DAMA-BIOX: Breaking the link between obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress by bioavailable compounds from apple pomace delivered in novel dairy beverages

Objective

Overweight and obesity are risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases that can be partially prevented by adopting healthier lifestyles and eating habits, such as increased fibre intake and other bioactive compounds, such as phenolics. However, in the European Union, the proportion of overweight adults varies from 37 to 73%, averaging 53%. DAMA-BIOX uses apple pomace (AP) to recover, purify and encapsulate phenolic compounds (APF) and fibres to unveil the mechanisms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioavailable fraction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes challenged with supraphysiological concentrations of palmitic acid to simulate obesity. DAMA-BIOX implements the use of an innovative humanised three-dimensional co-culture intestinal barrier model consisting of human enterocytes (Caco-2) and human fibroblasts (CCD-18Co) to recapitulate human intestinal absorption. The use and reuse of AP also target sustainable food production by harnessing agro-industrial side streams, representing a tangible solution to produce functional foods. DAMA-BIOX addresses this aim across four work packages, contributing to the environment, agroindustry’s circularity, and public health. DAMA-BIOX brings together cross-sectoral expertise, strengthens the European capacity for healthier and sustainable innovations, and generates new possibilities for food export. The prestigious fellowship will provide the experienced researcher (PF) with the first step in a new research field that will act as a platform to kick-start the future international academic career. The University of Limerick is the place of renowned subject experts, and exposure to international collaborators will provide the PF with a unique opportunity to grow as an independent researcher.