I visited the Biotechnology
Laboratory within the Department of Agriculture (SAAF) of the Palermo University
on the 20 March 2026. The visit
was guided by Prof Maria Teresa Sardina of the Department of Agriculture,
Animal Genetics Section.
Professor Maria Teresa Sardina is a prominent researcher at the University of Palermo (Università degli Studi di Palermo), Italy, specialising in animal genetics and breeding. Her work primarily focuses on the genomic characterization, biodiversity, and conservation of local Mediterranean livestock.
Laboratory Infrastructure and Technical Sections
The laboratory is designed
as a multidisciplinary space, facilitating shared use between animal and crop science
departments. It has been equipped with new technology over the last decade to
support both research and student education
A. Molecular Biology and
Instructional Space
- Core Activities:
The facility serves as the primary hub for DNA extraction from
various types of samples such blood, salivary swabs etc. and
quality control.
- Pedagogy: A dedicated
electrophoresis area is utilized to train students in essential practical
skills, such as pipetting and sample preparation from diverse matrices
(leaves, blood, and salivary swabs).
- Support Systems:
The lab includes a dedicated "refrigerant freezer area" for
long-term sample preservation and high-speed centrifuges. Key
instruments include spectrophotometers for quality control, centrifuges,
electrophoresis areas, and a dedicated "machine house" on the
first floor for high-throughput analysis.
Specialized Milk and
Disease Analysis
A significant portion of
the lab's work involves analysing livestock products and health, particularly
for local breeders.
- Milk Quality: The lab uses
specialized machines (like the MilkoScan) to measure fat, protein,
lactose, pH, and casein.
- Somatic Cell Counting: A
high-speed cell fluorimeter can process 200 samples per hour,
which is critical for farmers to monitor animal health.
- Disease Management:
The lab tests for diseases such as Scrapie and Visna-Maedi in
sheep. For viral mastitis, where antibiotics are ineffective, they use
genotyping to select for resistant animals.
 |
| The Milkoscan |
C. Advanced Genomics and
Sequencing·
Genetic Identification: The lab
utilizes a Genetic Analyzer for Sanger sequencing, which is critical for
routine tasks and identifying specific genetic markers
·
Capillary Efficiency: The
equipment includes both 8-capillary and 24-capillary systems, allowing for the
processing of up to 24 samples simultaneously.
·
High-Throughput Sequencing: The lab
utilizes Sanger sequencing for routine tasks and the Illumina
NextSeq 500 for full-genome sequencing, transcriptomics, ( and
metagenomics.
 |
| Illumina NextSeq 500 |
·
Proteomics: A specialized scanner is
operational for proteomic analysis, although it is noted as a
resource-intensive process in terms of both cost and time.
 |
| GE Typhoon FLA 9500 Biomolecular Imager, |
·
Bioinformatics: Microbiome data is processed
in-house using dedicated software, while complex "big genome" data is
outsourced to specialized partners.
 |
| Genetic Analyser |
 |
| Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM), a next-generation sequencing (NGS) instrument. |
3. Research Strategic
Pillars: Genetic Conservation
A primary focus of the
laboratory's current research agenda is the conservation of
autochthonous Sicilian biodiversity. The department has shifted its
focus from purely industrial production metrics toward the genetic preservation
of breeds that are uniquely adapted to the regional environment.
·
Targeted Local Breeds: Active
projects involve cattle (Cinizara, Modicana), sheep (Valle del
Belice, Barbaresca, Derivata di Siria), and goats (Girgentana, Mascarona).
 |
| Distribution of the Local Breeds across Sicilia |
·
Avian Genetics: Efforts are underway to
officially recognize two local Sicilian chicken populations as distinct breeds
·
Environmental Adaptation: These
breeds demonstrate superior survival and performance in the "hard
areas" of the Sicilian interior, which is characterized by mountainous
terrain.
·
Climate Change:
Autochthonous biodiversity is prioritized for its ability to remain resilient
in the face of shifting climatic conditions compared to modern, highly
specialized industrial breeds.
·
Genetic Reservoir: Even if
less productive in terms of milk or egg quantity, these animals carry essential
genes that can be utilized to improve the robustness of non-modern breeds.
·
Selective Breeding for Health:
Genotyping is employed to identify and select animals with natural resistance
to viral pathologies, such as Visna-Maedi and Scrapie,
where traditional antibiotics are ineffective.
·
Breed Certification:
Researchers work with breeder associations to provide the morphological and
functional data necessary to officially recognize these populations as distinct
breeds.
4. Institutional and
Financial Observations
- Collaborative Maintenance: To
ensure the longevity of high-cost equipment, the lab maintains active collaborations
with other universities that outsource their sample analysis to this
facility.
- Funding Challenges:
Unlike dedicated regional research centres, the University facility
operates on a project-to-project funding model, requiring continuous grant
acquisition from ministries and the EU to survive.
Conclusion: Strategic Value
of the Biotechnology Laboratory
The Biotechnology
Laboratory has successfully transitioned from a traditional agricultural model
to a high-tech genomic hub. By providing rapid milk diagnostics and advanced genotyping, the facility offers essential services that are otherwise
cost-prohibitive for local farmers. Central to its mission is
the preservation of Sicilian autochthonous biodiversity. Using
Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing, researchers are proving that local
breeds—such as the Cinizara cattle and Girgentana
goats—possess critical genetic resilience to disease and climate change.
Despite a project-dependent funding model, the laboratory’s commitment to
student pedagogy and regional collaboration ensures it remains a vital asset
for sustainable agriculture in Sicily.
