, T., and Korkeala, H. 2003. An improved amplified
fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) protocol for discrimination of Listeria
isolates. System. Appl. Microbiol. 26: 236-244.
II Keto-Timonen, R., Nevas, M., and Korkeala, H. 2005. Efficient DNA
fingerprinting of Clostridium botulinum types A, B, E, and F by amplified fragment
length polymorphism analysis. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 71: 1148-1154.
III Keto-Timonen, R., Heikinheimo, A., Eerola, E., and Korkeala, H. 2006.
Identification of Clostridium species and DNA fingerprinting of Clostridium
perfringens by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. J. Clin. Microbiol.
44: 4057-4065.
IV Keto-Timonen, R., Tolvanen, R., Lundén, J., and Korkeala, H. 2007. An 8-year
surveillance of the diversity and persistence of Listeria monocytogenes in a chilled
food processing plant analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism. J. Food.
Prot. 70: 1866-1873.
V Autio, T., Keto-Timonen, R., Lundén, J., Björkroth, J., and Korkeala, H. 2003.
Characterization of persistent and sporadic Listeria monocytogenes strains by pulsedfield gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and amplified fragment length polymorphism
(AFLP). System. Appl. Microbiol. 26: 539-545.
Knaapila Antti. Genetic and environmental influences on human responses to odors.
University of Helsinki. 76 p. and appendices.
I Knaapila, A., Keskitalo, K., Kallela, M., Wessman, M., Sammalisto, S.,
Hiekkalinna, T., Palotie, A., Peltonen, L., Tuorila, H., and Perola, M. 2007. Genetic
component of identification, intensity and pleasantness of odours: a Finnish family
study. European Journal of Human Genetics 15 (5): 596-602.
12
II Knaapila, A., Tuorila, H., Silventoinen, K., Wright, M.J., Kyvik, K.O., Cherkas,
L.F., Keskitalo, K., Hansen, J., Martin, N.G., Spector, T.D., Kaprio, J., and Perola, M.
2008. Genetic and environmental contributions to perceived intensity and
pleasantness of androstenone odor: an international twin study. Chemosensory
Perception 1 (1): 34-42.
III Knaapila, A., Tuorila, H., Silventoinen, K., Wright, M.J., Kyvik, K.O., Keskitalo,
K., Hansen, J., Kaprio, J., and Perola, M. 2008. Environmental effects exceed genetic
effects on perceived intensity and pleasantness of several odors: a three-population
twin study. Behavior Genetics 38 (5): 484-492.
IV Knaapila, A., Tuorila, H., Kyvik, K.O., Wright, M.J., Keskitalo, K., Hansen, J.,
Kaprio, J., Perola, M., and Silventoinen, K. 2008. Self-ratings of olfactory function
reflect odor annoyance rather than olfactory acuity. Laryngoscope 118 (12):
2212-2217.
Laaksonen Marika. Associations of gene polymorphisms and nutrition with calcium
homeostasis and bone mineral density. - Studies on skeletal nutrigenetics. University
of Helsinki. 116 p. and appendices.
I Laaksonen, M.M.L., Impivaara, O., Viikari, J.S.A., Sievänen, H., Lehtimäki, T.J.,
Lamberg-Allardt, C.J.E., Kärkkäinen, M.U.M., Välimäki, M., Heikkinen, J., Kröger,
L.M., Kröger, H.P.J., Jurvelin, J.S., Kähönen, M.A.P., Raitakari, O.T., and the
Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study Group. Associations of genetic lactase
non-persistence and sex with bone loss in young adulthood. Bone. Submitted.
II Laaksonen, M., Kärkkäinen, M., Outila, T., Rita, H., and Lamberg-Allardt, C. 2004.
Vitamin D receptor gene start codon polymorphism (FokI) is associated with forearm
bone mineral density and calcaneal ultrasound in Finnish adolescent boys but not in
girls. J. Bone Miner. Metab. 22: 479-485.
III Laaksonen, M., Kärkkäinen, M., Outila, T., Vanninen, T., Ray, C., and LambergAllardt, C. 2002. Vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphism in Finnish
premenopausal and postmenopausal women: its association with bone mineral
density, markers of bone turnover and intestinal calcium absorption, with adjustment
for lifestyle factors. J. Bone Miner. Metab. 20: 383-390.
IV Laaksonen, M.M.L., Outila, T.A., Kärkkäinen, M.U.M., Kemi, V.E., Rita, H.J.,
Valsta, L., Perola, M., and Lamberg-Allardt, C.J.E. The associations of vitamin D
receptor, calciumsensing receptor and parathyroid hormone gene polymorphisms with
calcium homeostasis and peripheral bone density in adult Finns. Journal of
Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics. In revision.
Mager Ursula. The role of ghrelin in obesity and insulin resistance. University of
Kuopio. 123 p. and appendices.
13
I Mager, U., Lindi, V., Lindström, J., Eriksson, J.G., Valle, T.T., Hämäläinen, H.,
Ilanne-Parikka, P., Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, S., Tuomilehto J., Laakso, M.,
Pulkkinen, L., and Uusitupa, M. for the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study Group.
2006. Association of the Leu72Met polymorphism of the ghrelin gene with the risk of
Type 2 diabetes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance in the Finnish Diabetes
Prevention Study. Diabet. Med. 23 (6): 685-689.
II Mager, U., Kolehmainen, M., Lindström, J., Eriksson, J.G., Valle, T.T.,
Hämäläinen, H., Ilanne-Parikka, P., Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, S., Tuomilehto, J.O.,
Pulkkinen, L., and Uusitupa, M.I. for the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study Group.
2006.b Association between ghrelin gene variations and blood pressure in subjects
with impaired glucose tolerance. Am. J. Hypertens.19 (9): 920-926.
III Mager, U., Degenhardt, T., Pulkkinen, L., Kolehmainen, M., Tolppanen, A.-M.,
Lindström, J., Eriksson J., Carlberg ,C., Tuomilehto, J., and Uusitupa, M. for the
Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study Group. Variations in the ghrelin receptor gene
associate with obesity and glucose metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose
tolerance. PLoS ONE. Submitted.
IV Mager, U., Kolehmainen, M., de Mello, V.D.F., Schwab, U., Laaksonen, D.E.,
Rauramaa, R., Gylling, H., Atalay, M., Pulkkinen, L., and Uusitupa, M. 2008.
Expression of ghrelin gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma ghrelin
concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome. Eur. J. Endocrinol. 158 (4):
499-510.
Mertanen Enni. Ravintolaruoka asiakkaiden, ravintolakeittiön ja ravitsemuksen
näkökulmasta. University of Kuopio. 312 p. and appendices. Monograph.
Mikkilä Vera. Diet and the development of atherosclerosis: a whole-diet approach
from childhood to adulthood. University of Helsinki. 90 p. and appendices.
I Mikkilä, V., Räsänen, L., Raitakari, O.T., Pietinen, P., and Viikari, J. 2004.
Longitudinal changes in diet from childhood into adulthood with respect to
cardiovascular diseases: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study. Eur. J. Clin.
Nutr .58: 1038-1045.
II Mikkilä, V., Räsänen, L., Raitakari, O.T., Pietinen, P., and Viikari, J. 2005.
Consistent dietary patterns identified from childhood to adulthood: the Cardiovascular
Risk in Young Finns Study. Br. J. Nutr. 93: 923-931.
III Mikkilä, V., Räsänen, L., Raitakari, O.T., Marniemi, J., Pietinen, P., Rönnemaa,
T., and Viikari, J. 2007. Longitudinal analysis on the associations between dietary
patterns and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Br. J. Nutr. 98: 218-225.
IV Mikkilä, V., Räsänen, R., Laaksonen, M.M.L., Juonala, M., Viikari, J., Pietinen,
P., and Raitakari, O.T. Long-term dietary patterns, energy intake distribution and
14
carotid artery intima media thickness: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.
Submitted.
Muukka Eija. Luomun tie päiväkotiin: Luomuruokailun toteutettavuus ja
ravitsemuksellinen merkitys päiväkotilapsille. University of Kuopio. 168 p. and
appendices. Monograph.
Pakarinen Jaakko. Impact of the human bacterial environment on mycobacteriosis
and allergy. University of Helsinki. 80 p. and appendices.
I Nieminen, T., Pakarinen, J., Tsitko, I., Salkinoja-Salonen, M., Breitenstein, A., AliVehmas, T., and Neubauer, P. 2006. 16S rRNA targeted sandwich hybridization
method for direct quantification of mycobacteria in soils. Journal of Microbiological
Methods 67: 44-55.
II Pakarinen, J., Nieminen, T., Tirkkonen, T., Tsitk, I., Ali-Vehmas, T., Neubauer, P.,
Salkinoja-Salonen, M.S. 2007. Proliferation of mycobacteria in a piggery
environment revealed by Mycobacterium specific real-time quantitative PCR and 16S
rRNA sandwich hybridization. Veterinary Microbiology 120: 105-112.
III Alenius, H., Pakarinen, J., Saris, O., Andersson, M., Leino, M., Niemelä, J.,
Matikainen, S., Wolff, H., von Hertzen, L., Mäkelä, M., Haahtela, T., and SalkinojaSalonen, M. 2008. Contrasting immunological effects of two disparate dusts
preliminary observations. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology. In
press.
IV Pakarinen, J., Hyvärinen, A., Salkinoja-Salonen, M., Laitinen, S., Nevalainen, A.,
Mäkelä, M.J., Haahtela, T., and von Hertzen, L. 2008. Predominance of Grampositive bacteria in house dust in the low-allergy risk Russian Karelia. Environmental
Microbiology. DOI 10.1111/j.14622920.2008.01723.x.
Partanen Riitta. Helsinki University of Technology. 92 p. and appendices.
I Partanen, R., Marie, V., MacNaughtan, W., Forssell, P., and Farhat, I. 2004. 1H
NMR study of amylose films plasticised by glycerol and water. Carbohydrate
Polymers 56: 147-155.
II Partanen, R., Yoshii, H., Kallio, H., Yang, B., and Forssell, P. 2002. Encapsulation
of sea buckthorn kernel oil in modified starches. JAOCS 79 (3): 219-223.
III Partanen, R., Hakala, P., Sjövall, O., Kallio, H., and Forssell, P. 2005. Effect of
relative humidity on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated sea buckthorn seed
oil. Journal of Food Science 70 (1): E37-E43.
15
IV Partanen, R., Raula, J., Seppänen, R., Buchert, J., Kauppinen, E., and Forssell, P.
2008. The effect of relative humidity on oxidation of flaxseed oil in spray dried whey
protein emulsions. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56: 5717-5722.
V Partanen, R., Ahro, M., Hakala, M., Kallio, H., and Forssell, P. 2002.
Microencapsulation of caraway extract in -cyclodextrin and modified starches.
European Food Research and Technology 214: 242-247.
Rajakangas-Tolsa Johanna. Diet, cell signalling, and intestinal tumourigenesis in
multiple intestinal neoplasia mice. University of Helsinki. 85 p. and appendices.
I Rajakangas, J., Basu, S, Salminen, I., and Mutanen, M. 2003. Adenoma growth
stimulation by the trans-10, cis-12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is
associated with changes in mucosal NF- B and cyclin D1 protein levels in the Min
mouse. J. Nutr. 133: 1943-1948.
II Pajari, A.-M., Rajakangas, J., Päivärinta, E., Kosma, V.-M., Rafter, J., and
Mutanen, M. 2003. Promotion of intestinal tumor formation by inulin is associated
with an accumulation of cytosolic -catenin in Min mice. Int. J. Cancer 106: 653-660.
III Rajakangas, J., Pajari, A.-M., Misikangas, M., and Mutanen, M. 2006. Nuclear
factor B is downregulated and correlates with p53 in the Min mouse mucosa during
an accelerated tumor growth. Int. J. Cancer 118: 279-283.
IV Rajakangas, J., Misikangas, M., Päivärinta, E., and Mutanen, M. Chemoprevention
by white currant reduces nuclear -catenin and NF- B levels in adenomas of Min
mice. Eur. J. Nutr. Revised version submitted.
Rokka Susanna. Bovine colostral antibodies and selected lactobacilli as means to
control gastrointestinal infections. University of Turku. 73 p. and appendices.
I Rokka, S., Marnila, P., Nousiainen, J., and Korhonen, H. 2001. Colostral whey
concentrate supplement increases complement activity in the sera of neonatal calves.
Journal of Dairy Research 68: 357-367.
II Marnila, P., Rokka, S., Rehnberg-Laiho,L., Kärkkainen, P., Kosunen, T.U.,
Rautelin, H., Hänninen, M.-L., Syväoja, E.-L., and Korhonen, H.J.T. 2003. Prevention
and suppression of Helicobacter felis infection in mice using colostral preparation
with specific antibodies. Helicobacter 8: 192-201.
III Wei, H., Loimaranta, V., Tenovuo, J., Rokka, S., Syväoja, E.-L., Korhonen, H.,
Joutsjoki, V., and Marnila, P. 2002. Stability and activity of specific antibodies
against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus in bovine milk fermented
with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG or treated at ultra-high temperature. Oral
Microbiology and Immunology 17: 9-15.
16
IV Rokka, S., Pihlanto, A., Korhonen, H., and Joutsjoki, V. 2006. In vitro growth
inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by lactobacilli belonging to the Lactobacillus
plantarum group. Letters in Applied Microbiology 43: 508-513.
V Rokka, S., Myllykangas, S., and Joutsjoki, V. 2008. Effect of specific colostral
antibodies and selected lactobacilli on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori on AGS
cells and the Helicobacter induced IL-8 production. Scandinavian Journal of
Immunology 68: 280-286.
Selinheimo Emilia. Helsinki University of Technology. 114 p. and appendices.
I Selinheimo, E., Saloheimo, M., Ahola, E., Westerholm-Parvinen, A., Kalkkinen, N.,
Buchert, J., and Kruus, K. 2006. Production and characterization of a secreted, Cterminally processed tyrosinase from the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei.
FEBS J. 273: 4322-4335.
II Selinheimo, E., Nieidhin, D., Steffensen, C., Nielsen, J., Lomascolo, A., Halaouli,
S., Record, E., O.beirne, D., Buchert, J., and Kruus, K. 2007. Comparison of the
characteristics of fungal and plant tyrosinases. J. Biotechnol. 130: 471-480.
III Selinheimo, E., Lampila, P., Mattinen, M.-L., and Buchert, J. 2008. Formation of
protein-oligosaccharide conjugates by laccase and tyrosinase. J. Agric. Food Chem.
56: 3118-3128.
IV Selinheimo, E., Kruus, K., Buchert, J., Hopia, A., and Autio, K. 2006. Effects of
laccase, xylanase and their combination on the rheological properties of wheat
doughs. J. Cereal Sci. 43: 152-159.
V Selinheimo, E., Kruus, K., Buchert, J., and Autio, K. 2007. Elucidating the
mechanism of laccase and tyrosinase in wheat bread making. J. Agric. Food Chem.
55: 6357-6365.
Sepponen Katri. Monocarboxylate transporters and heat shock proteins in domestic
pigs in relation to stress and meat quality. University of Helsinki. 55 p. and
appendices.
I Sepponen, K., Koho, N., Puolanne, E., Ruusunen, M., and Pösö, A.R. 2003.
Distribution of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 in
porcine muscles. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 177: 79-86.
II Sepponen, K., Ruusunen, M., Pakkanen, J.A., and Pösö, A.R. 2007. Expression of
CD147 and monocarboxylate transporters MCT1, MCT2 and MCT4 in porcine small
intestine and colon. The Veterinary Journal. 174: 122-128.
17
III Sepponen, K., and Pösö, A.R. 2006. The inducible form of heat shock protein 70 in
the serum, colon and small intestine of the pig: comparison to conventional stress
markers. The Veterinary Journal 171: 519-524.
IV Sepponen, K., Honkavaara, M., Pösö, A.R., Ruusunen, M., and Reeben, M.
Polymorphisms in hsp70.2 promoter region of Finnish Landrace and Yorkshire pigs.
Submitted.
Suokko Aki. The stress responses of probiotic lactobacilli and a bifidobacterium with
special emphasis on Clp family proteins. University of Helsinki. 56 p. and appendices.
I Suokko, A., Savijoki, K., Malinen, E., Palva, A., and Varmanen, P. 2005.
Characterization of a mobile clpL gene from Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Applied and
Environmental Microbiology 71: 2061-2069.
II Savijoki, K., Suokko, A., Palva, A., Valmu, L., Kalkkinen, N., and Varmanen, P.
2005. Effect of heat-shock and bile salts on protein synthesis of Bifidobacterium
longum revealed by [35S]methionine labelling and two-dimensional gel
electrophoresis. FEMS Microbiology Letters 248: 207-215.
III Savijoki, K., Suokko, A., Palva, A., and Varmanen, P. 2006. New convenient
defined media for [35S]methionine labelling and proteomic analyses of probiotic
lactobacilli. Letters in Applied Microbiology 42: 202-209.
IV Suokko, A., Poutanen, M., Savijoki, K., Kalkkinen, N., and Varmanen, P. 2008.
ClpL is essential for induction of thermotolerance and is potentially part of the HrcA
regulon in Lactobacillus gasseri. Proteomics. In press.
Tossavainen Olli. Helsinki University of Technology. 74 p. and appendices.
I Jelen, P., and Tossavainen, O. 2003. Low lactose and lactose-free milk and dairy
products –prospects, technologies and applications, Aust. J. Dairy Technol. 58 (2):
161-165.
II Tossavainen, O., and Kallioinen, H. 2007.Effect of lactose hydrolysis on furosine
formation in skim milk during pasteurisation, Milchwissenschaft 62 (2): 188-191.
III Kallioinen, H., and Tossavainen, O. Changes during storage of lactose hydrolysed
extended shelf life (ESL) milk. Milchwissenschaft. Accepted for publication.
IV Tossavainen, O., and Kallioinen, H. 2007. Proteolytic changes in lactose
hydrolysed UHT milks during storage. Milchwissenschaft 62 (4): 410-415.
V Tossavainen, O., and Kallioinen, H. 2008. Effect of lactose hydrolysis on furosine
and available lysine in UHT skim milk. Milchwissenschaft 63 (1): 22-26.
18
VI Tossavainen, O., and Kallioinen, H. Furosine formation and proteolytic changes in
carbohydrate reduced UHT-milks. Milchwissenschaft. Accepted for publication.
Viljakainen Heli T. Defining adequate vitamin D intake – cross-sectional and
intervention studies. University of Helsinki. 94 p. and appendices.
I Viljakainen, H.T., Natri, A.M., Kärkkäinen, M., Huttunen, M.M., Palssa, A.,
Jakobsen, J., Cashman, K.D., Mølgaard, C., and Lamberg-Allardt, C. 2006. A positive
dose-response effect of vitamin D supplementation on site-specific bone mineral
augmentation in adolescent girls: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled 1year intervention. J. Bone Miner. Res. 21: 836-844.
II Viljakainen, H.T., Palssa, A., Kärkkäinen, M., Jakobsen, J., Cashman, K.D.,
Mølgaard, C., and Lamberg-Allardt, C. 2006. A seasonal variation of calcitropic
hormones, bone turnover and bone mineral density in early and mid-puberty girls - a
cross-sectional study. Br. J. Nutr. 96: 124-130.
III Viljakainen, H.T., Palssa, A., Kärkkäinen, M., Jakobsen, J., and Lamberg-Allardt,
C. 2006. How much vitamin D3 do the elderly need? J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 25: 429-435.
IV Viljakainen, H.T., Väisänen, M., Kemi, V., Rikkonen, T., Kröger, H., Laitinen,
E.K.A., and Lamberg-Allardt, C. Wintertime vitamin D supplementation inhibits
seasonal variation of calcitropic hormones and maintains bone turnover in healthy
men. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Submitted on 18th January 2008.
19
Courses
The Academy of Finland awarded the operating grant of 100 000 € for the period
2008-2009 to the ABS Graduate School. The grant was used for organizing the post
graduate courses listed below. Because of the reform of Finnish degree structures and
the replacement of the old credit system with an ECTS (European Credit Transfer
System) -based system, in the course information below credits (Cr) correspond to the
ECTS credits (1 Cr= 1 ECTS Cr). Credit units (Cu) are the credits (study weeks) of
the old Finnish system.
1. Esiintymis- ja viestintätaitokurssi (in Finnish) (1 ECTS Cr / 0.7 Cu), 21-22
February 2008, Helsinki
Teacher in speech communication Tuuli Nilsson
Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki
2. SPSS ja monimuuttujamenetelmät (in Finnish) (2 ECTS Cr / 1 Cu), 17, 19 and 20
March 2008, Helsinki
Dr Jarmo Heinonen
Laurea Polytechnic, Vantaa
3. Functional Foods (3 ECTS Cr / 2 Cu), 13-16 May 2008, Helsinki
Dr Marina Heinonen
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki
4. Food and Nutritional Toxicology Lecture Series 5: Food Safety. The farm to fork
concept (3 ECTS Cr / 1.5 Cu, lectures only; 4 ECTS Cr / 2 Cu, lectures and written
report), 11-13 August 2008, Kuopio
Doc. Hani El-Nezami
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio
5. Grant writing: how to write a competitive application to a funding agency
(2 ECTS Cr / 1 Cu, lectures only; 4 ECTS Cr lectures / 2 Cu lectures and written
report), 13-15 August 2008, Kuopio
Prof. Hannu Mykkänen
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio
20
In addition to these courses supported by the grant from the Academy of Finland, the
universities offered the following courses funded by the department organizing the
course:
Elintarvikekemian jatko-opinnot, seminaari
Prof. Vieno Piironen
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki
Ravitsemustieteen jatko-opinnot (jatko-opiskelijaseminaarit, harjoitusopinnäytetöiden ohjaus) (1-10 ECTS Cr)
Prof. Marja Mutanen
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki
ja
Elintarviketeknologian jatko-opiskelijaseminaari (3 ECTS Cr)
University lecturer Tuula Sontag-Strohm
Department of Food Technology, University of Helsinki
Elintarvike- ja ympäristöhygienian tutkimusseminaarit
Prof. Hannu Korkeala
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, University of Helsinki
Elintarvikkeiden välityksellä leviävien patogeenisten mikrobien molekyylibiologinen diagnostiikka
Prof. Hannu Korkeala
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, University of Helsinki
Postgraduate Seminar (5 ECTS Cr)
Prof. Matti Leisola
Department of Chemical Technology, Helsinki University of Technology
Postgraduate seminar on nutrition research (3 ECTS Cr)
Prof. Helena Gylling
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio
Postgraduate student seminars (1-2 ECTS Cr)
Prof. Heikki Kallio and Prof. Jyrki Heino
Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku
21
The Thirteenth Annual ABS Seminar for PhD Students
The thirteenth seminar for PhD students was held in August 26th, 2008 in Walter Hall,
University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2 (Viikki), Helsinki. The topics of the
seminar focused on the following subjects: the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), the climate change and the Nobel Peace Prize; the climate change
and food production in Finland; ABS doctors in working life. Results of the enquiry
for ABS doctors and their employers; working career presentations of two ABS
doctors; what kind of know-how do doctors need from the point of view of the
industry; the reconciliation of work and family life; how to be understood and
misunderstood - Finnish European cultural differences.
Vice-Rector Johanna Björkroth chose the best doctoral dissertation of the year 2007 in
the ABS Graduate School. Nektaria Polychronaki, Ph.D. was awarded a prize for her
thesis research work “Biomarkers of Aflatoxin Exposure and a Dietary Intervention.
Studies in Infants and Children from Egypt and Guinea and Young Adults from
China”. In total, seventeen PhD theses were finished in the ABS Graduate School in
2007.
ABS student Katja Hätönen received the best poster prize. Her poster “The Glycemic
and Insulinemic Responses of the Finnish Foods: measurement and modification” was
selected for the best poster from among 22 posters on display by the participants of
the seminar.
Finance of the ABS Graduate School
The funds directly available for the Graduate School are listed below. The Ministry of
Education provided the main source of income for the salaries of 33 PhD students and
a coordinator. The Academy of Finland granted the funding of 100 000 euro for
postgraduate courses for the years 2008-2009.
Income (€) in 2008:
The Ministry of Education (+University of Helsinki)
The Academy of Finland, courses
Total (€):
737 214,15
50 000,00
787 214,15
Expenditure (€) in 2008:
Salaries
PhD students
+ coordinator
PhD courses, including
13th ABS seminar
Mobility of PhD students
Overhead costs
Total (€):
610 625,25
38 625,63
649 250,88
22
UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES
1. University of Helsinki
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
1. FOOD CHEMICAL RESEARCH focuses on the research of natural
biomolecules such as vitamins, phenolic compounds, sterols and other lipids,
oligosacccahrides and polysaccharides by applying the most recent methodology to
study their composition, interaction reactions, isolation, different bioactivities in food,
and food-related applications. Much of the research is collaboration with other fields
of food and agricultural sciences, analytical and organic chemistry, biochemistry,
pharmacology, nutrition, as well as food industry.
Main research projects involving ABS students are:
Functional properties of phenolic compounds from plant sources. Our previous
investigations since 1996 have also shown that phenolic compounds derived from
plant sources are effective antioxidants in preventing lipid oxidation as well as protein
oxidation. Ca. 100 Finnish raw materials including berries, apples, vegetables, grains,
rapeseed herbs, medicinal plants and various tree materials have been screened for
their functional properties such as the antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect and
anti-inflammatory effects. These studies were in part funded by Tekes (Technology
Research Agency), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and European Union.
Anthocyanins, ellagitannins and procyanidins in berries, derivatives of sinapic acid in
rapeseed and taxifolin, ferulic acid and lignans in pine bark were among the most
effective bioactive plant phenolics. Collaborative research was completed regarding
therapeutically active berry phenolics within a Tekes-funded project (Berry Drug
2005-2008, coordinator VTT) where Ph.D. training (Petri Kylli) was also included.
Protein oxidation and interactions with lipids and phenolic compounds. The impact of
lipid oxidation (antioxidant action) in foods has been investigated in our laboratory
for decades using different approaches including various oxidation model systems
(oils, emulsions, liposomes, LDL, meat patties) and different techniques to follow
both formation of lipid hydroperoxides as well as volatile lipid oxidation products.
Oxidation of food proteins, peptides and amino acids and their interactions with other
food constituents has been focus of oxidation research since 2001 in projects funded
by the Academy of Finland and ABS Graduate School. Further, the mechanisms of
oxidation of proteins and the effect of plant phenolics toward oxidation has been
investigated in model systems containing amino acids (tryptophan) and dipeptides. An
HPLC system to follow the various oxidation products of tryptophan was developed
in a Ph.D. work (under evaluation) by Hanna Salminen.
Plant sterols. Our previous research focused on occurrence of individual sterols and
their different bound forms in oil crops, cereals and vegetables and on new potential
sterols sources. Furthermore, we have investigated possibilities to optimize plant
23
sterol contents and exploit sterol-rich materials. At present the focus is on reactivity
and stability of plant sterols and their bound forms and on wheat and rye sterols. Suvi
Kemmo defended her thesis on HPLC and LC-MS methods in research of oxidation
mechanisms of free sterols. PhD student Mari Lehtonen continued her studies in 2008.
Her research focused on developing methods for studying oxidation reactions of steryl
esters. The research on sterol stability is essential when confirming the safety of
elevated sterol contents in foods. Wheat and rye sterols and their phenolic acid esters
have mainly been studied as a part of the Healthgrain project, which is an integrated
th
project of the 6 framework programme of the European Commission. Tanja Nurmi
continued her PhD thesis on the effects of genetic and environmental factors on sterol
levels in cereals. Her thesis will also focus on possibilities to optimise sterol levels in
cereal foods by processing. The research on plant sterols was funded in 2008 by the
Academy of Finland and the European Commission.
Vitamins. Research on vitamins focuses on new methodologies for analysing of
vitamins, examining their characteristics in foods and understanding their role in
diets. Participation in international projects aiming at harmonising and standardising
analytical methods and developing reference materials is active. Recently, our focus
has been on folates and tocopherols and tocotrienols. Food folate research in our
laboratory has strongly focused on analytical aspects and recently especially on rye
and wheat folates. Rye folates, enhanching their levels by bioprocessing and folate
bioavailability were studied in the PhD thesis of Susanna Kariluoto. The thesis was
finalized and accepted in 2008. Vitamin research was funded in 2008 by the Academy
of Finland and the European Commission.
Polysaccharides. The research on polysaccharides has focused on cereal arabinoxylanderived
oligosaccharides
and
mannan-based
films.
Different
pure
arabinooligosaccharides (AXOS) were produced and structurally characterised prior
to studies on their fermentability by pure bifidobacteria and faces samples in Helena
Pastell´s PhD study. The detail HPAEC-PAD analysis of the consumption of
individual AXOS revealed clear differences between bifidobacteria species in their
ability to ferment arabinoxylan-derived carbohydrates. The chemical structure of
AXOS was found to have a clear effect, and highly branched AXOS were fermented
the slowest. Mannans, especially galactoglucomannas (GGM) from spruce, were
studied as raw materials for biodegradable films suitable for example for food
packaging in collaboration with Food Technology and Åbo Akademi University
within the PhD work of Kirsi Mikkonen. Reinforcement of mannan films by
crystalline nanocellulose was found to result in fibrillar structures in films but not to
improve the mechanical properties of films. Thorough study was conducted on
permeability (oxygen gas, water vapour, aroma) and light transmittance properties of
various mannan-based films. Films from spruce GGM showed promising oxygen gas
and aroma barrier properties. The research was funded by the Academy of Finland
and the Foundation for Research of Natural Resources in Finland.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Heinonen Marina*, Kivikari Riitta, Lampi Anna-Maija*, Ollilainen Velimatti*,
Piironen Vieno*, Tenkanen Maija*, Tuomainen Päivi, Virta Marko*
24
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Kariluoto Susanna, Kemmo Suvi (née Säynäjoki), Kokkonen Meri (Evira) (ABS*),
Kylli Petri (ABS*), Kähkönen Marja, Lehtonen Mari, Lievonen Satu, Mikkonen
Kirsi, Monogioudi Evanthia (VTT), Nurmi (née Achrenius) Tanja, Pastell Helena
(née Rantanen), Salminen Hanna
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Kariluoto Susanna. 2008. Folates in rye: Determination and enhancement by food
processing. Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of
Helsinki. EKT-series 1420. Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978952-10-4646-9 (paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-4647-6(pdf), ISSN 0355-1180. 86 p. +
appendices.
Kemmo Suvi. 2008. HPLC analysis of plant sterol oxidation products. Department of
Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki. EKT-series 1408.
Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-10-4522-6 (paperback),
ISBN 978-952-10-4523-3(pdf), ISSN 0355-1180. 72 p. + appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Estévez, M., Kylli, P., Puolanne, E., Kivikari, R., and Heinonen, M. 2008.
Fluorescence spectroscopy as a novel approach for the assessment of myofibrillar
proteins oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions. Meat Science 80: 1290-1296.
Estévez, M., Kylli, P., Puolanne, E., Kivikari, R., and Heinonen, M. 2008. Effect on
plant phenolics on the oxidation of myofibrillar proteins in oil-in-water emulsions.
J. Agric. Food Chem.: 56: 10933-10940.
Kemmo, S., Ollilainen, V., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2008. Liquid
chromatography mass spectrometry for plant sterol oxide determination in complex
mixtures. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 226: 1325-1334.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/uu1052618194/?p=c28b4806c18c4a29a7d2ca14
329da270&pi=0.
Kylli, P., Nousiainen, P., Biely, P., Sipilä, J., Tenkanen, M., and Heinonen, M. 2008.
Antioxidant potential of hydroxycinnamic acid glycoside esters. J. Agric. Food
Chem.: 56: 4797-4805.
Laine, P., Kylli, P., Heinonen, M., and Jouppila, K. 2008. Storage stability of
microencapsulated cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) phenolics. J. Agric. Food
Chem.: 56: 4797-4805.
Lampi, A.-M., Nurmi, T., Ollilainen, V., and Piironen, V. 2008. Tocopherols and
tocotrienols in wheat genotypes in the HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen. J. Agric.
Food Chem. 56: 9716-9721.
25
Mikkonen, K.S., Yadav, M.P., Willför, S., Hicks, K.B., and Tenkanen, M. 2008.
Films from spruce galactoglucomannans blended with poly(vinyl alcohol), corn
arabinoxylan and konjac glucomannan. BioResources 8: 3198-3205.
Mikkonen, K.S., Tenkanen, M., Cooke, P., Xu, C., Rita, H., Willför, S., Holmbom,
B., Hicks, K.B., and Yadav, M.P. Mannans as stabilizers of oil-in-water beverage
emulsions, LWT - Food Science and Technology. In press. doi:
10.1016/j.lwt.2008.11.010.
Nurmi, T., Nyström, L., Edelmann, M., Lampi, A.-M., and Piironen, V. 2008.
Phytosterols in wheat genotypes in the HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen. J. Agric.
Food Chem. 56: 9710-9715.
Pastell, H., Tuomainen, P., Virkki, L., and Tenkanen, M. 2008. Step-wise enzymatic
preparation and structural characterization of singly and doubly substituted
arabinoxylo-oligosaccharides with non-reducing end terminal branches. Carbohydr.
Res. 343: 3049-3057.
Piironen, V., Edelmann, M., Kariluoto, S., and Zoltan, B. 2008. Folate in wheat
genotypes in the HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56:
9726-9731.
Salminen, H., and Heinonen, M. 2008. Plant phenolics affect oxidation of
tryptophan. J. Agric. Food Chem.: 56: 7472-7281.
Salminen, H., Jaakkola, H., and Heinonen, M. 2008. Modification of tryptophan
oxidation by plant phenolics and hexanal. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 11178-11186.
2. RESEARCH IN MICROBIOLOGY
1. Microbiological safety in food, industry and the environment
The group is led by prof. Mirja Salkinoja-Salonen http://www.biocenter.helsinki.fi/
groups/salkinoja/. The group focuses on bioreactive substances related to food safety
and health.
Bacillus cereus is emerging as the most frequent causative bacterial agent of food
poisonings also in Finland. The most dangerous toxin of B. cereus is cereulide, the
emetic toxin. In 2008, we searched to answer the following questions: (i) During the
shelf life of ready-to-eat foods the cereulide producing B. cereus type becomes
dominant; (ii) When cereulide producing B. cereus strains are inoculated in food, the
amount of toxin may vary 100-fold between foods, even if they all support growth of
B. cereus equally. Why?
Elina Jääskeläinen found that production of cereulide in food was dramatically
influenced by the gas atmosphere and by certain food additives. Under nitrogen
atmosphere little cereulide was produced, but an anoxic atmosphere combined with
elevated carbon dioxide, promoted production of large amounts of cereulide. Thus,
excluding oxygen does not ensure safety of packaged, ready-to-eat or heated foods.
26
She also showed that supplementing food with free amino acids (leucine, valine)
increased cereulide production > 25 fold in 4 days. Adding the same amounts of these
amino acids in peptide bonded form (pepton) caused no increase. The results of Elina
Jääskeläinen and Ranad Shaheen showed that adding amino acids in free form boosts
toxin production although a natural protein or peptides does not. This is of major
concern, as adding free amino acids such as leucine and valine are not regulated by
law (law 116/2006; www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2007) and may be added to any
amount, also to infant food formulas.
It is believed in the literature that cereulide producing B. cereus prefer low
temperature and would not produce cereulide at 37 °C. Camelia Apetroaie-Constantin
found that the well-studied cereulide producers indeed stopped producing the toxin
when exposed to body temperature. But, when she investigated strains isolated from
the human gut (food poisoning patients) she found that these strains produced
cereulide well also at 37 °C. Thus the human gut was at least transiently colonised by
B. cereus capable of cereulide production at gut temperature. Camelia
Apetroaie-Constantin was the first to explore cereulide from human gut isolates of
B. cereus. Her results call for attention to the presence this type of cereulide producers
in foods.
Jaakko Pakarinen searched for the immunomodulatory properties on bacteria around
us. It is known that early exposure to farm environment protects against atopy and
allergy later in life. Jaakko Pakarinen investigated house dusts from Carelia, both
sides of the Finnish-Russian border in Carelia. He cloned ca. 500 sequences of 16S
rRNA gene from 20 dusts accross the border, where there is a 4-fold gradient of
allergies, the Finnish side being high. He found a higher diversity of dustborn
microbes on the Russian side, and the dust bacteria largely came from animals,
whereas the dust from Finnish homes mainly contained human commensals and
vegetation-connected bacteria. Possibly the human immune system did not get enough
"microbiological fuel" in the Finnish homes to develop.
Minna Peltola worked on clean paper and paperboard for packaging and Ranad
Shaheen on Bacillus cereus biofilms in dairy environment. They showed that the
major foulers are biofilms on the process machine surfaces. Some foulers occur
massively (Meiothermus spp, Pseudoxanthomonas spp) whereas others (Deinococcus
spp, Bacillus cereus) contribute at low quantitative level, but were extremely adhesive
on stainless steel and survived even aggressive cleaning protocols. Biofilms contained
108 to >1010 bacteria per g.
Collaboration partners in 2008: National Public Health Institute (KTL), EVIRA, VTT,
Helsinki University Hospital for Allergy and Skin diseases; Occupational Health
Institute.
2. Cyanobacteria research
The cyanobacteria research group is led by academy professor Kaarina Sivonen and
investigates cyanobacteria that cause massive blooms in Finnish lakes and reservoirs
as well as in the Baltic Sea. Mass occurrences of cyanobacteria are often toxic
rendering water, fish and water fowl unsafe for animal and human consumption and
prevent the use of water for recreation. Current research is focused on the
27
development of rapid sensitive methods to detect toxic cyanobacteria in situ.
Traditional microscopy can not differentiate toxic strains from non-toxic strains
whereas molecular biological methods (PCR, qPCR and DNA chips) are excellent
tools to monitor water for the presence of toxic cyanobacteria. The further
development of these techniques is in progress. Interesting new bioactive compounds
are screened and characterized from the cyanobacteria culture collection maintained
by the project. The recently completed genome-project of Anabaena strain 90 from
lake Vesijärvi will yield new in-depth information about this ecologically relevant,
bioactive compound producing cyanobacterium.
3. Fungal Biotechnology Group: Biodegradation of lignin and lignocellulose,
fungal metabolism and bioactive compounds, and fungal conversion of
environmentally hazardous compounds
The group leader is prof. Annele Hatakka. The novel white rot fungal isolate
Physisporinus rivulosis T241i was selected for biopulping studies. Primary structures
of two divergent manganese peroxidase (MnP) encoding genes (Pri-mnpA and PrimnpB) of P. rivulosus T241i were solved. The two new MnPs show similar protein
properties as the two divergent MnPs from the white rot fungus Phlebia radiata 79.
Transcription of the Pri-mnp genes were differentially regulated by addition of Mn2+
or spruce wood meal. Two MnP encodig genes from agaric basidiomycetes (Agaricus
bisporus and Agrocybe praecox) were cloned, sequenced and characterized. These
two MnPs are short-type enzymes but novel in their gene exon-intron structures. So
far more than 100 wood rotting fungi were screened for inhibiting acetyl choline
esterase (AchE) activity which is important for combatting Alzheimer’s disease. The
group participates within a large EU-RTD project "Biorenew" for selection of the best
fungi and fungal enzymes for modern biorefining and conversion of wood. Several
wood-rotting fungi have shown potential in systematic enzyme activity screening
experiments.
4. Molecular biology of lactic acid bacteria
The group leader is Prof. Per Saris. The research is focused on potential benefits
accociated with lactic acid bacteria and especially on antimicrobial effect of
substances from lactic acid bacteria. In 2008 we isolated natural mutants of our nisin
sensing Lactococcus lactis LAC275 strain using flow cytometry and cell sorting more
sensitive strains were isolated. The detection limit for nisin, an antimicrobial food
additive, could be lowered to 0.2 pg/ml. Bacteriocin producing strains from chicken
intestines previously isolated based on activity against Camplylobacter spp. were
further characterized and shown to have a broader spectra than previously known
campylobacter inhibiting bacteriocins. The bacteriocin with the broadest activity was
further purified and the mass and sequence was characterized showing that it was a
novel bacteriocin.
Group leaders
Hatakka Annele, Lindström Kristina, Lyra Christina, Lundell Taina, SalkinojaSalonen Mirja, Saris Per, Sivonen Kaarina, Timonen Sari, Virta Marko
28
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Hatakka, Annele*, Lyra Christina, Salkinoja-Salonen Mirja*, Saris Per*, Sivonen
Kaarina*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS* = ABS funded in 2008)
Constantin (née Apetroaie) Camelia (ABS*), Galkin Sari, Hakovirta Janetta (ABS*),
Hallanvuo Saija (THL), Jääskeläinen Elina (ABS*), Mentu Juha, Nakari Ulla-Maija
(ABS*) (THL), Pakarinen Jaakko (ABS*), Peltola Minna (ABS*), Shaheen Ranad,
Sihvonen Leila (THL)
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Constantin Camelia. 2008. Cereulide producing B. cereus and amylopsin producing B.
subtilis and B. mojavensis: characterization of strains and toxigenicities. Department of
Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki. Dissertationes
bioscientiarum molecularium Universitatis Helsingiensis in Viikki, 44/2008
Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISSN 1795-7079, ISBN 978-952-10-5041-1
(paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-5042-8 (pdf). 88 p. + appendices.
(http://ethesis.helsinki.fi)
Hakovirta Janetta. 2008. Modern techniques in detection, identification and
quantification of bacteria and peptides from foods. Department of Applied Chemistry
and Microbiology, University of Helsinki. Dissertationes bioscientiarum
molecularium Universitatis Helsingiensis in Viikki, 19/2008. Yliopistopaino,
Helsinki, Finland. ISSN 1795-7079, ISBN 978-952-10-4722-0 (paperback), ISBN
978-952-10-4723-7 (pdf). 44 p. + appendices. (http://ethesis.helsinki.fi)
Jääskeläinen Elina. 2008. Dissertationes bioscientiarum molecularium Universitatis
Helsingiensis in Viikki, 1/2008. Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology,
University of Helsinki. Dissertationes bioscientiarum molecularium Universitatis
Helsingiensis in Viikki, 1/2008. ISSN 1795-7079, ISBN 978-952-10-4458-8
(hardback),
ISBN
978-952-10-4459-5
(pdf).
74
p.
+
appendices.
(http://ethesis.helsinki.fi)
Pakarinen Jaakko. 2008. Impact of the Human Bacterial Environment on
Mycobacteriosis and Allergy. Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology,
Division of Microbiology, University of Helsinki. Dissertationes bioscientiarum
molecularium Universitatis Helsingiensis in Viikki, 38/2008. Yliopistopaino,
Helsinki, Finland. ISSN 1795-7079, ISBN 978-952-10-4996-5 (paperback), ISBN
978-952-10-5027-5 (pdf). 44 p. + appendices. 80 p. + appendices.
(http://ethesis.helsinki.fi)
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Apetroaie-Constantin, C., Shaheen, R., Andrup, L., Smidt, L., Rita, H., and
Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2008. Environment driven cereulide production by emetic
strains of Bacillus cereus. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 127 (1-2): 60-67.
29
Halinen, K., Fewer, D.P., Sihvonen, L.M., Lyra, C., Eronen, E., and Sivonen, K.
2008. Genetic diversity in strains of the genus Anabaena isolated from planktonic and
benthic habitats of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 64 (2):
199-208.
Kangas, S., Takkinen, J., Hakkinen, M., Nakari, U.M., Johansson, T., Henttonen, H.,
Virtaluoto, L., Siitonen, A., Ollgren, J., and Kuusi, M. 2008. Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis O:1 traced to raw carrots, Finland. Emerg Infect Dis. 14 (12):
1959-1961.
Kanto Oqvist, C., Kurola, J., Pakarinen, J., Ekman, J., Ikävalko, S., Simell, J., and
Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2008. Prokaryotic microbiota of recycled paper mills with low
or zero effluent. J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 35 (10): 1165-1173.
Lambertz, S.T., Nilsson, C., and Hallanvuo, S. 2008. TaqMan-based real-time PCR
method for detection of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in food. Appl Environ Microbiol.
74 (20): 6465-6469.
Lambertz, S.T., Nilsson, C., Hallanvuo, S., and Lindblad, M. 2008. Real-time PCR
method for detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in food. Appl Environ
Microbiol. (19): 6060-6067.
Nakari, U.M., Puhakka, A., and Siitonen A. 2008. Correct identification and
discrimination between Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli by a standardized hippurate
test and species-specific polymerase chain reaction. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect.
Dis. 27 (7): 513-518.
Pakarinen, J., Hyvärinen, A., Salkinoja-Salonen, M., Laitinen, S., Nevalainen, A.,
Mäkelä, M.J., Haahtela, T., and von Hertze, L. 2008. Predominance of Gram-positive
bacteria in house dust in the low-allergy risk Russian Karelia. Environ. Microbiol. 10
(12): 3317-3325.
Peltola, M., Kanto Oqvist, C., Ekman, J., Kosonen, M., Jokela, S., Kolari, M.,
Korhonen, P., and Salkinoja-Salonen, M. 2008. Quantitative contributions of bacteria
and of Deinococcus geothermalis to deposits and slimes in paper industry. J. Ind.
Microbiol. Biotechnol. 35 (12): 1651-1657.
Peltola, M., Neu, T.R., Raulio, M., Kolari, M., and Salkinoja-Salonen, M.S. 2008.
Architecture of Deinococcus geothermalis biofilms on glass and steel: a lectin study.
Environ. Microbiol. 10 (7): 1752-1759.
Pitkänen, T., Miettinen, I.T., Nakari, U.M., Takkinen, J., Nieminen, K., Siitonen, A.,
Kuusi, M., Holopainen, A., and Hänninen, M.L. 2008. Faecal contamination of a
municipal drinking water distribution system in association with Campylobacter
jejuni infections. J. Water Health 6 (3): 365-376.
30
3. RESEARCH IN NUTRITION
1. Dietary Studies
Research work carried out in this field has long traditions at the Division of Nutrition.
At present the main interest is focused on the associations between diet and chronic
diseases. Since 1980 scientists from the Division of Nutrition have been responsible
for the repeated dietary surveys in connection with the LASERI project, a followup
study on coronary heart disease risk factors in young Finns. The latest followup
survey was performed in the autumn 2007. Since 2007 the longitudinal and
cumulative data available are used in a new consortium project GENDI (Gene-diet
interactions in the development of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis) which is a
collaboration with the University of Turku and the University of Tampere. The main
objectives of this research are to test gene-diet interactions in the development of
atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, to find new gene-diet interaction effects and to
obtain information on the mechanisms and congruensis in the etiology of
atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
2. Nutrition and Bone Physiology
The incidence of bone fractures and osteoporosis is increasing all over the world.
Many factors such as lifestyle factors, among them nutrition, have an impact on bone
health. Researchers in the Calcium Research Unit at the Division of Nutrition are
studying the effect of nutritional factors on bone by epidemiological approaches,
intervention studies, mechanistical studies in humans and animals using a number of
methods: among others, peripheral computerised tomography, relevant biomarkers,
assessment of dietary intake if specific nutrients by food frequency questionnaires. In
addition, cell culture studies for cellular mechanisms are carried out using i.e. relevant
methods in molecular biology.
3. Diet and Diabetes
The FinnDiaNut study is a part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study
(FinnDiane). The aims of the FinnDiaNut study are to collect information on the food
and nutrient intakes of adult Finnish patients with type 1 diabetes and to study the
associations between diet, other lifestyle factors and the incidence of diabetic
complications.
4. Diet and Cancer
The Min mouse, an animal model for colon cancer, is used to study how dietary
factors epidemiologically related to colon cancer affect intestinal tumour development
as well as the underlying cell signalling pathways. Currently the main objectives are
to determine the dietrelated mechanisms and biomarkers of colon cancer by using
either tumourpromotive dietary agents such as inulin or tumoursuppressive dietary
compounds such as lignan precursors and wild berries.
5. Diet and nutritional status in Mozambique
The Division of Nutrition has started, together with Mozambican collaborators, a new
project called "Finnish-Mozambican research collaboration on foods, diet and
31
nutrition in Mozambique". In the first phase of the project, information is gathered on
the food selection, food preparation methods and the use of wild plants as food in
Zambezia province, Mozambique. Food samples of selected raw and prepared foods
are collected for analysis of nutrient content. In the second phase, the aim is to study
the food habits, dietary intake and nutritional status of Mozambican teen-aged girls in
two different seasons.
6. Diet in early life and allergic diseases
There is increasing evidence that many factors may exert their main influence on
chronic diseases pathogenesis during the fetal life and early childhood. Optimisation
of nutrition in early life might be important in the development of such diseases. We
collaborate with National Institute for Health and Welfare and University of Tampere
on the DIPP (Diabetes Prediction and Prevention) Nutrition Study which is a
prospective birth cohort study that started in 1996. The diet of pregnant and lactating
mothers and their children are followed, and the associations between diet and the
development of type I diabetes and allergic diseases are studied.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Ahlström Mikael, Freese Riitta*, Lamberg-Allardt Christel*, Mutanen Marja*, Pajari
Anne-Maria, Räsänen Leena*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABSfunded in 2008)
Ahola Aila, Hätönen Katja (THL) (ABS*), Kemi Virpi (ABS*), Koli Raika (THL),
Korkalo Liisa, Laaksonen Marika, Marttinen Maija (ABS*), Mikkilä Vera,
Rajakangas-Tolsa Johanna, Viljakainen Heli (ABS*)
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Laaksonen Marika. 2008. Associations of gene polymorphisms and nutrition with
calcium homeostasis and bone mineral density. - Studies on skeletal nutrigenetics.
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology (Nutrition). University of
Helsinki. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-92-4371-6 (paperback),
ISBN 978-952-10-4924-8 (pdf). 116 p. + appendices.
Mikkilä Vera. 2008. Diet and the development of atherosclerosis: a whole-diet
approach from childhood to adulthood. Department of Applied Chemistry and
Microbiology (Nutrition). University of Helsinki. Department of Clinical Physiology
and Nuclear Medicine, University of Turku. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN
978-952-92-3866-8 (paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-4700-8 (pdf). 90 p. + appendices.
Rajakangas-Tolsa Johanna. 2008. Diet, cell signalling, and tumourigenesis in multiple
intestinal neoplasia mice. Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
(Nutrition). University of Helsinki.Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-95292-3213-0 (paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-4451-9 (pdf). 85 p. + appendices.
Viljakainen Heli. 2008. Defining adequate vitamin D intake – cross-sectional and
intervention studies. Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology (Nutrition).
32
University of Helsinki.Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-92-3758-6
(paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-4663-6(pdf). 94 p. + appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Erkkilä, A., Schwab, U., de Mello, V., Lappalainen, T., Mussalo, H., Lehto, S., Kemi,
V., Lamberg-Allardt, C. and Uusitupa, M. 2008. Effects of fatty and lean fish intake
on blood pressure in subjects with coronary heart disease using multiple medications.
Eur. J. Nutr. 47: 319-328.
Islam, Md.Z., Kemi, V., Nevanlinna, A., Akhtaruzzaman, M., Laaksonen, M., Jehan,
A.H., Jahan, K., Khan, H.U., Lamberg-Allardt, C. 2008. Vitamin D deficiency and
low bone status in adult female garment factory workers in Bangladesh. Br. J. Nutr.
99: 1322-1329.
Kemi, V., Kärkkäinen, M., Karp, H., Laitinen, K., and Lamberg-Allardt, C. 2008.
Increased calcium intake does not completely counteract the effects of increased
phosphorus intake on bone: an acute dose–response study in healthy females. Br. J.
Nutr. 99: 832-839.
Lamberg-Allardt, C., and Viljakainen, H. 2008. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and functional
outcomes in adolescents. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 88: 534S-536S.
Lehtimäki, T., Hutri-Kähönen, N., Kähönen, M., Hemminki, J., Mikkilä, V.,
Laaksonen, M., Räsänen, L., Mononen, N., Juonala, M., Marniemi, J., Viikari, J., and
Raitakari, O. 2008. Adult-type hypolactasia is not a predisposing factor for the early
functional and structural changes of atherosclerosis: the Cardiovascular Risk in
Young Finns Study. Clinical Science 115: 265-271
Misikangas, M., Tanayama, H., Rajakangas, J., Lindén, J., Pajari, A.-M., and
Mutanen, M. 2008. Inulin results in increased levels of -catenin and cyclin D1 as the
adenomas increase in size from small to large in the Min/+ mouse. Br. J. Nutr. 99:
963-970.
Mutanen, M., Pajari, A.-M., Päivärinta, E., Misikangas, M., Rajakangas, J.,
Marttinen, M., and Oikarinen, S. 2008. Berries as chemopreventive dietary
constituents: a mechanistic approach with the ApcMin/+ mouse. Asia pacific journal
of clinical nutrition 17: 123-125.
Rajakangas, J., Misikangas M., Päivärinta, E., and Mutanen, M. 2008.
Chemoprevention by white currant is mediated by the reduction of nuclear betacatenin and NF-kappaB levels in Min mice adenomas. Eur. J. Nutr. 47: 115-122.
Vähävihu, K., Ylianttila, L., Salmelin, R., Lamberg-Allardt, C., Viljakainen, H.,
Tuohimaa, P., Reunala, T., and Snellman, E. 2008. Heliotherapy improves vitamin D
balance and atopic dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology 158: 1323-1328.
33
Department of Food Technology
Research at the Department of Food Technology is focused on food materials and
processes. The aim of the research is at efficient utilization of plant and animal
materials for safe, nutritious and palatable foods in processes of environmental and
economical validity. International contacts and cooperation are established in all
research areas described below.
1. PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF FOODS
Physical Changes Related to Glass Transition
This study investigates glass transition temperatures of food components and
biopolymers using a number of techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC), dielectric analysis (DEA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the
plasticization of food and related systems by water and other plasticizers. The results
are used to establish state diagrams, which can be applied in other studies and
characterization of food behavior in processing and storage. We have related several
properties of food materials (e.g., mechanical properties and water vapor permeability
of edible films, texture of extrudates, and storage stability of encapsulated
compounds) and time-dependent changes of amorphous food materials (e.g., loss of
crispness, crystallization of amorphous sugars and sugar alcohols, and formation of
crystallinity in starch) to the glass transition temperature.
Reaction Kinetics Related to Glass Transition
Deterioration of low-moisture and frozen foods is controlled by several factors. The
physical state of foods may affect reaction rates due to slow diffusion of reactants at
low water contents. We have studied the effect of glass transition on rates of
crystallization of amorphous sugars and sugar alcohols, nonenzymatic browning
(particularly in model foods and milk powders), retention and loss of antioxidant
activity of encapsulated ellagitannins, and storage stability of encapsulated tocopherol. We have also studied the effect of the glass transition on enzyme activity
and kinetics in food systems. Moreover, the glass transition has been found to affect
recrystallization of ice in frozen food systems and, thus, storage stability of frozen
products.
Effects of Glass Transition to Food Processing
Glass transition affects quality changes in heating processes. Such changes include
nonenzymatic browning, plasticization of starch in extrusion, stickiness in
spray-drying, caking in agglomeration, and collapse in freeze-drying. In dehydration
processes (e.g., freeze-drying and spray-drying), extrusion, and freezing, aroma
compounds and lipids often become encapsulated in glassy food matrices which has
been taken into account in studies of dehydrated, extruded, and frozen food stability.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Jouppila Kirsi*, Roos Yrjö*
34
ABS Postgraduate Students
Laine Pia, Lievonen Satu
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Laine, P., Kylli, P., Heinonen, M., and Jouppila, K. 2008. Storage stability of
microencapsulated cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) phenolics. Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56: 11251-11261.
2. CEREAL TECHNOLOGY
Cereal proteins, dietary fibre, beta-glucan in particular, and technologies related to
these cereal food components are the partly overlapping areas of research in the
Cereal Technology Group. Development of methods is an essential part of the studies.
The Cereal Technology Group is participating in two consortia of the Nutrition, Food
and Health (ELVIRA) research programme administered by Academy of Finland. Our
work on cereal proteins relates to the Manglin consortium (Management of gluten
intolerance: novel insights in occurence, immunogenetics, food processing and
safety). Degradation of cereal proteins in certain processes can potentially be used as
a tool for removing protein fractions that are harmful to coeliac patients.
Another topic in cereal protein research is evaluation and development of analytical
methods for detecting gluten remnants and impurities in oat products. This is the topic
of our PhD student Päivi Kanerva, who, however, is on maternal leave since
December 2008.
In the Folafibre consortium (Aqueous processing of oats and barley: In situ
enhancement of folate and associated bioactive compounds while maintaining soluble
dietary fibre physiologically active), also part of the ELVIRA programme, we are
studying beta-glucan aiming at sustaining its physical properties. The work includes
further development and evaluation of a viscometric method for dietary fibre analysis.
The project also aims at understanding and controlling the technological role of betaglucan in aqueous foods based on barley and oats.
A recent publication by Reetta Kivelä, a PhD student in our group, showed that a
radical-mediated reaction may degrade -glucan, especially in the presence of
ascorbic acid. In addition to Reetta Kivelä, two postdocs have been involved in this
research. Current work, supported by the two postdocs, includes determination of
molecular mass and aggregation using FFF (flow field fractionation), analysis of
radical mediated degradation using ESR (electron spin resonance spectroscopy), and
imaging -glucan in food systems by CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy).
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Loponen Jussi, Nyström Laura, Salovaara Hannu*, Sontag-Strohm Tuula*
35
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS* = ABS-funded in 2008)
Anttila Heli, Flander Laura, Häggman Marina, Kanerva Päivi (ABS*), Kivelä Reetta
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters)
Flander, L., Rouau, X., Morel, M.-H., Autio, K., Seppänen-Laakso, T., Kruus, K.,
and Buchert, J. 2008. Effects of laccase and xylanase on the chemical and rheological
properties of oat and wheat doughs. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 5732-5742.
Häggman, M., and Salovaara, H. 2008. Effect of fermentation rate on endogenous
leavening of Candida milleri in sour rye dough. Food Research International 41:
266-273.
Häggman, M., and Salovaara, H. 2008. Microbial re-inoculation reveals differences
in the leavening power of sourdough yeast strains. LWT - Food Science and
Technology 41: 148-154.
Kivelä, R., Nyström, L., and Sontag-Strohm, T. 2008. Gel structure protects cereal
-glucan from radical induced degradation in aqueous systems. Annual transactionsof
the Nordic Rheology Society 16: 185-188.
Salovaara, H., Kanerva, P., Kaukinen, K., and Sontag-Strohm, T. Oats – an overview
from a coeliac disease point of view. In: The Science of Gluten-Free Foods and
Beverages. Arendt, E. (Ed.). AACC International, St. Paul, MN. In print.
3. SENSORY FOOD RESEARCH
Recent research deals with genetics of food perceptions, acceptance of unfamiliar or
otherwise new foods, and food and chemosensory perceptions in different age groups.
The genetic backgrounds of food preferences and perceptions have been studied in a
project funded by the Academy of Finland (2004-07) and by the Food Research
Foundation, Finland (2008). The research has been conducted in collaboration with KTL
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and with the Department of Public Health, both on
the Meilahti Campus. The PhD students Keskitalo and Knaapila defended their theses,
the former on March 7 and the latter on August 21 (evaluation of both theses “with
honours”.
In terms of taste phenotypes, the major finding was that around half of the individual
differences in sweet taste preference are genetically determined, whereas the degree
of liking for salty taste is solely influenced by environmental factors, such as food
habits. In addition, a genetic element influencing the use of sweet foods was found to
be located on chromosome 16. The indicators of sweet taste preference (liking for a
sweet solution, liking for sweet foods) were shown to correlate due to genetic factors,
and correlations between liking for the solution, liking for sweet foods, craving for
sweet food and their use frequenciy were due to both genetic and unshared
environmental factors. The relationship between BMI and diet appeared to be
36
mediated through dieting behaviours, measured using a modified version ThreeFactor Eating Questionnaire.
Genetic effects were significant for some specific odors, such as androstenone.
However, in most cases individual environmental effects, such as exposure to odors
and learning, explain a major part of inter-individual variation in odor perceptions.
Self-ratings of olfactory function reflect odor annoyance rather than actual olfactory
acuity or genetic involvement. Results of non-genetic analyses supported the notions
regarding women's superior olfactory abilities, age-related deterioration of olfactory
function and role of experience in responses to odors.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Tuorila Hely*, Markus Perola
ABS Postgraduate Students
Keskitalo Kaisu, Knaapila Antti
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Keskitalo Kaisu. 2008. A matter of taste : genetic and environmental influences on
responses to sweetness. Department of Food Technology, University of Helsinki.
Publications of the National Public Health Institute A5/2008. ISBN 978-951-740-7816, ISSN 0359-3584, ISBN 978-951-740-782-3 (pdf), ISSN 1458-6290 (pdf).
Yliopistopaino, Helsinki , Finland. 77 p. + appendices.
Doctoral thesis, http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-740-782-3
Knaapila Antti. 2008. Genetic and environmental influences on human responses to
odors. Department of Food Technology, University of Helsinki. Publications of the
National Public Health Institute A19/2008. ISBN 978-951-740-836-3, ISSN 03593584, ISBN 978-951-740-837-0 (pdf), ISSN 1458-6290 (pdf), Yliopistopaino,
Helsinki, Finland. 80 p. + appendices.
Doctoral thesis, http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-740-837-0
Scientific papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Keskitalo, K., Tuorila, H., Spector, T.D., Cherkas, L.F., Knaapila, A., Kaprio, J.,
Silventoinen, K., and Perola, M. 2008. Three-factor eating questionnaire, body mass
index, and responses to sweet and salty fatty foods: a twin study of genetic and
environmental associations. Am. J. Clin. Nutr.:88: 263-271.
Keskitalo, K., Silventoinen, K., Tuorila, H., Perola, M., Pietiläinen, K.H., Rissanen,
A., and Kaprio, J. 2008. Genetic and environmental contributions to food use patterns
of young adult twins. Physiol. Behav.:93: 235-242.
Knaapila, A., Tuorila, H., Kyvik, K., Wright, M.J., Keskitalo, K., Hansen, J.,
Kaprio, J., Perola, M., and Silventoinen, K. 2008. Self-ratings of olfactory function
reflect odor annoyance rather than olfactory acuity. Laryngoscope 118: 2212-2217.
37
Knaapila, A, Tuorila, H., Silventoinen, K., Wright, M.J., Kyvik, K.O., Cherkas, L.F.,
Keskitalo, K., Hansen, J., Martin, N.J., Spector, T.D., Kaprio, J., and Perola, M.
2008. Genetic and environmental contributions to perceived intensity and
pleasantness of androstenone odor: an international twin study. Chemosensory
Perception 1: 34-42.
Knaapila, A., Tuorila, H., Silventoinen, K., Wright, M.J., Kyvik, K.O., Keskitalo,
K., Hansen, J., Martin, N.J., Kaprio, J., and Perola, M. 2008. Environmental effects
exceed genetic effects on perceived intensity and pleasantness of several odors: a
cross-cultural twin study. Behav. Gen. 38: 484-492.
4. HEMICELLULOSES, ESPECIALLY MANNANS, AS POTENTIAL
BIODEGRADABLE FILM FORMING POLYMERS AND EMULSION
STABILIZERS
Hemicelluloses, mannans and xylans, have much been neglected as potential raw
materials for value added products, such as biodegradable films and emulsions. Both
mannans and xylans may form films upon dehydration from a solution if properly
mixed with suitable plasticizers, warmed and cast on a smooth surface. Sprucederived galactoglucomannan is known to stabilize lipophilic extractives in wood pulp,
but its use in food systems has not been studied previously. In this project we focus on
the film forming properties of mannans (glucomannans, galactomannans and
galactoglucomannans) and on the stabilization of beverage model emulsions by
mannans and xylans. An increase of mechanical strength and flexibility of mannanbased films is sought by blending mannan with other polymers. Nano-sized crystalline
cellulose is also studied as reinforcement of mannan films. The permeability
properties of spruce galactoglucomannan films are compared to those of films from
other mannans. The research is carried out in collaboration with the Department of
Applied Chemistry and Microbiology of the University of Helsinki, Laboratory of
Wood and Paper Chemistry of Åbo Akademi, United States Department of
Agriculture, Philadelphia, USA, and the Technical University of Luleå, Skellefteå,
Sweden.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Helén Harry, Hyvönen Lea*, Tenkanen Maija*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Alanko Tessa (MTT), Mikkonen Kirsi, Pennanen-Kok Mari
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Mikkonen, K.S., Yadav, M.P., Cooke, P., Willför, S., Hicks, K.B., and Tenkanen, M.
2008. Films from spruce galactoglucomannan blended with poly(vinyl alcohol), corn
arabinoxylan, and konjac glucomannan. BioResources 3 (1): 178-191.
38
Mikkonen, K.S., Yadav, M.P., Mathew, A., Oksman, K., Willför, S., and Tenkanen,
M. 2008. Blend films and composites from spruce galactoglucomannan, 10th
European workshop on lignocellulosic and pulp (EWLP), August 25-28 2008,
Stockholm, Sweden. Proceedings, pp. 64-67.
5. MEAT TECHNOLOGY
Properties of intramuscular connective tissue in pork and poultry with special
reference to loose structure
(Ph.D. thesis, M.Sc. Liisa Voutila)
The thesis summarises the results presented in four scientific papers, of which two
have been published in Meat Science (2007, 2008). The third paper was accepted for
publication and the fourth paper was submitted, both into Journal of the Science of
Food and Agriculture (2008). The thesis will be completed in spring 2009.
Loose structure in light muscles from pigs and poultry seems a result of a gradual
change in the role of intramuscular connective tissue in keeping the meat
cohesiveness. Therefore it is difficult to detect with the traditional chemical methods
concentrating (only) on the properties (amount, solubility) of intramuscular collagen.
These properties seem to have been neglected when monitoring the changes in
muscles during breeding lasting for decades. The extremity of the loose structure is
detectable by visual assessment in raw porcine SM muscles at the perimysial level. In
addition, when the pHu of those muscles is low, the shrinkage temperature of
intramuscular connective tissue seems slightly lowered. However, this hardly is the
underlying trigger for the loose structure in meat. The general opinion seems to be
that loose structure in raw pork can be prevented by preventing the PSE (pale, soft
exudative) meat, but similar solution has not been presented for poultry. However, the
final explanation to why the strip of muscle can be pulled by hand in the raw loose
structured meat but not in the normal meat has not been presented in the literature yet.
It was not possible in the present study either, but the role of intramuscular connective
tissue in the loose structured meat should be emphasised more than until now.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Puolanne Eero*, Ruusunen Marita*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Salonen Mira, Voutila Liisa
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Voutila, L., Ruusunen, M., and Puolanne, E. 2008. Comparison of the thermal
characteristics of connective tissue in loose structured and normal structured porcine
M. semimembranosus. Meat Sci. 80: 1024-1030.
39
6. DAIRY TECHNOLOGY
Composition and structure of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in milk fat
TAGs are the major lipid class in milk fat. Composition and structure of TAGs
influence on the chemical, technological, and nutritional properties of milk fat. In the
current study, novel analytical methods have been developed for the analysis of
molecular species of TAGs in milk fat. Especially, structure and composition of shortchain TAG species have been studied by chromatographic and mass spectrometric
methods. The most important research partner in cooperation has been the Department
of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology.
Growth and monitoring of Lactobacillus and Clostridium in Emmental cheese
environment
Emmental cheese ripening is a complex microbiological process where LAB starters
including Streptococcus thermophilus and particular Lactobacillus species and
propionibacteria interplay together in the curd and cheese matrix and produce the
characteristic texture and flavour of this cheese. If the raw milk quality is not good
enough and contains too much spores of clostridia, especially C. tyrobutyricum,
butyric acid fermentation can occur later during cheese ripening period causing late
blowing defects in Emmental cheese. The goal of the project is (i) to study effects of
specific factors (e.g. importance of copper supplement in cheese milk) involved in
Emmental cheese manufacture on growth of starters and spoilage bacteria, and (ii) to
develop specific, sensitive and rapid monitoring methods to follow the growth of
these bacteria and their effects on texture of the ripening Emmental cheese. Novel
monitoring methods to be developed include antibody-based methods for these
bacteria and ultrasound-based texture analysis of ripening Emmental cheese. USbased monitoring method has been done in close collaboration with Dept. of Physical
Sciences (Univ. of Helsinki) and two Finnish Emmental cheese manufacturers.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Alatossava Tapani*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Alavuotunki Antti, Ercili Cura Dilek (VTT), Isohanni Pauliina (Ruralia Institute,
University of Helsinki), Kemppinen Asmo, Mato Rordiguez Lourdes, Simões
Catarina (VTT)
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Mato Rodriguez, L., and Alatossava, T. 2008. Effects of copper supplement on
growth and viability of strains uesed as starters and adjunct clutures for Emmental
cheese manufacture. J. Appl. Microbiol. 105: 1098-1106.
40
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences
DIVISION OF MICROBIOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY
Human and animal intestinal microbiota research
This project focuses on the characterization of intestinal microbiota in health and
disease and development of high-throughput molecular methods for the monitoring of
these bacteria as well as intestinal pathogens and certain probiotics. In 2008, we
continued analysing the extensive 16S rRNA gene sequence data obtained from
selected fractions of guanine plus cytosine profiled faecal bacterial DNA of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and all fractions of healthy controls and diarrhoea
predominant IBS patients. Several differences between the faecal microbiotas of
healthy individuals and IBS subgroups (diarrhoea, constipation and mixed type) were
revealed. Phylum level differences in the bacterial phylotype diversity were observed
in the comparative sequence library analysis of all the fractions of diarrhoea
predominant IBS patients and healthy subjects. More detailed analyses with real-time
PCR have further confirmed statistically significant quantitative differences in certain
bacterial phylotypes from the faecal samples of IBS patients and healthy controls in
assays designed based of the sequence data of selected fractions. A multispecies
probiotic intervention trial performed previously was monitored with real-time PCR
for changes in the GI microbiota and several bacterial phylotypes were found to be
affected by probiotic supplementation.
Our studies on the pig GI lactobacilli have also been continued. Preliminary
identification by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of over 90 pig lactobacillar
strains isolated from various parts of the swine intestine was performed, after which
the putative interdependence between various strain characteristics (e.g. resistance to
bile acids and low pH, antagonism towards pathogens, adherence to the swine
intestinal epithelium) were evaluated. Based on the results, several strains of the
isolates could be considered as promising candidates for use in probiotic products. It
however appears that at least in the swine it is not possible to perform a reliable
preliminary screening of the candidate isolates based on the isolation site or the
species identity, although there were some differences between the identification
groups.
The in 2007 started optimisation of faecal sample preparation within a
metaproteomics approach for studying the activity of human intestinal microbiota was
continued. The data of a reproducibility study of the whole wet-lab workflow (protein
extraction – protein fractionation by 1D-gel - LC-MS measurement) is being analysed
at the moment. The bioinformatical part of this project was emphasised in 2008. Peter
Schaap (Wageningen University, the Netherlands) implemented a peptide
identification platform containing intestinal microbiota specific sequence databases
including metagenomic data, the most specific data available for intestinal
metaproteomics. Sample comparison on LC-MS level based data was started.
Different software is tested. The general interest in the research field of intestinal
metaproteomics was proven by the selection for oral presentation to three (inter)national conferences.
41
Vaccine development against porcine post-weaning diarrhoea and oedema
disease
The aim of this study was to develop lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains for mucosal
immunization studies against post-weaning diarrhoea and oedema disease in piglets
caused by enterotoxigenic or shigatoxic Escherichia coli strains that express F18
fimbriae for adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells. Two LAB strains that surface
display the receptor binding domain of FedF, the adhesin of F18 fimbria, were used to
immunize groups of mice by the oral or intranasal routes. Pre- and post-immunization
samples (blood, faeces and intestinal lavage) were collected and analyzed with the
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the concentration of total
secretory IgA and relative amount of FedF-specific immunoglobulins. In addition,
FedF mediated adhesion of the two LAB strains to porcine intestinal epithelial cells
was studied in vitro with the IPEC-1 cell line.
Rodent-borne infections: Orthopox and Borna disease virus infections
Orthopoxviruses are large DNA viruses, some of which are zoonotic. In Finland we
have previously characterized the first human cowpox virus isolate and demonstrated
infection serologically in rodents, cats, dogs and horses. In real-time PCR studies, we
have recently found an OPV-DNA positive rodent in Southern Finland and detected a
case in an infant after visit to Cyprus. We have also found antibodies in Russian and
German wild rodents. More PCR and phylogenetic studies and an isolation trial have
been planned.
Borna disease virus (BDV) is a negative-stranded RNA virus and the causative agent
Borna disease, a classically progressive fatal meningoencephalomyelitis, reported
originally in horses in Germany more than 200 years ago. BDV has been reported to
infect and cause clinical disease worldwide in a wide range of vertebrates, including
humans. BDV has been found in the limbic system from people with affective
psychotic disorders in post mortem studies but the causal relationship to psychiatric
disorders is under debate. We have demonstrated BDV infection of horses, cats and
wild rodents in Finland and also humans. Specificity of these antibodies was
confirmed using recombinant BDV proteins and peptide arrays. This is the first
finding of BDV infection in wild rodents, which may be the reservoir of BDV. We
have recently performed an infection trial in wild rodents in the BSL3 laboratory; the
preliminary results verify the previous serological findings and also suggest that the
virus is shed to the urine from infected bladder cells. We have also been developing
microarrays for BDV antibody detection together with Ale Närvänen in University of
Kuopio and have obtained BDV sequence from a Borna-diseased horse in Southern
Finland and pursued isolation trials. In addition, we have continued screening of
rodent samples from Finland, Germany and Russia for both orthopoxviruses and
BDV.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Palva Airi*, Vapalahti Olli*, de Vos Willem*
42
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Kassinen Anna (ABS*), Kinnunen Paula (ABS*), Kolmeder Carolin, KrogiusKurikka Lotta (ABS*), Lindholm Agneta, Lähteinen Tanja, Rinttilä Teemu
DIVISION OF PATHOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY
Bacterial stress responses
In this project we are studying the complex responses of bacterial cell to
environmental stress conditions. The timely expression of stress proteins is crucial for
probiotic bacteria to maintain viability under harsh conditions during the industrial
processes and in the gut. On the other hand the pathogenic bacteria are equally
dependent on stress responses in order to survive in the presence of antibiotics and to
be virulent. In our study, we use the tools of molecular biology in molecular level
mechanistic research as well as proteomic approaches for global scale stress protein
expression analyses. The organisms under study include probiotic Lactobacillus
species as well as the model lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis. Of the pathogenic
bacteria, most our work so far has been conducted with, Streptococcus uberis,
Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci.
Toxoplasma gondii in Finland
The objectives of Toxoplasma research are to characterize Toxoplasma prevalence
and genotypes in Finnish game ruminants and, of production animals, in mutton and
pork. Also parasite’s adaptation to different hosts will be examined. Comparison of
the genotypes in meat and human infections may reveal the national source for this
zoonosis and allow estimating the risk in different meat. Information of genotype
variation in different host species is essential to recognize molecular background in
host adaptation mechanisms. Moreover, identifying these mechanisms is a step
towards targeting toxoplasmosis prevention and therapy.
Toxoplasma- research started in 2007 autumn by setting up cell culture cultivation for
Toxoplasma tachyzoites and analysing serological samples with direct agglutination
test for Toxoplasma-IgG antibodies. During the hunting season 2008, 1383 samples
from game ruminants were received and anlysed. The serology revealed 11% total
seroprevalence in these samples. In sheep (n=1940) the seroprevalence was 25%. At
the beginning of year 2009, a multiplex-PCR-based microsatellite method for
Toxoplasma genotyping was adopted in our laboratory. At the moment, genotype data
of the Finnish Toxoplasma isolates is produced.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Sukura Antti*, Näreaho Anu, Oksanen Antti, Varmanen Pekka*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Jokelainen Pikka, Koskenniemi Kerttu, Suokko Aki (ABS*)
43
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Suokko Aki. 2008. The stress responses of probiotic lactobacilli and a
Bifidobacterium with special emphasis on Clp family proteins. Department of Basic
Veterinary Sciences, University of Helsinki. TEMA-TEAM 11638-08, Turku,
Finland. ISBN 9789529232703 (paperback, ISBN 9789521044854 (pdf). 57 p. +
appendices.
(http://ethesis.helsinki.fi)
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Suokko, A., Poutanen, M., Savijoki, K., Kalkkinen, N., and Varmanen, P. 2008. ClpL
is essential for induction of thermotolerance and is potentially part of the HrcA
regulon in Lactobacillus gasseri. Proteomics. 5: 1029-1041.
DIVISION OF VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY
Physiological capacity of pigs
Due to the rapid growth rate and the limited possibilities to move freely the aerobic
capacity of the modern pig is very low and the pigs are easily stressed. The purpose of
this project has been to study two aspects of stress (i) how the porcine muscles cope
with the acidification caused by anaerobic metabolism and (ii) whether heat shock
proteins (HSP) that are synthesized due to stress could be used as indicators of stress
at the farm where they are raised or during transport to slaughterhouse. The project is
finished.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Puolanne Eero*, Pösö Reeta
ABS Postgraduate Students
Sepponen Katri
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Sepponen Katri. 2008. Monocarboxylate transporters and heat shock proteins in
domestic pigs in relation to stress and meat quality. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Yliopistopaino, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-92-4228-3 (nid.), ISBN 978-95210-4849-4 (pdf). 55 p. + appendices.
44
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene
1. FOOD HYGIENE
A. Food-borne Pathogenic Bacteria
The main focus has been the molecular diagnostics, genomics, virulence mechanisms
and molecular epidemiology of spore-forming and/or psychrotrophic Clostridium
botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica
and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Reservoirs of these pathogens have been
determined. Various food items associated with food hygienic risks of C. botulinum,
L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis have been identified.
Molecular epidemiology is used for the identification and investigation of food
poisoning outbreaks. In order to improve prevention of food poisoning outbreaks, we
have studied sources and contamination routes of these food-borne pathogenic
bacteria in primary production, in the food industry, and at the retail market. The
genetic diversity of these pathogens has been studied. For these purposes we have
applied ribotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, amplified fragment length
polymorphism (AFLP) and DNA microarrays. We have studied the functional
genomics of C. botulinum, L. monocytogenes and Yersinia using the microarray
technique, qPCR and gene knockout technology.
B. Lactic Acid Bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae associated with food spoilage
We have mainly focused our research on psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
causing food spoilage. We study the origins of these LAB, how they contaminate
foods and what can be done to prevent this in order to maintain good food quality
through predicted shelf lives. The systematics of food-associated LAB species and
their metabolism are also important research topics. In addition to LAB, we have
established an identification database for psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae and
coagulase-negative staphylococci. Both conventional and various DNA-based
techniques have been applied to these studies. For tracing down bacterial
contamination at various food processing premises, we have been using rRNA gene
restriction analyses (ribotypes) and macro restriction analysis. Specific spoilage
organisms have been characterized further using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,
AFLP or other suitable techniques in order to evaluate intra-specific variation. The
metabolic properties of a specific spoilage LAB, Leuconostoc gasicomitatum is
studied together with the Institute of Biotechnology. In this project, we have
sequenced the genome of LMG 18811 to provide information on its genomic content.
This information is used in studies dealing with the metabolic activities of this LAB
under various circumstances related to marinating, packaging etc. As new genomic
projects, we have sequenced the genome of Lactobacillus oligofermentans,
Lactococcus sp. and another L. gasicomitatum isolate. This data is used in our
transcriptomics studies utilizing microarray techniques. In addition, we develop
culture-independent approaches for studying psychrotrophic LAB and
Enterobacteriaceae communities.
45
2. ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE
Campylobacter and Helicobacter research
Studies on the genetic characterisation of Finnish Campylobacter jejuni strains for
tracing sources and epidemiology of domestic infections, ecology and adaptation to
various foods as well as to exploration of differences in the virulence between various
strains have been continued. A specific focus has been on the association of poultry
and bovine isolates with human infections. A population genetic study on C. jejuni
using Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) for analysis of Finnish human chicken
and bovine strains has continued and includes now approximately 700 strains.
Statistical analysis of population structure is in progress.
Antimicrobial resistance has been an increasing problem in public health. Especially
use of fluoroquinolones (FQ) in animals has increased the level of resistance in
Campylobacter. We have studied the mechanisms of the development of
antimicrobial resistance for several important antimicrobials in C. jejuni and C. coli.
In addition, we have studied the role of efflux pump (CmeABC) and some other
genetic targets in the development of resistance.
Phylogenetic and taxonomic genomic level characterisation and comparison of
Helicobacter spp. has continued. Using polyphyletic approach we have been able to
show that most of the species colonising in the gastric area were already early in the
evolution separated from the species colonising the lower parts of gastrointestinal
tract.
Environmental and food virology
Hepatitis E virus in Finland
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been increasingly acknowledged also in industrialized
countries since it has become clear that the virus resides in many animal reservoirs,
preferentially in pigs. Our aim has been to find out the occurrence of HEV in Finnish
pigs on one hand and of human endemic infections originating from animal sources
on the other hand. On patient materials we collaborate with HUSLAB virology
department. The research on porcine HEV is done with the FABA research institute
and abatoirs for sample collection.
We have screened Finnish pigs for hepatitis E viruses. The prevalence of HEV in pigs
in Finland has not been studied thoroughly. At the FABA research institute we
obtained sequential samples from pigs during their growth. The transmission of the
viruses from pig-to-pig did not occur easily at the conditions of a seemingly high level
of hygiene at the research institute. Younger pigs were most susceptible to infection,
and genotype 3 viruses prevailed in the porcine samples. The follow-up study will be
repeated with some modifications to confirm the results.
For human hepatitis E cases serum samples of acute hepatitis patients were screened
for both antibodies and presence of the genome. A manuscript describing the human
findings has been submitted for publication. Of the 105 serum samples, 27,6% were
46
positive for anti-HEV antibodies and 7,6% contained RNA and anti-HEV IgM and/or
IgG antibodies. Most human cases were linked to travelling in endemic regions, but
one case had a travel history in Spain, which is not regarded as an endemic region for
hepatitis E. Genotype 1 viruses were found in humans. The sequences will be
compared to those obtained from the pigs to establish whether these viruses could
cause endemic infections/epidemics in humans in Finland, too. So far, zoonotic
transmission of hepatitis E virus has not been shown in Finland. Subsequently,
persons handling pigs are studied for signs of HEV infection by antibody testing.
Other possible animal reservoirs of these viruses are searched for.
Mostly molecular methods are used in studies. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR, but
also methods like nested PCR and nucleotide sequence determination are applied for
genetic characterisation of the viruses. Antibody and immunoblot assays are also
used.
The detection of noroviruses in foodstuff
Detection of viruses in other food items than shellfish is still challenging. The aim for
the project is to develop more sensitive methods for revealing noroviruses in some
risk products like vegetables, berries and cold cuts. A comparison of four published
methods used in the sample handling in viral analysis of foodstuff with different
concentration procedures but identical nucleic acid and gene amplification techniques
has been performed. Valuable experience about the drawbacks and benefits of each
method application has been obtained. Data analysis is still going on. Using the
developed methods we intend to determine the frequency of noroviral contamination
in commercially offered batches of the foodstuffs. The role of animals as a source for
noroviruses and in their spread is also investigated. The virus strains from different
sources are compared by sequence analysis.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Björkroth Johanna*, Fredriksson-Ahomaa Maria, Hänninen Marja-Liisa*, Korkeala
Hannu*, Lindström Miia*, Lundén Janne, Maunula Leena*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Derman Yagmur, Hannula (née Laatu) Minna (ABS*), Heikinheimo Annamari,
Hellström Sanna, Hinderink Katja (ABS*), Juntunen Pekka, Kangas Susanna, Kantala
Tuija (ABS*), Keto-Timonen Riikka, Kiviniemi Katri, Laukkanen Riikka, Markkula
Annukka (ABS*), Mattila Mirjami, Myllykoski Jan, Niskanen Taina, Nousiainen
Liina-Lotta (Evira), Ortiz Martinez Pilar, Palonen Eveliina, Perko-Mäkelä Päivikki
(Evira), Pohjanvirta Tarja, Praakle-Amin Kristi, Ridell Jouko, Summa Maija,
Söderholm Henna (ABS*), Tolvanen Riina, Tolvanen Tiina, Vaarala Auli,
Vihavainen Elina
47
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Heikinheimo Annamari. 2008. Diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of cpepositive Clostridium perfringens type A. University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene. Helsinki University
Print, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-92-3582-7 (paperback), ISBN 978-952-104602-5 (pdf). 76 p. + appendices.
Keto-Timonen Riikka. 2008. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis in
strain typing and identification of Listeria and Clostridium species. University of
Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food and Environmental
Hygiene. Helsinki University Print, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-952-92-3804-0
(paperback), ISBN 978-952-10-4682-7 (pdf). 92 p. + appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Aarnisalo, K., Vihavainen, E., Rantala, L., Maijala, R., Suihko, M.-L., Hielm, S.,
Tuominen, P., Ranta, J., and Raaska, L. 2008. Use of results of microbiological
analyses for risk-based control of Listeria monocytogenes in marinated broiler legs.
Int. J. Food Microbiol. 121: 275-284.
Aittamaa, M., Auvinen, P., Hinderink, K., Kiviniemi, K., Korkeala, H., Leppäranta,
O., Lindström, M., Mattinen, L., Myllys, V., Nevas, M., Nykäsenoja, S., Pirhonen,
M., Rantala, L., Somervuo, P., and Valkonen, J.P.T. 2008. Plant, animal and food
pathogens analyzed using genome-wide microarrays: towards improved diagnostics
and control of bacterial pathogens. In: Agricultural biomarkers for array technology.
Frey, J.E. and Pasquer, F. (Ed.). ISBN 978-3-033-01770-2. COST Action 853, COST
Office/Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW, Switzerland. p. 47-51.
Gonzalez, M., Hakkinen, M., Rautelin, H., and Hänninen, M.-L. Bovine
Campylobacter jejuni strains differ from human and chicken strains in an analysis of
certain molecular genetic markers. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. In press.
Hannula, M., and Hänninen, M.-L. 2008. Effect of putative efflux pump inhibitors
and inducers on the antimicrobial susceptiblity of Campylobacter jejuni and
Campylobacter coli. J. Med. Microbiol. 57: 851-855.
Hannula, M., and Hänninen, M.-L. 2008. Effects of low-level ciprofloxacin
challenge in the in vitro development of ciprofloxacin resistance in Campylobacter
jejuni. Microb. Drug Resist. 14: 197-201.
Heikinheimo, A., Lindström, M., Korkeala, H., and Liu, D. Clostridium. In:
Molecular detection of foodborne pathogens. Liu, D. (Ed.). Taylor & Francis CRC
Press. p. 141-151. In press.
Hellström, S. 2008. Minne menet eläinlääkäri? [Varthän är du på väg veterinär?].
Pääkirjoitus. Suom. Eläinlääkäril. 114: 135, 138.
48
Hellström, S., Kiviniemi, K., Autio, T., and Korkeala, H. 2008. Listeria
monocytogenes is common in wild birds in Helsinki region and genotypes are
frequently similar with those found along the food chain. J. Appl. Microbiol. 104:
883-888.
Hinderink, K., Lindström, M., and Korkeala, H. Group I Clostridium botulinum
strains show significant variation in growth at low and high temperatures. J. Food
Prot. In press.
Kangas, S., Takkinen, J., Hakkinen, M., Nakari, U.-M., Johansson, T., Henttonen,
H., Virtaluoto, L., Siitonen, A., Ollgren, J., and Kuusi, M. 2008. Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis O:1 traced to raw carrots, Finland [letter]. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 14:
1959-1961.
Lahti, P., Heikinheimo, A., Johansson, T., and Korkeala, H. 2008. Clostridium
perfringens type A strains carrying a plasmid-borne enterotoxin gene (genotypes
IS1151-cpe or IS1470-like-cpe) as a common cause of food poisoning. J. Clin.
Microbiol. 46: 371-373.
Laukkanen, R., Ortiz Martínez, P., Siekkinen, K.-M., Ranta, J., Maijala, R., and
Korkeala, H. 2008. Transmission of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in the pork
production chain from farm to slaughterhouse. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74:
5444-5450.
Lindström, M., Hinderink, K., Somervuo, P., Kiviniemi, K., Nevas, M., Chen, Y.,
Auvinen, P., Carter, A.T., Mason, D.R., Peck, M.W., and Korkeala, H. Comparative
genomic hybrization analysis of two predominant Nordic group I (proteolytic)
Clostridium botulinum type B populations. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. In press.
Lundén, J., Tolvanen, R., and Korkeala, H. 2008. Acid and heat tolerance of
persistent and nonpersistent Listeria monocytogenes food plant strains. Lett. Appl.
Microbiol. 46: 276-280.
Makary, P., Maunula, L., Niskanen, T., Kuusi, M., Virtanen, M., Pajunen, S.,
Ollgren, J., and Tran Minh, N.N. Multiple norovirus outbreaks among workplace
canteen users in Finland, July 2006. Epidemiol. Infect. In press.
Matero, P., Pasanen, T., Laukkanen, R., Tissari, P., Tarkka, E., Vaara, M., and
Skurnik, M. Real-time multiplex PCR assay for detection of Yersinia pestis and
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. APMIS. In press.
Myllykoski, J., Lindström, M., Keto-Timonen, R., Söderholm H., Jakala, J., Kallio,
H., Sukura, A., and Korkeala, H. Type C bovine botulism outbreak due to carcass
contaminated non-acidified silage. Epidemiol. Infect. In press.
Niskanen, T., Laukkanen, R., Fredriksson-Ahomaa, M., and Korkeala, H. 2008.
Distribution of virF/IcrF-positive Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotype O:3 at farm
level. Zoonoses Public Health 55: 214-221.
49
Niskanen, T., Laukkanen, R., Murros, A., Björkroth, J., Skurnik, M., Korkeala, H.,
and Fredriksson-Ahomaa, M. Characterisation of non-pathogenic Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis-like strains isolated from food and environmental samples. Int. J.
Food Microbiol. In press.
Ranta, J., Siekkinen, K.-M., Nuotio, L., Laukkanen, R., Hellström, S., Korkeala, H.,
and Maijala, R. Hidden Markov latent variable model of pathogenic contamination
from pig to pork. Statistical Modelling: An International Journal. In press.
Rossi, M., Hänninen, M.L., Revez, J., Hannula, M., and Zanoni, R.G. 2008.
Occurrence and species level diagnostics of Campylobacter spp., enteric Helicobacter
spp. and Anaerobiospirillum spp. in healthy and diarrheic dogs and cats. Vet.
Microbiol. 129: 304-314.
Ruohoniemi, M., Luukkanen, L., Laukkanen, R., and Ryhänen, S. 2008. Uusi
eläinlääketieteen lisensiaatin tutkinto. Suom. Eläinlääkäril. 114: 582-586.
Tolvanen, R., Hellström, S., Elsser, D., Morgenstern, H., Björkroth, J., and
Korkeala, H. 2008. Survival of Listeria monocytogenes strains in a dry sausage
model. J. Food Prot. 71: 1550-1555.
Tolvanen R., Lundén, J., Hörman, A., and Korkeala, H. Pilot-scale continuous
ultrasonic cleaning equipment reduces Listeria monocytogenes levels on conveyor
belt. J. Food Prot. In press.
Vihavainen, E.J., Murros, A.E., and Björkroth, K.J. 2008. Leuconostoc spoilage of
vacuum-packaged vegetable sausages. J. Food Prot. 71: 2312-2315.
50
2. University of Kuopio
Faculty of Medicine
Department of Clinical Nutrition / Food and Health Research Centre,
School of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition
The research activities of the Department are focusing on the interaction of diet and other life
style factors with genetic factors in the etiology of chronic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes
and cardiovascular diseases). In addition, many projects on health effects of individual foods
or food components (e.g. effects of rye and other cereals on glucose and lipid metabolism,
interaction of probiotics with mycotoxins, and bioactive polyphenols in berries and their
health effects) are being carried out utilizing also the facilities of the ETTK (Food and Health
Research Centre). The aim of all these studies is to define an optimal diet for the prevention and
treatment of nutrition related chronic diseases.
Following progress has been made in the projects of students funded by the ABS
Graduate School:
- Otto Mykkänen studies the potential health benefits and target genes of dietary
consumption of bilberries. The animal experiments with parameters describing
obesity-associated metabolic disturbances have been carried out, and several
phenotypic changes (insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, blood pressure,
blood lipids, energy metabolism and activity, body fat content and distribution)
have been measured. Tissue samples (liver, adipose tissue, muscle, brain, eyes)
were collected for gene expression analyses. Microarray analyses of liver, fat and
retina are underway. Preliminary results on the phenotypic changes were reported
in a NUGO meeting and a manuscript is under preparation.
- The first manuscript by Tiina Lappalainen reporting serum concentrations and
expressions in adipose tissue of SAA and leptin in the Genobin study has been
published, and another manuscript reporting the association of the FTO gene
variant with body weight in the DPS study has been accepted for publication. The
manuscript regarding the association of the FTO gene variant with CVD risk is
under preparation. Analysis regarding the role of the FTO gene in inflammation is
going on.
- Anna-Maija Tolppanen’s dissertation aims to study the genetic association of the
TNMD gene with features of metabolic syndrome. During 2008 she studied the
associations of TNMD SNPs with quality and quantity of lipids. She finalized her
3rd publication on these findings, and studied also the association of the TNMD
SNPs with age-related macular degeneration. She found at least two risk alleles
and one protective allele for AMD and wrote the last report of her doctoral work
on these results.
Supervisors
El-Nezami Hani*, Gylling Helena*, Järvinen Ritva*, Karhunen Leila*, Kolehmainen
Marjukka, Mykkänen Hannu*, Poutanen Kaisa*, Pulkkinen Leena*, Schwab Ursula*,
Törrönen Riitta*, Uusitupa Matti*, Vidgren Helvi*
51
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Kallio Petteri, Koponen Jani (ABS*), Juvonen Kristiina, Lappalainen Tiina (ABS*),
Lappi Jenni, Lankinen Maria, Mager Ursula, Mertanen Enni, Muukka Eija, Mykkänen
Otto (ABS*), Orell-Kotikangas Helena, Piekkola Sanna, Tolppanen Anna-Maija
(ABS*)
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Mager Ursula. 2008. The role ghrelin in obesity and insulin resistance. University of
Kuopio. 123 p.
Mertanen Enni. 2008. Ravintolaruoka asiakkaiden, ravintolakeittiön ja ravitsemuksen
näkökulmasta. University of Kuopio. 312 p.
Muukka Eija. 2008. Luomun tie päiväkotiin. Luomuruokailun toteutettavuus ja
ravitsemuksellinen merkitys päiväkotilapsille. Kuopio University Publications D.
Medical Sciences 437. ISBN 978-951-27-0957-1, ISBN-951-27-1054-6 (pdf), ISSN
1235-0303. 168 p. + appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
De Mello, V., Kolehmainen, M., Pulkkinen, L., Schwab, U., Mager, U., Laaksonen,
D.E., Niskanen, L., Gylling, H., Atalay, M., Rauramaa, R., and Uusitupa, M. 2008.
Downregulation of genes involved in NFkappaB activation in peripheral blood
mononuclear cells after weight loss is associated with the improvement of insulin
sensitivity in individuals with the metabolic syndrome: the GENOBIN study.
Diabetologia 51: 2060-2067.
De Mello, V.D.F., Kolehmainen, M., Schwab, U., Mager, U., Laaksonen, D.E.,
Pulkkinen, L., Niskanen, L., Gylling, H., Atalay, M., Rauramaa, R., and Uusitupa, M.
2008. Effect of weight loss on cytokine messengaer RNA expression in peripheral
blood mononuclear cells of obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Metab. Clin.
Exp. 57: 192-199.
Dembinska-Kiec, A., Mykkänen, O., Kiec-Wilk, B., and Mykkänen, H. 2008.
Antioxidant phytochemicals against type 2 diabetes. Br. J. Nutr. Suppl. 99:
ES109-ES117.
Erkkilä, A.T., Schwab, U.S., De Mello, V.D.F., Lappalainen, T., Mussalo, H., Lehto,
S., Kemi, V., Lamberg-Allardt, C., and Uusitupa M.I.J. 2008. Effects of fatty and lean
fish intake on blood pressure in subjects with coronary heart disease using multiple
medications. Eur. J. Nutr. 47: 319-328.
Karhunen, L.J., Juvonen, K.R., Huotari, A., Purhonen, A.K., Herzig, K.H. 2008.
Effect of protein, fat, carbohydrate and fibre on gastrointestinal peptide release in
humans. Regul. Pept. 149: 70-78.
52
Kilpeläinen, T.O., Lakka, T.A., Laaksonen, D.E., Mager, U., Salopuro, T., Kubaszek,
A., Todorova, B., Laukkanen, O., Lindström, J., Eriksson, J.G., Hämäläinen, H.,
Aunola, S., Ilanne-Parikka, P., Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, S., Tuomilehto, J., Laakso,
M., and Uusitupa, M. 2008. Interaction of single nucleotide polymorphisms in
ADRB2, ADRB3, TNF, IL6, IGF1R, LIPC, LEPR, and GHRL with physical activity
on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and changes in characteristics of the metabolic
syndrome. The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. Metab. Clin. Exp. 57: 428-436.
Kolehmainen, M., Salopuro, T., Schwab, U.S., Kekäläinen, J., Kallio, P., Laaksonen,
D.E., Pulkkinen, L., Lindi, V.I., Sivenius, K., Mager, U., Siitonen, N., Niskanen, L.,
Gylling, H., Rauramaa, R., and Uusitupa, M. 2008. Weight reduction modulates
expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix and cell death: the GENOBIN
study. Int. J. Obes. 32: 292-303.
Koponen, J.M., Buchert, J., Poutanen, K.S., and Törrönen, A.R. 2008. Effect of
pectinolytic juice production on the extractability and fate of bilberry and black
currant anthocyanins. Eur. Food. Res. Technol. 227: 485-494.
Koponen, J.M., Happonen, A.M., Auriola, S., Kontkanen, H., Buchert, J., Poutanen,
K.S., and Törrönen R. 2008. Characterization and fate of black currant and bilberry
flavonols in enzyme-aided processing. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 3136-3144.
Lappalainen, T., Kolehmainen, M., Schwab, U., Pulkkinen, L., Laaksonen, D.E.,
Rauramaa, R., and Uusitupa, M. 2008. Serum concentrations and expressions of
serum amyloid A and leptin in adipose tissue re interrelated: the Genobin study. Eur.
J. Endocrinol. 158: 333-341.
Mager, U., Degenhardt, T., Pulkkinen, L., Kolehmainen, M,. Tolppanen, A.-M.,
Lindström, J., Eriksson, J.G., Carlberg, C., Tuomilehto, J., Uusitupa, M. 2008.
Variations in the ghrelin receptor gene associate with obesity and glucose metabolism
in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. PLoS ONE 3 (8): e2941.
Mager, U., Kolehmainen, M., de Mello, V.D.F, Schwab, U., Laaksonen, D.E.,
Rauramaa, R., Gylling, H., Atalay, M., Pulkkinen, L., and Uusitupa, M. 2008.
Expression of ghrelin gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma ghrelin
concentrations in patients with metabolic syndrome. Eur. J. Endocrinol. 158: 499-510.
Mattila, P.H., Törrönen, A.R., Koponen, J.M., Sinkko, H., Hellström, J.K., Reivuo,
H., Ovaskainen, M.-L. 2008. Dietary intake of polyphenols in Finland. In: EscribanoBailón, T.M., González-Manzano, S., González-Paramás, A.M., Duenas-Patón, M.,
Santos-Buelga, C. (Eds). XXIV the International conference on polyphenols.
Polyphenols communications 2008, Salamanca, 8th - 11th, July. Globalia artes
gráficas, SL, Spain: Vol. 2. p. 731-732.
Ovaskainen, M.L., Törrönen, R., Koponen, J.M., Sinkko, H., Hellström, J., Reinivuo
H., and Mattila P. 2008. Dietary intake and major food sources of polyphenols in
Finnish adults 1-3. J. Nutr. 138: 562-566.
Tolppanen, A.-M., Pulkkinen, L., Herder, C., Koenig, W., Kolehmainen, M.,
Lindström, J., Tuomilehto, J., and Uusitupa, M, for the Finnish diabetes study group.
53
2008. The genetic variation of the tenomodulin gene (TNMD) is associated with
serum levels of systemic immune mediators - the Finnish diabetes prevention study.
Genet. Med. 10: 536-544.
Tolppanen, A.-M., Pulkkinen, L., Kuulasmaa, T., Kolehmainen, M., Schwab, U.,
Lindström, J., Tuomilehto, J., Uusitupa, M., and Kuusisto, J. 2008. The genetic
variation in the tenomodulin gene is associated with serum total and LDL cholesterol
in a body size-dependent manner. Int. J. Obes. 32: 1868-1872.
Turner, P.C., Wu, Q.K., Piekkola S., Gratz, S., Mykkänen, H., and El-Nezami, H.
2008. Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG restores alkal,ine phosphatase activity in
differentiating Caco-2 cells dosed with the potent mycotoxin deoxynivalenol. Food
Chem.Toxicol. 46: 2118-2123.
54
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Department of Biosciences
From January 1st 2007 onwards, the former Institute of Applied Biotechnology
formed, together with the departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry Department of
Biosciences. The main fields of research in the novel department are Animal
Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Food and Nutrition Biotechnology,
Bioinformatics, Biological Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Department combines
the expertise and research capabilities of Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry,
Applied Zoology, and Nutrition Sciences present at the University. The Institute is
situated at the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The activities are
complementary to the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences which
concentrates more on fundamental research and researcher training in biotechnology.
During the year 2008 preparations were started for merging the Universities of
Kuopio and Joensuu to form a new University of Eastern Finland. Since the Faculty
of Natural and Environmental Sciences will be one of the faculties spanning the two
campuses, these developments naturally also concern the Department of Biosciences.
However, no major changes in the focus are to be expected in the immediate future.
NUTRITIONAL AND FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY
Nutritional and food biotechnology (launched in 1998) has just celebrated its first
decennium in University of Kuopio. The main food related research interests are food
safety, food toxicology, functional foods and the interactions of diet and intestinal
microflora. Particularly human and animal probiotics and the factors affecting their
colonisation and adhesion to the colonic mucosa form a central part of the research
activities. An emerging research area is hygiene and food safety, where the emphasis
is on the mechanisms of virulence of pathogenic bacteria as well novel approaches in
their control.
Studies on probiotics
A joint Tekes-funded project with VTT on the formulation of probiotics (Study
director Dr. Maria Saarela, VTT) is going on. Another probiotic-related study is done
in collaboration with the Food and Health Research Centre in the Department of
Clinical Nutrition together with Dr Pirkka Kirjavainen (a Research Fellow of the
Academy of Finland)
Hygiene and food safety
Cell-culture based tests to screen the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes as well as
different mastitis-associated bacteria are being development along with a research
project on the role of lactoferrin in the prevention of infections and food-associated
pathogens. This work is done in cooperation with the faculty of Veterinary Medicine
of The University of Helsinki.
55
A Tekes-EAKR project BIOSTIMUL has been started to study the functional
properties of wood-associated stilbenes as potential novel antimicrobial food
additives. VTT and Åbo Akademi (Department of Wood Chemistry) act as
subcontractor in this project. Acadamy Professor Markku Laakso (Department of
Clinical Medicine) is one of the partners in Kuopio University to study the effects of
stilbenes on SIRT1-expression and the possible prevention of type II diabetes.
Other projects
The analytics and functional properties of plant phenolics and flavonoids are being
studied. These studies will form an integral part of the functions of the new
Mediteknia research complex of the University. This is continuation of the PhD
project of Kaisu Riihinen (completed in 2005).
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Hyvönen Paula, von Wright Atte*
Post-doc Scientists
Riihinen Kaisu, Plumed-Ferrer Carme
ABS Postgraduate Students
Korhonen Jenni
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Danielsen, M., Mayrhofer, S., Domig, K.J., Amtmann, E., Mayer, H.K., Belen Florez,
A., Mayo, B., Korhonen, J., and Tosi, L. 2008. Assessment of antimicrobial wildtype minimum inhibitory concentration distributions of species of the Lactobacillus
delbrueckii group. Dairy Science and Technology 88: 183-191.
Gugliemetti, E., Korhonen, J., Heikkinen, J., Morelli, L., and von Wright, A. 2008.
Transfer of plasmid mediated resistance to tetracycline in pathogenic bacteria from
fish and aquaculture environments. FEMS Microbiology Letters. In press.
Korhonen, J., Danielsen, M., Mayo, B., Egervärn, M., Axelsson, L., Huys G., and
von Wright, A. 2008. . Animicrobial susceptibility and proposed microbiological cutoff values of lactobacilli by phenotypic determination. International Journal of
Prebiotics and Probiotics 3: 257-268.
56
3. University of Turku
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry
1. RESEARCH IN FOOD CHEMISTRY AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS
A. Food lipids
The composition, stability and functions of food lipids are of major interest. The aim
is to enhance understanding of the chemical, technological and nutritional properties
of edible fats, oils, and polymeric plant lipids. Molecular composition of various seed
oils and cuticular lipid polymers are under investigation by chromatographic (GC,
HPLC, SFC), mass spectrometric (MS, MS/MS) and NMR methods. New and fast
HPLC-MS and NMR methods of analysis of native and oxidized lipids in biological
samples have been developed and applied. Research activities include analysis and
nutritional properties of fats and oils containing e.g. -linolenic, stearidonic and other
special fatty acids. The oxidation of oils and fats has been studied in addition by
sensory evaluation methods.
B. Composition and properties of foods
The common goal is to develop and apply novel chromatographic (GC, SFC, HPLC),
mass spectrometric, NMR, bio-affinity and sensory methods for food composition
analysis. In addition to lipids also phenolics, aroma and flavour compounds, and other
secondary metabolites have been investigated. Sensory science is an independent and
supporting part of food chemistry. Research is focused on raw materials of foods for
special nutritional and sensory targets. Fruits, potatoes, vegetables, cereals and eggs
are of common interest.
Several topics are projects with respected international Universities; University of
Toronto (Canada), University of Iceland, Shenyang Agricultural University (China),
University of Aveiro (Portugal) and Jinan University (China).
C. Probiotic, prebiotics and functional foods
Specific probiotic lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria and their viability and impact in
foods and the human intestinal tract are characterized as means of influencing
intestinal microecology and strengthening gut barrier mechanisms. Intestinal
microbiota characterization and identification of compoonents and activity associated
with health and atopic disease in collaboration with the University of Turku research
program on nutrition, allergy, mucosal immunology and intestinal microbiota. Special
goal is Bifidobacterium and Clostridium composition and activity assessment using
molecular methods. Adhesion properties of probiotic bacteria, colonization of human
intestinal tract, intestinal microbiota aberrancies and effects of probiotics and
prebiotics on human immune function are assessed also in collaboration with the
research team of professor Airi Palva and FiDiPro Professor Willem de Vos. The goal
is to characterize new target-specific and site-specific probiotic microbes with
57
scientifically demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety. New applications with
probiotics in environmental contaminant detoxification have been conducted in
collaboration with the Åbo Akademi University, University of Kuopio and University
of Indonesia. One major target is to validate the in vitro methods developed in our
laboratory and to correlate them to the outcome of clinical studies conducted by our
clinical collaborators. International collaboratorion with post-graduate study visits are
an important part of the graduate school activities (e.g. University of Melbourne,
Australia, National University of Singapore, and Japan Collection of Micro-organism,
Riken, Japan, EU project collaborators) forms an important part of research
programme.
D. Degree Program on Healthbiosciences
Food development from the degree programme on Healthbiosciences coordinated by
the faculties of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Medicine participates in the
graduate school programme. ABS students have possibilities for participating in the
Food Development curriculum conducting short projects with the Functional Foods
Forum, a special research unit of the University of Turku.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Huopalahti Rainer, professor*; Kallio Heikki, professor*; Laitinen Kirsi, docent*;
Lilius Esa-Matti, docent*; Ouwehand Arthur, docent*; Salminen Seppo, professor*;
Sandell (née Hakala) Mari, Dr*; Tahvonen Raija, professor*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Grzeskowiak Lukasz, Halttunen Teemu, Hiidenhovi Jaakko (MTT), Jalonen Lotta,
Järvinen (née Nieminen) Riikka (ABS*), Kankaanpää Pasi, Kilpi Maaria, Larmo Petra
(ABS*), Lehtonen Henna-Maria, Leskinen (née Huotari) Heidi (ABS*), Mäkeläinen
Henna, Mäkivuokko Harri, Pengzhan Liu, Pihlava Juha-Matti (MTT), Piirainen Tarja,
Pohjanheimo Terhi (ABS*), Rantanen (née Parhiala) Riikka, Rokka Susanna (MTT),
Suomalainen Tarja, Tamminen Marja, Tuomasjukka Saska, Vorne Virpi (MTT),
Vähämiko Sanna, Zheng Jie (ABS*)
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Halttunen Teemu. 2008. Removal of cadmium, lead and arcenic from water by lactic
acid bacteria. Functional Foods Forum/ Department of Biochemistry and Food
Chemistry, University of Turku. Painosalama Oy, Turku, Finland. ISBN 978-951-293457-7(paperback), ISBN 978-951-29-3458-4 (pdf). 96 p. + appendices.
Rokka Susanna. 2008. Bovine colostral antibodies and selected lactobacilli as means
to control gastrointestinal infections. MTT Agrifood Research Finland / Department
of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku. Tampereen Yliopistopaino,
Juvenes Print Oy, Tampere, Finland. ISBN 978-952-487-190-7 (paperback), ISBN
978-952-487-191-4(pdf). 73 pages + appendices.
58
PhD Degrees of ABS Postgraduate Students
Halttunen Teemu, Mäkivuokko Harri, Rokka Susanna
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Halttunen, T., Salminen, S., Meriluoto, J., Tahvonen, R., and Lertola, K. 2008:
Reversible surface binding of cadmium and lead by lactic acid and bifidobacteria.
International Journal of Food Microbiology 125: 170-175.
Halttunen, T., Collado, M.C., El-Nezami, H., Meriluoto, J., and Salminen, S. 2008.
Combining strains of lactic acid bacteria may reduce their toxin and heavy metal
removal efficiency from aqueous solution. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 46 (2): 160-165.
Larmo, P., Alin, J.A., Salminen, E.K., Kallio, H.P., and Tahvonen, R.L. 2008:
Efficacy of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in prevention and treatment of
common cold and other infections: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
trial. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 62: 1123-1130.
Leskinen, H., Suomela, J.-P., Pinta, J., and Kallio, H. 2008: Regioisomeric structure
determination of - and -linolenoyldilinoleoylglycerol in blackcurrant seed oil by
silver ion high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Analytical Chemistry 80 (15): 5788-5793.
Järvenpää, E., Pihlava, J.-M., Aro, H., Hietaniemi, V., and Huopalahti, R. 2008:
Lutein content of egg yolk fractions produced using supercritical fluid techniques.Proceedings 5th International Congress on Pigments in Food- For Quality and Health,
Helsinki, Finland. pp. 58-60
Ouwehand, A.C., Bergsma, N., Parhiala, R., Lahtinen, S., Gueimonde, M., FinneSoveri, H., Strandberg, T., Pitkala, K., and Salminen, S. 2008. Bifidobacterium
microbiota and parameters of immune function in elderly subjects. FEMS Immunol
Med Microbiol. 53 (1): 18-25.
Sandell, M., Tiitinen, K., Pohjanheimo, T., Kallio, H., and Breslin, P.A.S. 2008. Why
naturally healthy berries may be seen as unpleasant and non-appetitive. In: Food
Flavour. Chemistry, Sensory Evaluation and Biological Activity. Takeoka, G.,. Ebler,
S., Kubota, K., and Tamura, H. (Eds.). American Chemical Society, Oxford University
Press. pp. 219-228.
Smith, R., Mann, N., Mäkeläinen, H., Roper, J., Braue, A., and Varigos, G.. 2008. A
pilot study to determine the short-term effects of a low glycemic load diet on
hormonal markers of acne: a nonrandomized, parallel, controlled feeding trial. Mol
Nutr. Food Res. 52 (6): 718-726.
Tuomasjukka, S. 2008: Vaihtoehtoja hypertriglyseridemiselle ruokavaliolle. Erikoislääkäri 18 (4): 188-191.
59
4. Helsinki University of Technology (TKK)
Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Sciences
Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology
Applied Microbiology
TKK offers degrees in Doctor of Science in Science of Technology (D.Sc.) which is the
degree equivalent of a Ph.D. and is pursued by the majority of students with a Masters
in Technology (M.Sc. Technol.). A Ph.D. degree may also be awarded by TKK. The
total number of students pursuing a doctoral degree at this laboratory varies between 58 annually. There are also a number of external students who work as researchers at
institutions such as VTT, KCL and the Public Health Laboratories and complete their
degree with TKK. A brief introduction of the ongoing research is given below and
further and most current information may be obtained at http://chemtech.tkk.fi/fi or by
contacting professor [email protected]. Professor Katrina Nordström is the head
of the Applied Microbiology group and also the Deputy Head of the Department of
Biotechnology and Chemical Technology.
REACH and environmentally friendly production of chemicals.
Control of microbial hygiene during the production of many chemicals requires the
use of a wide selection of environmentally toxic biocides. However, due to emerging
EU – legislation, the chemical industry is looking for new solutions for production
chain management, prevention and control of microbial contamination. The research
aims at finding new solutions for the reduction of use of biocides. The effects of
solvent elimination on the long-term quality of products is also studied with the aim
of development of new environmentally friendly unit operations in accordance to the
emerging legislative requirements.
Regulation and product development of new food concepts
The focus of the research is on the Food Industry and the emphasis is on the market
perceived value of food products. The aim is to develop a standardized methodology
for evaluation of the market value and added value of new food products. The product
development of functional foods, foods with added health benefits and novel foods
with reference to the constraints and opportunities of the current and emerging EUlegislation is studied. This research is conducted in collaboration with industrial
partners.
Microbial risk management of biopharmaceuticals, tissue engineering
products and gene therapy.
The main focus is on the development of biopharmaceuticals and - devices, but the
regulatory issues concerning GMP, GLP and risk evaluation of biological products,
namely TE are included. Risk management protocols for prevention and control of
microbial infections are developed in accordance to the EU-regulatory initiatives.
60
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Nordström Katrina*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Aanisalo Kaarina, Häkkinen Suvi, Maukonen Johanna, Sarlin Tuija
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Aarnisalo Kaarina. 2007. Equipment hygiene and risk assessment measures as tools in
the prevention of Listeria monocytogenes-contamination in food processes. VTT
Publications 669. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7069-0; ISSN
1235-0621. 101 p. + appendices.
Häkkinen Suvi T. 2008. A functional genomics approach to the study of alkaloid
biosynthesis ans metabolism in Nicotiana tabacum and Hyoscyamus muticus cell
cultures. VTT Publications 696. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-951-387123-9; ISSN 1235-0621. 90 p. + appendices.
Applied Biochemistry
TKK offers degrees in Doctor of Science in Science of Technology (D.Sc.) which is the
degree equivalent of a Ph.D. and is pursued by the majority of students with a Masters
in Technology (M.Sc. Technol.). A Ph.D. degree may also be awarded by TKK. The
total number of students pursuing a doctoral degree at this laboratory varies between 58 annually. There are also a number of external students who work as researchers at
institutions such as VTT, KCL and the Public Health Laboratories and complete their
degree with TKK. A brief introduction of the ongoing research is given below and
further and most current information may be obtained at http://chemtech.tkk.fi/fi or by
contacting professor [email protected].
Prevention and control of oxidation of cereal products during processing
The shelf-life of cereal products can be prolonged remarkably by prevention of
oxidation of cereal compounds. The focus of the research is on the development of
antioxidative strategies for cereal processing. Extrusion technologies for value-added
cereal products are also studied.
Cereal hydrocolloids
The research focuses on the development of -glucan rich cereal fractions with
functionality in food and microbiological applications. More specifically the
development work aims at hydrocolloids, which protect micro-organisms and prevent
lipid oxidation in food processing and storage, and at the development of industrial
large-scale processes.
Bioactive lipids: Production and mechanisms of action
New strategies for the enrichment of foods with health-beneficial lipids have been
developed in our research group. The research focuses on 1) production of bioactive
lipids, especially conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), in food materials employing natural,
61
biological processes, and 2) isomeric-specific mechanisms of action of CLA using
Saccharomyces yeast as a eukaryotic model organism.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Laakso Simo*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Hokkanen (née Jaakola) Sanna, Lehto Satu, Pöyri Saara
Bioprocess Engineering
The focus of teaching and research is in unit processes and unit operations of the
biotechnical and food manufacturing industries, microbial production processes and
enzyme technology.
1. ENZYME TECHNOLOGY
One novel research area of the laboratory is large-scale crystallization of enzyme
proteins, their cross-linking and use in specific separations. Further a proteinengineering project has been initiated to improve the thermal and alkaline stabilities of
industrially important enzymes. We have also studied enzyme catalysis and
crystallization under high-pressure conditions.
2. FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY
The laboratory has initiated a systematic study on production of lactic acid, xylitol and
mannitol in continuous and immobilized cultures with special emphasis on cellular
metabolic control and flux analysis. Improvement and use of enzymes in food and feed
processes is a central field of investigation. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used
in dairy and food industry. We study the metabolic engineering, metabolic modelling
and regulation of gene expression of LAB with the objective of rare sugar and sugar
alcohol production. Gene expression is investigated under different conditions using
micro-array technique. The resulting information can be used in metabolic engineering
for predicting and simulating the distribution of metabolic fluxes. Much of the research
in food engineering has been carried out in cooperation with the industry and VTT
Biotechnology. Research cooperation has also been carried out with German and
Japanese research laboratories.
3. BIOENGINEERING AND FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY
We are studying batch, fed-batch, continuous and immobilized microbial production
processes and scale-up of microbial cultivations up to 200-litre scale and various
down-stream processes like membrane and chromatographic separations and
62
crystallizations. Process models for simulation control and scale-up purposes and
optimization of product and/or biomass yield in various cases and monitoring the
yield and product quality during the cultivation and down stream process steps.
Industrial utilization of solid state fermentation techniques concentrates on developing
new solid state fermentation processes to recycle fibre containing industrial solid
minor flows.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Leisola Matti*, Nyyssölä Antti*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Etuaho Kirsikka, Helanto Miia, Hujanen Mervi, Lille Martina (VTT), Moilanen Ulla
(ABS*), Partanen Riitta (VTT), Santala Outi (VTT), Selinheimo Emilia (VTT),
Usvalampi (née Pihlajaniemi) Anne (ABS*), Vikman Minna (VTT)
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
Partanen, Riitta. 2008. Mobility and oxidative stability in plasticised food matrices.
The role of water. VTT, Espoo. VTT Publications 697. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki,
Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7117-8 (soft back ed.), ISSN 1235-0621 (soft back ed.),
ISBN 978-951-38-7118-5, ISSN 1455-0849. 92 p. + appendices.
http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/publications/2008/P697.pdf
Selinheimo, Emilia. 2008. Tyrosinase and laccase as novel crosslinking tools for food
biopolymer. 2008. VTT, Espoo. VTT Publications 693. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki,
Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7117-8 (soft back ed.), ISSN 1235-0621 (soft back ed.),
ISBN 978-951-38-7118-5, ISSN 1455-0849. 114 p. + appendices.
http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/publications/2008/P693.pdf
Tossavainen Olli. 2008. Heat induced changes in lactose hydrolysed milks. TKK
Dissertations 125. Yliopistopaino, Helsinki Finland. ISBN 978-951-22-9398, ISBN
978-951-22-9399-5 (pdf), ISSN 1795-2239, ISSN 1795-4584 (pdf). 74 p. and
appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Partanen, R. 2008. Mobility and oxidative stability in plasticised food matrices. The
role of water. Dissertation. VTT Publications 697. Espoo. 93 p.+app. 43 p.
Partanen, R., Raula, J., Seppänen, R., Buchert, J., Kauppinen, E., and Forssell, P.
2008. The effect of relative humidity on oxidation of flaxseed seed oil in spray dried
whey protein emulsions. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56: 5717-5722.
Partanen, R., Autio, K., Myllärinen, P., Lille, M., Buchert, J., and Forssell, P. 2008.
Structure and syneresis of neutral and acidic transglutaminase-induced sodium
caseinate gels. International Dairy Journal 18: 414-421.
63
Mattinen, M.-L., Lantto, R., Selinheimo, E., Kruus, K., and Buchert, J. 2008.
Oxidation of peptides and proteins by Trichoderma reesei and Agaricus bisporus
tyrosinases. J. Biotechnol. 133: 395-402.
Selinheimo, E., Lampila, P., Mattinen, M.-L., and Buchert J. 2008. Formation of
protein oligosaccharide conjugates by laccase and tyrosinase. J. Agric. Food Chem.
56: 3118-3128.
Winquist, E., Moilanen, U., Mettälä, A., Leisola, M., and Hatakka, A. 2008.
Production of lignin modifying enzymes on industrial waste material by solid-state
cultivation of fungi. Biochem Eng. J. 42: 128-132.
64
5. MTT Agrifood Research Finland
Biotechnology and Food Research
1. ISOLATION
PROTEINS
AND
CHARACTERIZATION
OF
EGG
ALBUMEN
Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in the healthiness of foods, as food
products are expected to maintain good health and prevent diseases. This trend has
increased the need to develop health-promoting, so-called functional foods. A major
aim of research in the functional food sector is to separate and characterise food
compounds with bioactive properties, such as glycoproteins. Glycoproteins are
macromolecules having one or more carbohydrate chains, glycans, linked to a peptide
chain. The proportion of carbohydrates in the glycoproteins varies between 1 % and
80 %. Glycoproteins are involved in various biological cell functions, including
structural, barrier, reproduction, transport, protection, and immunological functions.
One rich source of glycoproteins is hen’s egg albumen, which contains various
glycoproteins such as ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, ovomucoid and ovomucin. Egg
albumen has high potential for food and non-food applications due to its high
biological quality and relatively low price. Ovomucin is a particularly interesting
protein, because it has been reported to have antiviral and antitumour properties.
This study is divided into three parts: 1) development of fractionation and purification
methods for ovomucin and its peptides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis on a
pilot/process scale, 2) characterisation of the chemical and physical properties of
ovomucin and its peptides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, and 3) investigation of
the bioactive properties of enzymatic hydrolysates. The ultimate objective of this
study is to develop novel health-promoting foods, which have a beneficial effect on
the intestinal microflora and which may carry other health-enhancing effects, as well.
During the year 2008, manufacturing process for ovomucin-derived bioactive peptides
was further optimized. It was found that several enzymes could produce antiviral
activity even after short-term hydrolysis. Preliminary studies to up-scale the
manufacturing process into pilot scale were also conducted.
2. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER INFECTION BY
SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES AND PROBIOTIC BACTERIA
Streptococcus mutans and Helicobacter pylori belong to the most common bacterial
pathogens of humans. They infect more than 50% of the world’s population. Further,
enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is regarded as the most common bacterial
cause of diarrhoea worldwide.
Colostrum is essential for a newborn by providing nutrition but also immunological
protection. Immunoglobulins and complement system are considered as the major
antimicrobial agents in bovine colostrum. By immunizing a cow it is possible to
produce specific antibodies in serum and lacteal secretions against microbes. These
65
antibodies have proven effective in preventing many gastrointestinal microbial
diseases. Probiotic bacteria are often used in fermented dairy products because of
their beneficial effects on human health. Some probiotic bacteria, especially
lactobacilli, can inhibit growth and colonization of pathogens. Probiotic bacteria like
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) also reduce the side effects of antibiotic
treatment.
The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum and specific
colostral antibodies, and some lactic acid bacteria on gastrointestinal infections,
especially H. pylori induced gastritis and dental caries caused by S. mutans. The effect
of colostrum on the activity of the complement system in neonatal calves was also
studied.
It was possible to increase substantially complement and opsonization activities of
serum by feeding colostral whey concentrate to neonatal calves. A colostral immune
preparation (IP) containing specific antibodies against H. felis prevented but did not
eradicate an experimental H. felis infection in mice. However, the IP combined with
amoxicillin lowered the level of inflammation and colonization more than amoxicillin
alone. The specific anti-cariogenic antibodies of IP remained active and functional
when added to UHT milk or fermented with and stored for an extended time. Further,
the combination of IP and LGG prevented the adherence of Streptococcus mutans
effectively.
Lactobacillus plantarum MLBPL1 isolated from sauerkraut showed anti-Helicobacter
activity mainly associated with cell wall, from where it can be extracted into the
culture supernatant. Colostral preparations, and acidifying microbes (L. plantarum
MLBPL1 and LGG) reduced the adhesion of H. pylori on human gastric
adenocarcinoma cells. They also reduced the IL-8 production of the infected cells. IL8 secretion is a primary response to H. pylori infection.
Supplementation of an antibiotic treatment with a food product containing probiotic
lactobacilli and/or IP could offer a potential complementary means to suppress
gastrointestinal infections.
PhD Theses of Susanna Rokka was presented for public criticism in the University of
Turku on September 26th, 2008.
3. BIOACTIVE PEPTIDES DERIVED FROM FOOD PLANT PROTEINS
In recent years it has been recognized that dietary proteins provide a rich source of
biologically active peptides. It is now well established that physiologically active
peptides are produced from several food proteins during gastrointestinal digestion and
fermentation of food materials with lactic acid bacteria. Upon oral administration,
bioactive peptides may affect the major body systems – namely, the cardiovascular,
digestive, immune and nervous systems. The activity is based on their inherent amino
acid composition and sequence. The size of active sequences may vary from two to
twenty amino acid residues, and many peptides are known to reveal multi-functional
properties. The beneficial health effects may be attributed to known peptide sequences
66
exhibiting, e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidative, antithrombotic, antihypertensive and
immunomodulatory activities.
The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of bioactive peptides, e.g. ACEinhibitory, antioxidative and antimicrobial peptides, in some plant sources upon
enzymatic hydrolysis. Samples of barley, rapeseed and linseed were used as sources
of plant proteins. Samples were hydrolyzed with alcalase, subtilisin, pepsin and
trypsin. Some of the enzymes released ACE-inhibitory hydrolysates from all tested
protein sources. Especially alcalase produced efficiently high ACE-inhibition with
used protein sources. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and antimicrobial activity was
found in some hydrolysates. Plant samples were fermented with different microbes.
Especially, Lactobacillus helveticus and Bacillus subtilis produced bioactive
compounds during fermentation. The molecular mass distribution profiles of active
hydrolysates and fermentates were analysed.
During the year 2008, the hydrolysates and fermentaes were fractionated to isolate the
active compounds. The applicable hydrolysates to food was tested with hydrolysates.
The project ended as the researcher moved to another employer.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Korhonen Hannu*, Pihlanto Anne*, Ryhänen Eeva-Liisa*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS funded in 2008)
Alanko Tessa, Hiidenhovi Jaakko, Rokka Susanna
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Rokka Susanna. 2008. Bovine colostral antibodies and selected lactobacilli as means
to control gastrointestinal infections. Agrifood Research Reports 131. Tampereen
Yliopistopaino – Juvenes Print Oy. ISBN 978-952-487-190-7, ISBN 978-952-487191-4, ISSN 1458-5073 (Printed version), ISSN 1458-5081 (Electronic version). 73 p.
+ appendices.
Diss: Turun Yliopisto. http://www.mtt.fi/met/pdf/met131.pdf
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Rokka, S., Myllykangas, S., and Joutsjoki, V. 2008. Effect of specific colostral
antibodies and selected lactobacilli on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori on AGS
cells and the helicobacter-induced IL-8 production. Scandinavian Journal of
Immunology 68 (3): 280-286.
67
6. National Public Health Institute (KTL)
Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases
Enteric Bacteria Laboratory
FOOD- AND WATER-BORNE BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
The research has focused on thorough phenotypic and molecular characterization of
the enteric bacterial pathogens of public health importance. Especially, the
biodiversity and virulence properties of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter
jejuni/coli, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Shigella spp., Yersinia spp.
and Listeria monocytogenes are studied. These strains are the most common zoonotic
strains that are transmitted via contaminated food or water and cause gastrointestinal
infections, often leading to various post-infectious complications.
To find out the potential reservoirs of the Campylobacter jejuni strains that cause
human infections, the genotypes of the domestic human isolates and the isolates from
the Finnish production animals were compared in collaboration with Evira. In
addition, to see if the C. jejuni strains isolated from domestic and imported infections
differed, the phenotypic properties of the strains were compared.
To improve the primary diagnostics and epidemiology of yersiniosis, a flow chart for
identification of Yersinia enterocolitica findings from human infections was
developed and launched to the Finnish clinical microbiology laboratories. The
molecular typing of the biotype (BT) 1A strains of Y. enterocolitica was harmonized
between KTL and Evira. In addition, a multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat
analysis (MLVA) method was set up and successfully exploited to type the strains of
the pathogenic BTs of Y. enterocolitica. Also, the typing of the strains by multilocus
sequence typing (MLST) method using the genes adk, argA, aroA, glnA, tmk and
trpE, was started.
The MLVA method, validated for the strains of Salmonella enterica serotype
Typhimurium definite phage type DT 104, was harmonized between KTL and the
Statens Serum Institute, Kopenhagen, Denmark. The strains of this phage type are
mainly associated with imported infections in Finland and may cause more serious
infection in humans than the strains of the other phage types. The strains of the
Salmonella Typhimurium DT 1 that are endemic in Finland, were further subtyped by
a novel phenotype microarray technique in collaboration with the Veterinarian
Laboratory Agency, Waybridge, UK.
To enhance the detection, laboratory-based surveillance and epidemiological tracing
of the life-threatening EHEC infections, the 5’-nuclease real-time PCR (RT-PCR)
method was validated. This method allows the detection of the stx virulence genes and
the most common O serogroups of the EHEC strains during one working day. In
addition, the applicability of a multiplex-PCR method for faster serotyping and the
MLVA method for more effective genotyping of Listeria monocytogenes strains, were
investigated.
68
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Haukka Kaisa, Siitonen Anja*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Hallanvuo Saija, Nakari Ulla-Maija (ABS*), Sihvonen Leila
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Kangas, S., Takkinen, J., Hakkinen, M., Nakari, U-M, Johansson, T., Henttonen, H.,
Virtaluoto, L., Siitonen, A., Ollgren, J., and Kuusi, M. 2008. Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis O:1 traced to raw carrots, Finland. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 14:
1959-1960.
Nakari, U.-M., Puhakka, A., and Siitonen, A. 2008. Correct identification and
discrimination between Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli by a standardized hippurate
test and species-specific polymerase chain reaction. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect.
Dis. 27: 513-518.
Pitkänen, T., Miettinen, I.T., Nakari, U.-M., Siitonen, A., Kuusi, M., Takkinen, J.,
Nieminen, K., Holopainen, A., and Hänninen, M.-L. 2008. Faecal contamination of a
municipal drinking water distribution system in association with Campylobacter
jejuni infections. Journal of Water and Health 6 (3): 365-376.
Sihvonen, L.M., Haukka, K., Kuusi, M., Virtanen, M.J., Siitonen, A., and YE study
group. 2008. Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica-like species in clinical stool
specimens of humans: identification and prevalence of bio/serotypes in Finland. Eur.
J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. In press.
Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention
Nutrition Unit
FOODS AND DIETARY GLYCEMIC LOAD: METABOLIC RESPONSES
AND RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASES
The present project aims to study associations of dietary glycemic load with the
insulin-like growth factor system, inflammatory and satiety markers, and risk of
obesity, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The effects of carbohydrates'
glycemic quality as well as processing and storage conditions of the food on serum
responses of biomarkers of glucose and insulin metabolism are studied among normal
weight and overweight subjects in a postprandial setting. The aim is to assess the
associations between glycemic load of the diet and risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes,
and coronary heart disease in two well characterized cohort studies. To enable these
studies, more data on the glycemic and insulinemic responses of Finnish foods and
food combinations are collected from published sources as well as by testing the
69
glycemic indexes (GIs) of the most important carbohydrate sources of the Finnish diet
postprandially according to international standards. This study includes compilation
of GI databases of Finnish foods for the study cohorts. The results of the project
provide more detailed knowledge on dietary carbohydrate sources, which may
associate with decreased risk of overweight and chronic diseases.
In 2008, the results of the interlaboratory study on GI testing were published. Also the
article on the compilation of the first GI database was published. Main results on the
effect of body size and glucose tolerance on glycemic responses and measured GI
values were presented as a poster in the 5th World Congress on Prevention of
Diabetes and its Complications in Helsinki in June 2008. In addition, the study group
carried out two postprandial studies related to the glycemic and insulinemic responses
on beverages as well as on methodological aspects on GI testing. Analyses and
reporting of the previous study periods were continued. In 2008, Katja Hätönen was
on maternity leave between 1.1.-15.4.2008.
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Eriksson Johan, Valsta Liisa*, Virtamo Jarmo*
ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Hätönen Katja (ABS*)
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Student has been highlighted in bold letters.)
Similä, M.E., Valsta, L.M., Virtanen, M.J., Hätönen, K.A., and Virtamo, J. 2008.
Glycemic index database for the epidemiological Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene
Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. Br. J. Nutr. 25: 1-6. [Epub ahead of print].
Wolever, T.M.S., Brand-Miller, J.C., Abernethy, J., Astrup, A., Atkinson, F.,
Axelsen, M., Björck, I., Brighenti, F., Brown, R., Brynes, A., Casiraghi, M.C.,
Cazaubiel, M., Daniela, E., Delport, L., Frost, G., Granfeldt, Y., Hampton, S.,
Hätönen, K.A. et al. 2008. Measuring the glycemic index of foods: interlaboratory
study. Am. J. Clin. Nutr.87 (Suppl): 247S-57S.
Department of Health and Functional Capacity
Biomarker Laboratory
THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF A DIET RICH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND
BERRIES: FOCUS ON POLYPHENOLS
It is well established that a diet rich in plant-based foods is beneficial. However, the
mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects and the role of specific foods and
compounds, such as polyphenols, are poorly known. The associations between the
70
above-mentioned and risk factors of chronic diseases are also incompletely
understood.
At the Disease Risk Unit, these issues are being investigated in dietary intervention
studies as well as in epidemiological settings. During the dietary intervention studies,
berries and other polyphenol-rich food sources are consumed by subjects at risk.
Bioavailability of polyphenols and their effects on cardiovascular biomarkers, as well
as the development of new biomarkers of dietary intake, are in focus. In the
epidemiological studies the associations between dietary biomarkers and the risk of
chronic diseases are explored.
The research is being funded by the institute, as well as the Academy of Finland,
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, TEKES and foundations.
Supervisors
Alfthan Georg*, Erlund Iris
ABS Postgraduate Students
Koli Raika
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
Erlund, I., Koli, R., Alfthan, G., Marniemi, J., Puukka, P., Mustonen, P., Mattila, P., and
Jula, A. 2008. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood
pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 87: 323-331.
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7. Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira
Research Department
RESEARCH IN FOOD SAFETY
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi, which occur mainly in grains and
feed. Mycotoxins can evoke a broad range of toxic properties including
carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity.
Therefore feed contaminated with mycotoxins may adversely affect on the health of
animals and thereby also decrease their productivity. Mycotoxins may also
bioaccumulate and thus contaminate foods of animal origin.
Aims of the present studies are to develop chemical and biological methodology for
the determination of mycotoxins in different food and feed matrices. Analytical
techniques used for mycotoxin research include e.g. gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A so-called
multitoxin-method for the simultaneous determination of several mycotoxins with
different chemical properties has been developed and validated recently. The
biological methods used and being further developed cover cytotoxicity assays using
different cell lines and end-points of toxicity. The on-going studies provide
knowledge of the prevalence and concentration levels of different mycotoxins in
Finland, as well as more information on the factors affecting their production and
toxicology.
On-going Projects
- New survey of the Fusarium mycobiota of Finnish cereals (Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry)
- Detection of Fusarium trichothecene biosynthesis using a novel transcript analysis VTT-TRAC (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
- Reduced risk of Fusarium and mycotoxin contamination in Norwegian cereals by the
development of a rapid screening system (Bioforsk, Norway)
- Application of modern molecular techniques to investigate the mode of action of
highly prevalent Fusarium avenaceum –mycotoxins (Academy of Finland)
- Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli in broiler chicken; importance in human infections
and characterization by genotyping.
International co-operation
- Nordic Network-project: New Emerging Mycotoxins and Secondary Metabolites in
Toxigenic Fungi of Northern Europe (Nordic Research Board)
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Jestoi Marika, Peltonen Kimmo*
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ABS Postgraduate Students (ABS*= ABS-funded in 2008)
Kokkonen Meri (ABS*), Nousiainen Liina-Lotta, Perko-Mäkelä Päivikki
Scientific papers by ABS postgraduate students
(ABS postgraduate students have been highlighted in bold letters)
Jestoi, M., and Kokkonen, M. 2008. Comparison of two sample preparation
techniques for the determination of ochratoxin A in grains. J. Liq. Chrom. Rel.
Technol. 31 (6): 912-925.
Kokkonen, M., Ojala, L., Parikka, P., and Jestoi, M.2008. The effect of different
aw/temperature -combinations on the Mycotoxin production of Fusarium-strains
isolated from Finnish grains. 10th International Fusarium Workshop, Alghero, Italia
30.8-2.9.2008. Journal of Plant Pathology 30 (3, Suppl.): 83.
Yli-Mattila, T., Lahtinen, T., Rämö, S., Kokkonen, M., Rizzo, A., Jestoi, M., and
Hietaniemi, V. 2008. Real-time PCR quntification of Fusarium DNA and correlation
to mycotoxin levels in Finnish cereals.10th International Fusarium Workshop,
Alghero, Italia, 30.8-2.9.2008. Journal of Plant Pathology 30 (3, Suppl.): 68.
73
8. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
1. MICROBIOLOGY
VTT has experience in applying and controlling bacteria, yeasts and moulds in food
processes. VTT uses microbes in a controlled way for improved products and to
effectively prevent harmful microbial growth in processes. VTT is also specialised in
microbiological risk assessment and the management of food processes. VTT creates
solutions that ensure process reliability, process hygiene and product safety in our
clients processes.
VTT’s probiotic research focuses on the improvement of viability of microbes during
production and in foods. We also characterise novel, potential probiotic strains and
study the interactions between probiotics and gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota.
In environmental biotechnology VTT has expertise in the following areas:
biodegradability and compostability, composting, ecotoxicity, bioremediation, and
molecular biological tools for environmental monitoring.
Application areas:
-
Characterisation, viability and stability of probiotic bacteria; technological
properties
Analysis of gastrointestinal microbiota
Protective cultures and starter applications
Management of bacteria, yeasts and moulds in food processes
Combating biofilms
Cereal based functional foods, feeds and beverages
Hygienic equipment design and material choices
Computational fluid dynamics
Optimization of cleaning and disinfection programs
Monitoring environmental microbiological processes
Public projects in 2008:
-
MoniQA: Towards the harmonisation of analytical methods for monitoring food
quality and safety in the food supply chain, Network of Excellence
HEALTHGRAIN: Exploiting bioactivity of European cereal grains for improved
nutrition and health benefits
Utilisation of fibres and prebiotics in improving probiotic stability
The composition and stability of clostridia and related bacterial communities in
the intestinal tract and their role in intestinal microbiota imbalance
Food Safety and Hygiene Networking within New Member States and Associated
Candidate Countries (SAFOODNET)
Pathogen & ugly microbe free food industry network (SAFEFOODERA-PUFFIN)
Molecular biology and MVOC analysis as indicating tools for biodeterioration
Geobiochemistry of deep subsurface bed rock of Finland (GEOMOL)
Metagenomics of deep subsurface microbial ecology (METAGENO)
74
-
Tailored sourdough technology for enhancement of nutritional value and texture
of cereal products
-
Detection of harmful microbes and their toxins in feeds and cereals using a novel
transcriptional profiling method
ABS PhD Areas
-
Maukonen Johanna: Characterization of human GI-tract microbiota with
molecular techniques
Sarlin Tuija: Characterization and detection of gushing factors
Simões Catarina: Fibres and probiotics - Enhancement of probiotic viability and
stability with fibres during processing, in foods and in the GI-tract
Vikman Minna: Evaluation and development of biodegradability test methods for
polymers targeted for packaging materials
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Alakomi Hanna-Leena, Itävaara Merja*, Laitila Arja, Saarela Maria*, Storgårds Erna,
Wirtanen Gun *
ABS Postgraduate Students
Aarnisalo Kaarina (defended her doctoral thesis in January 2008), Maukonen
Johanna, Piskonen Reetta, Sarlin Tuija, Simões Catarina, Vikman Minna
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Aarnisalo Kaarina. 2007. Equipment hygiene and risk assessment measures as tools in
the prevention of Listeria monocytogenes-contamination in food processes. VTT
Publications 669. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7069-0; ISSN
1235-0621. 101 p. + appendices.
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Aarnisalo, K., Vihavainen, E., Rantala, L., Maijala, R., Suihko, M.-L., Hielm, S.,
Tuominen, P., Ranta, J., and Raaska, L. 2008. Use of results of microbiological
analyses for risk-based control of Listeria monocytogenes in marinated broiler legs.
Int. J. Food Microbiol. 121: 275-284. 10.1016/j.ijfood micro.2007.11.037
Maukonen, J., Mättö, J., Kajander, K., Mattila-Sandholm, T., and Saarela, M. 2008.
Diversity and temporal stability of fecal bacterial populations in elderly subjects
consuming galacto-oligosaccharide containing probiotic yoghurt. Int. Dairy J. 18:
386-395. 10.1016/j.idairyj.2007.10.003
Maukonen, J., Mättö, J., Suihko, M.-L., and Saarela, M. 2008. Intra-individual
diversity and similarity of salivary and faecal microbiota. J. Med. Microbiol. 57:
1560-1568. 10.1099/jmm.0.47352-0
75
Mättö, J., Maukonen, J., Alakomi, H.-L., Suihko, M.-L., and Saarela, M. 2008.
Influence of oral doxycycline therapy on the diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of
human intestinal bifidobacterial population. J. Appl. Microbiol. 105: 279-289.
10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03792.x
Nyyssönen, M., Piskonen, R., and Itävaara, M. 2008. Monitoring aromatic
hydrocarbon biodegradation by functional marker genes. Environ. Pollut. 154:
192-202. 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.10.009
Piskonen, R., Nyyssönen, M., and Itävaara, M. 2008. Evaluating the biodegradation
of aromatic hydrocarbons by monitoring of several functional genes. Biodegradation
19: 883-895. 10.1007/s10532-008-9190-6
Small, J., Nykyri, M., Helin, M., Hovi, U., Sarlin, T., and Itävaara, M. 2008.
Experimental and modelling investigations of the biogeochemistry of gas production
from low and intermediate level radioactive waste. Appl. Geochem. 23: 1383-1418.
10.1016/j.apgeochem.2007.11.020
Vikholm-Lundin, I., and Piskonen, R. 2008. Binary monolayers of single-stranded
oligonucleotides and blocking agent for hybridisation. Sensor. Actuat. B-Chem. 134:
189-192. 10.1016/j.snb.2008.04.027
Yli-Mattila, T., Paavanen-Huhtala, S., Jestoi, M., Parikka, P., Hietaniemi, V.,
Gagkaeva, T., Sarlin, T., Haikara, A., Laaksonen, S., and Rizzo, A. 2008. Real-time
PCR detection and quantification of Fusarium poae, F. graminearum, F.
sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae in cereal grains in Finland and Russia. Arch.
Phytopathol. Plant Protect. 41: 243-260. 10.1080/03235400600680659
2. BIOTECHNOLOGY
VTT is specialised in use of enzymes and starter cultures in modification of food
material properties, especially biopolymer engineering, and in using plant
biotechnology for production of new bioactive ingredients. The main objective is to
develop new bioprocessing tools for tailoring sensory quality, stability and
physiological responses of the food matrix. We screen for new enzymes and microorganisms suitable for specific modifications of food quality. The aim has been to
develop improved microbial strains and enzymes using genetic engineering combined
with more traditional biotechnical methodologies for industrial applications.
Understanding of enzymatic reactions leading to modification and degradation of
biological raw materials is also a prerequisite for successful control and application of
these reactions for industrial use. In hybrid processing the biotools are combined with
physical, mechanical and thermal processing to deliver new food ingredients and new
food quality attributes. VTT is equipped with pilot facilities for food processing,
including baking, malting, brewing, fermentation, drying, extrusion and high pressure
processing, and with versatile analytical methodology, such as HPLC-MS, GC, NMR,
light and fluorescence microscopy.
76
In 2008, the research of the ABS-students focused in three main areas: enzymatic
engineering of food proteins for dairy and baking applications (Dilek Ercili, Evanthia
Monogioudi, Emilia Selinheimo), in enzymatic modification and water interactions of
cereal polysaccharides (Laura Flander, Outi Santala, Riitta Partanen), and in alkaloid
biosynthesis in plant cell cultures (Suvi Häkkinen).
Supervisors (ABS supervisors marked with *)
Buchert Johanna, Forssell Pirkko*, Kruus Kristiina, Nakari-Setälä Tiina, OksmanCaldentey Kirsi-Marja*, Poutanen Kaisa*
ABS Postgraduate Students
Ercili Cura Dilek, Flander Laura, Häkkinen Suvi, Lille Martina, Monogioudi Evanthia,
Partanen Riitta, Selinheimo Emilia, Santala Outi
PhD Theses of ABS Postgraduate Students
Häkkinen Suvi T. 2008. A functional genomics approach to the study of alkaloid
biosynthesis ans metabolism in Nicotiana tabacum and Hyoscyamus muticus cell
cultures. VTT Publications 696. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki, Finland. ISBN 978-951-387123-9; ISSN 1235-0621. 90 p. + appendices.
http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/publications/2008/P696.pdf
Partanen, Riitta. 2008. Mobility and oxidative stability in plasticised food matrices.
The role of water. VTT, Espoo. VTT Publications 697. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki,
Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7117-8 (soft back ed.), ISSN 1235-0621 (soft back ed.),
ISBN 978-951-38-7118-5, ISSN 1455-0849. 92 p. + appendices.
http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/publications/2008/P697.pdf
Selinheimo, Emilia. 2008. Tyrosinase and laccase as novel crosslinking tools for food
biopolymer. 2008. VTT, Espoo. VTT Publications 693. Edita Prima Oy, Helsinki,
Finland. ISBN 978-951-38-7117-8 (soft back ed.), ISSN 1235-0621 (soft back ed.),
ISBN 978-951-38-7118-5, ISSN 1455-0849. 114 p. + appendices.
http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/publications/2008/P693.pdf
Scientific Papers by ABS Postgraduate Students in 2008
(ABS Postgraduate Students have been highlighted in bold letters.)
Flander, L., Rouau, X., Morel, M.-H., Autio, K., Seppänen-Laakso, T., Kruus, K.,
and Buchert, J. 2008. Effects of laccase and xylanase on the chemical and rheological
properties of oat and wheat doughs. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 5732-5742.
10.1021/jf800264a
Mattinen, M.-L., Lantto, R., Selinheimo, E., Kruus, K., and Buchert, J. 2008.
Oxidation of peptides and proteins by Trichoderma reesei and Agaricus bisporus
tyrosinases. J. Biotechnol. 133: 395-402. 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2007.10.009
Oey, I., Lille, M., Van Loey, A., and Hendrickx, M. 2008. Effect of high-pressure
77
processing on colour, texture and flavour of fruit and vegetable based food products: a
review. Trends Food Sci. Technol. 19 (6): 320-328. 10.1016/j.tifs.2008.04.001
Partanen, R., Autio, K., Myllärinen, P., Lille, M., Buchert, J., and Forssell, P. 2008.
Effect of transglutaminase on structure and syneresis of neutral and acidic sodium
caseinate gels. Int. Dairy J. 18: 414-421. 10.1016/j.idairyj.2007.10.002
Partanen, R., Raula, J., Seppänen, R., Buchert, J., Kauppinen, E.I., and Forssell, P.
2008. Effect of relative humidity on oxidation of flaxseed oil in spray dried whey
protein emulsions. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 5717-5722. 10.1021/jf8005849
Selinheimo, E., Lampila, P., Mattinen, M.-L., and Buchert, J. 2008. Formation of
protein-oligosaccharide conjugates by laccase and tyrosinase. J. Agric. Food Chem.
56: 3118-3128. 10.1021/jf0730791
78
The Associated Universities and Research Institutes of the
ABS Graduate School
Universities:
1. University of Helsinki (http://www.helsinki.fi/yliopisto)
Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry (http://www.mm.helsinki.fi)
Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology
(http://www.mm.helsinki.fi/mmkem)
Visiting address
Postal address
Chemistry and biochemistry
Latokartanonkaari 11
P.O. Box 27
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 1911 (operator)
Fax +358 9 191 58475 (office)
Food Chemistry
Latokartanonkaari 11
P.O. Box 27
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 191 58400 (office)
Fax +358 9 191 58475 (office)
Microbiology
Biocenter 1, Viikinkaari 9
P.O. Box 56
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 1911 (operator)
Fax +358 9 191 59322 (office)
Nutrition
Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2
P.O. Box 66
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 191 58262 (office)
Fax +358 9 191 58269 (office)
Department of Food Technology
(http://www.mm.helsinki.fi/mmett)
Visiting address
Postal address
Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2
P.O. Box 66
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 1911 (operator)
Fax +358 9 191 58460 (office)
79
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (http://www.vetmed.helsinki.fi)
Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences
(http://www.vetmed.helsinki.fi/pell)
Division of Microbiology and Epidemiology
Division of Pathology and Parasitology
Division of Veterinary Physiology
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene
(http://www.vetmed.helsinki.fi/elintar)
Visiting address
Postal address
Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2
P.O. Box 66
Helsinki
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 1911 (operator)
Fax +358 9 191 57161 (faculty office)
2. University of Kuopio (http://www.uku.fi)
Faculty of Medicine (http://www.uku.fi/laake)
Department of Clinical Nutrition
(http://www.uku.fi/laitokset/klravi)
Visiting address
Postal address
Yliopistonranta 1 C E-step
P.O. Box 1627
CANTHIA-building
FI-70211 Kuopio
Kuopio
Tel. +358 20 787 2211 (operator)
Fax +358 17 162 792
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences (http://www.uku.fi/lyt)
Department of Biosciences
(http://www.uku.fi/biotieteet)
Nutritional and Food Biotechnology
(http://www.uku.fi/sbi/)
Visiting address
Postal address
Neulamiehentie 2 (Bioteknia 2)
P.O. Box 1627
Kuopio
FI-70211 Kuopio
Tel. +358 20 787 2211 (operator)
Fax +358 17 163 752
80
3. University of Turku (http://www.utu.fi)
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (http://www.utu.fi/ml)
Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry
(http://www.sci.utu.fi/biokemia)
Visiting address
Postal address
Biochemistry and Food Chemistry
Vatselankatu 2
FI-20014 University of Turku
Turku
Tel. +358 2 333 6841 (Biochemistry)
Tel. +358 2 333 6840 (Food Chemistry)
Fax +358 2 333 6860
Biotechnology
Biocity, Tykistökatu 6 A
Turku
Tel. +358 2 333 8053
Fax. +358 2 333 8050
Tykistökatu 6
FI-20520 Turku
4. Helsinki University of Technology (http://www.tkk.fi)
Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Sciences (http://chemat.tkk.fi/fi)
Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology
Applied Biochemistry
Applied Microbiology
Bioprocess Engineering
Visiting address
Postal address
Kemistintie 1
P.O. Box 6100
Espoo, Otaniemi
FI-02015 TKK
Tel. +358 9 4511 (operator)
Fax +358 9 462 373
Research institutes
5. MTT Agrifood Research Finland (http://www.mtt.fi)
Food Chemistry
Food Technology
Visiting address
Postal address
Jokioinen
FI-31600 Jokioinen
Tel. +358 3 41 881 (operator)
Fax +358 3 4188 2222
81
6. National Institue for Health and Welfare (http://www.thl.fi)
Department of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control
(Former: Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases)
Visiting address
Postal address
Gastrointestinal Infections Unit
Mannerheimintie 166
P.O. Box 30
Helsinki
FI-00271 Helsinki
Tel. +358 20 610 600 (operator)
Department of Lifestyle and Participation
(Former: Department of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease
Prevention)
Visiting address
Postal address
Nutrition Unit
Mannerheimintie 166
P.O. Box 30
Helsinki
FI-00271 Helsinki
Tel. +358 20 610 600 (operator)
Department of Chronic Disease Prevention
(Former: Department of Health and Functional Capacity)
Visiting address
Postal address
Disease Risk Unit
Mannerheimintie 166
P.O. Box 30
Helsinki
FI-00271 Helsinki
Tel. +358 20 610 600 (operator)
7. Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira (http://www.evira.fi)
Research Department
Former: Department of Animal Diseases and Food Safety Research
Visiting address
Postal address
Mustialankatu 3
Mustialankatu 3
Helsinki
FI-00790 Helsinki
Tel. +358 20 772 003 (operator)
Fax +358 20 772 4350
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8. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (http://www.vtt.fi)
Visiting address
Postal address
Vuorimiehentie 3
P.O. Box 1000
Espoo
FI-02044 VTT
Tel. +358 20 722 111 (operator)
Fax +358 20 722 7001
Director in Charge:
Professor Hannu Korkeala
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
P.O. Box 66
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland
Tel. +358 9 191 57100
E-mail: [email protected]
Coordinator:
Laila Huumonen, M.Sc.
Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
P.O. Box 66
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Finland
Tel. +358 9 191 58213
Fax +358 9 191 57170
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage of the ABS Graduate School:
http://www.vetmed.helsinki.fi/abs/
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