BIOPEP - Exploring the role of chickpea and fenugreek bioactive peptides in health and disease prevention

The BIOPEP project investigates chickpea and fenugreek seeds as valuable sources of bioactive peptides with health benefits. Its main goals include extracting protein fractions using enzymatic hydrolysis and evaluating their biological activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and potential cytotoxic effects. The most active peptides will be purified, identified, and tested for anticancer properties, with their mechanisms of action examined. This project is a collaboration between Egyptian and Italian teams and aims to explore the potential of these legumes as functional foods for managing metabolic disorders and preventing cancer. BIOPEP also seeks to promote public health and economic growth by encouraging the development of legume-based functional products. The results could lead to innovative, natural strategies for disease prevention and health enhancement.

Study of drug metabolism enzymes

In the cellular fractions (cytosol and microsomes) of the human lung, the carboxyesterase enzymes 1 and 2 (CES1 and CES2) were studied using p-nitrophenylacetate (substrate for CES1> CES2), 4-methylumbelliferylacetate (substrate with prevalence for CES2) ) and fluorescein diacetate (substrate for CES2). In addition to catalytic activity, gene expression has been studied. Furthermore, arylacetamide deethylase was studied in terms of transcript, protein and enzymatic activity evaluated as hydrolysis activity of phenacetin. All the enzymes studied show a variability between individuals. The results obtained by us add important information on lung enzymes and it could be interesting to study their modulation by substances of plant. The study will continue on other drug metabolism enzymes and their modulation.

Nutraceutical evaluations of Kavolì subjected to a freeze-drying process

The aim of the project was to evaluate the nutraceutical properties of a new brassicacea, called Kavolì, produced by the Freschissimi consortium through in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo The freeze-dried Kavolì showed a good content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in vitro and ex vivo. Indeed, appreciable amounts of glucosinolates and an excellent phenolic content, characterized by high levels of chlorogenic acid, were found in the aqueous extract; a good antioxidant and antihemolytic activity was observed on human erythrocytes exposed to oxidative insult.

Furthermore, the protective action against hepatic steatosis was evident in rats fed a hyperlipidic diet associated with a streptozotocin injection. The rats treated with the aqueous Kavolì extract showed a lower hepatic lipid content than the control, the group of hyperlipidemic rats.

Nutratoscafrica

NUTR-AGE: Nutrition, Diet and Active Aging

The aim of the project is to evaluate the impact of new functional foods and bioactive compounds on human health, with particular interest in the prevention of the main neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases linked to population aging. Thanks to the integrated approach of different scientific skills it was possible:

1. to select the bioactive compounds present in the different food matrices (including the by-products of the agri-food industry);

2. to identify the richer fractions in the greatest interest products to obtain bio-fortified, functional and pre-pro-post-biotic foods;

3. to study their protective effects through in vitro studies and on animal models;

4. to preserve the biological activities during the processing phases and cooking;

5. to verify their bioavailability and regulation role on the intestinal microbiota.

PRIMA-Functionalized Tomato Products (FunTomP)

FunTomP aims to formulate new functional foods based on Mediterranean tomato added with proteins extracted from sugar beet leaves, a waste product, and olive powder. Environmentally friendly processing technologies will be applied; they will have a minimal impact on nutrients evaluated in terms of effects on microbial load and nutritional quality than conventional methods. Green technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound techniques and high voltage electrical discharges will be used for the extraction of bioactive compounds from tomato and beet waste. Advanced techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance, will be employed for the quality control of the developed products. Thanks to an in vitro and in vivo study it will be verify the health effect of the products obtained, paying particular attention to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor outcomes. FunTomP will make it possible to produce juices, sauces, bars and powder blends with potential health benefits. By involving consumer policy makers, the agricultural industry, producers, consumers and nutritionists in the discussion of the project results, it will be possible to obtain adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and a correct lifestyle at a European level.

Identification and characterization of paraoxonases in ten human lung samples and analysis of the modulation of enzymes involved in drug metabolism in A549 cells exposed to inflammatory insults

The human paraoxonase family includes three enzymes (PON1, PON2, and PON3) Ca²⁺ -dependent with lactonase activity capable of hydrolyzing and inactivating the quorum-sensing microbial factors (N-acyl-homoserine-lactones) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All three enzymes modulate and are differently regulated under oxidative stress and inflammation conditions. Furthermore, paraoxonases are modulated by diet and lifestyle.

This project aims to characterize the expression levels, enzymatic activity, and modulation of paraoxonases (PON1, PON2, and PON3) in human lung tissues and the A549 cell line. A better understanding of lung metabolic activity is useful for studying toxicity induced by xenobiotics, allergens, and/or inhaled or dietary food compounds. At the same time, the expression and modulation (induction and inhibition) of genes involved in drug metabolism in A549 cells, both at the basal condition and after exposure to inflammatory insult, underlying many chronic lung diseases, will be evaluated.

BILATERAL EGYPT - Screening, purification and identification of trypsin inhibitors from some legume seeds and evaluation of their biological activities

The project is part of a bilateral CNR/ASRT agreement and aims to isolate and characterize peptides or proteins as proteases inhibitors (IPs) from seeds of different leguminous plants and evaluate their biological effects on different cell systems. In recent years, new biological activities of plant IPs have been reported, including antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antioxidant and antitumor effects, suggesting possible applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. In particular, trypsin inhibitors from different legumes will be purified, characterized, and tested for their cytotoxic activity on different tumor cell lines and their antimicrobial properties on different bacterial strains. The proposals involve an in-depth investigation at the molecular and proteomic levels that may provide useful information for future investment in the use of these proteins, which could have therapeutic applications in both bacterial infections and cancer.

PRIN 2022 EXTRAFRESCO - Extraction of bioactive molecules from plant materials with high nutraceutical potential for developing sustainable polymeric coatings able to extend fresh foods post-harvest life

The EXTRAFRESCO project aims to extract bioactive molecules, especially polyphenols, from plant by-products and food waste (microalgae, hemp seeds, and bran) to develop functional bio-coatings for perishable food and packaging solutions. These coatings, enhanced with bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, will help extend the shelf life of fresh perishable products and improve food safety. Edible coatings (EDC) will be applied directly to food, while packaging coatings (PKC) will enhance packaging performance. The project focuses on green extraction methods (such as microwave and ultrasound) and sustainable water-based formulations. Coatings will be designed for effective adhesion and application, and their impact on food quality and safety will be assessed. Additionally, EXTRAFRESCO supports circular economy principles, including sustainable end-of-life solutions and a wide dissemination of results.

PNRR ONFOODS (SPOKE 2) - SMART and CIRCULAR FOOD SYSTEM and DISTRIBUTION

As part of the ONFOODS Partnership, CNR-IBBA is deeply involved in SPOKE 2, where it conducts research related to the development of innovative technologies for the recovery and valorisation of agri-food waste and the use of biomass obtained for the formulation of new solutions for sustainable, bio-based food packaging.

In particular, in WP2.1 ‘WP2.2: New technologies for food waste recovery’ IBBA coordinates for the CNR in Task 2.1.1 the BIOCOIM-BIOCOnversion of agro-industrial food and waste by Insects and Microalgae project and participates within Task 2.1.3 at the projects NEWPRO-NEW food and non-food PROducts from agrifood wastes and VALUE_PRODUCT-EVALUation of prototypEs from by PRODUCTs/waste. In WP2, IBBA participates in Task 2.2.1 in the projects BIOPACK-New solution for sustainable BIO-based food PACKaging; FUNPACK-Assessment of bio-FUNctional properties of new smart and sustainable PACKaging solutions and PILOT_PACK-PILOT-scale PACKaging solutions; and within Task 2.2.2 in the BIOSAN-BIOchemical technologies for SANitization of fresh food products project.

PNRR AGRITECH (SPOKE 9) - New technologies and methodologies for traceability, quality, safety, measurement, and certification to enhance and protect typicality in agri-food supply chains

Spoke 9 aims to conceive, design, test, and disseminate innovative digital solutions to understand the origin, authenticity, and guarantee the safety of agricultural products, with the aim of enhancing and protecting the unique characteristics of agri-food supply chains. Within Spoke 9, IBBA is involved in Task 9.11 (Chemical, Physical, Biological, Sensory, and Genetic methods and protocols for the measurement of product quality and traceability of food matrices and for soil characterization) and 9.1.5 (Modeling sustainability and quality of farm processes and food using on-farm and lab measurements).

In Task 9.1.1, IBBA aims to validate a genetic profiling method based on intron length polymorphisms of the β-tubulin (TBP) gene family for the authentication of olive and cereal cultivars supplied by partners.

In task 9.1.5, an in vivo study on cattle allows us to evaluate the effect of feed supplemented with natural substances on antibiotic resistance and the quality of milk produced, determining chemical and biofunctional parameters. Thanks to the collaboration with ISTI, the use of visible and hyperspectral imaging, combined with machine learning, is being investigated as a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional laboratory chemical analyses for assessing milk quality.

NUTRAGE - Nutrition, Diet & Active Aging

With a multidisciplinary approach, Nutrage aims to promote solutions and strategies for active and healthy aging, which have significant implications for the future, well-being, and social cohesion of the country. Evidence suggests that nutrition plays a key role in promoting the prevention and delaying the onset of major aging-related diseases. Therefore, the project intends to develop new foods with high nutritional value, new dietary regimens, and specific personalized nutrition programs, and to promote new pathways to support the health, well-being, and safety of the most vulnerable populations. The specific objectives of the project are:

• Development of agri-food (bio)technologies
• Development of new foods with high health value
• Green technologies for the extraction and stabilization of biocompounds
• Identification of early biomarkers
• Innovative strategy for active and healthy aging
• Integrated analysis of the physiopathological bases of aging
• Food culture and education