Horizon Europe Biocomat Project: Improving the bioavailability of beneficial polyphenolic compounds in food through advanced materials engineering
- Type Project
- Status Firmado
- Execution 2024 -2026
- Assigned Budget 181.152,96 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing Horizonte Europa 2021-2027
- Project website Proyecto BIOCOMAT
A diet rich in plant-based foods is vital for preventing chronic diseases, thanks to the beneficial polyphenolic compounds (PCs) they contain. However, PCs face challenges due to their sensitivity to environmental factors, resulting in rapid oxidation and reduced bioavailability. Traditional methods for administering these compounds have been resource-intensive and often ineffective.
Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program, the BIOCOMAT project will revolutionize CP delivery through the use of advanced materials design and characterization techniques. The project focuses on creating precise, layer-by-layer encapsulation systems to improve the stability and bioavailability of CPs. Using methods such as confocal microscopy, SEM imaging, and machine learning, BIOCOMAT will develop a Materials Acceleration Platform for food applications.
The approach will include layer-by-layer methods to create model systems with precise control over the morphology of the polysaccharide and protein encapsulation layers. Cofocal microscopy, SEM imaging, and nanomechanics will provide insights into the structure, stability, and release of polyphenols in vitro. Robot-assisted experimentation and machine learning will be integrated to optimize the composition of the layers.
A diet rich in plant-based foods, abundant in beneficial polyphenolic compounds (PCs), is essential for preventing civilization-related diseases. PCs are valued for their robust antioxidant properties and prebiotic potential. However, their inherent instability and sensitivity to environmental factors and processing methods pose challenges.
Rapid oxidation and limited bioavailability in the human body underscore the need for effective delivery systems and stability enhancers. In principle, encapsulation techniques provide prolonged, controlled release of food ingredients and increase the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. However, the complexity of capsule design has consumed considerable resources in the field of food science but has yet to yield satisfactory results in terms of CP delivery.
This project offers a new perspective by treating capsule design as a materials engineering task. Our goal is to leverage cutting-edge materials design, preparation, and characterization techniques to improve the bioavailability of encapsulated PCs. Our approach will involve layer-by-layer methods to create model systems with precise control over the morphology of the polysaccharide and protein encapsulation layers.
Cofocal microscopy, SEM imaging, and nanomechanics will provide insights into the structure, stability, and release of PC in vitro. To efficiently optimize the layer composition, we will integrate robotic-assisted experimentation and machine learning. These efforts will culminate in the development of a materials acceleration platform, a versatile methodology for designing polyphenolic compound delivery systems for food applications.
To achieve these goals, the researcher will receive training through research in a broad spectrum of preparation and characterization techniques targeting layer-by-layer systems and data-driven experimental approaches such as design of experiments and Bayesian optimization.
BIOCOMAT will develop a Materials Acceleration Platform for food applications.
- FUNDACION IMDEA MATERIALES (IMDEA Materials)
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