NUTRACAPS

This project aims to evaluate the effect of co-administration of a fatty acid and a polyphenol coencapsulated in nanoparticles in order to improve their bioavailability and look for synergistic effects, as well as to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects found so far. In this way, formulations that coencapsulate both bioactives in nanoparticles based on food proteins will be investigated, evaluating the biodistribution and bioavailability in animal models. In addition, the efficacy of this joint formulation on various parameters related to Metabolic Syndrome and wound healing will be evaluated in different models (in vitro and in vivo), including advanced non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics tools in order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

On the other hand, and given that the current trend is to use natural sources and circular Economics , we will investigate processes for obtaining these bioactives from abundant by-products in the agri-food industry of Navarra and new natural sources rich in both bioactives, which would allow a reduction in costs and impact associated with such production. Finally, the applicability to different food and nutra/dermaceutical matrices will be evaluated, studying their stability, safety and economic viability.

This proposal a novel approach to the use of bioactive compounds of natural origin, seeking synergistic activities that allow the use of effective doses and, in parallel, looking for sources that jointly contain these bioactives so that they can be obtained through clean and sustainable processes, promoting circular Economics .

Consortium: NUCAPS ( projectcoordinator ), IBERFRUTA, INGREDALIA, ISANATUR, OJER PHARMA, ESPIGA research and development, University of Navarra, CNTA, NAGRIFOOD.

This business has received a financial aid co-financed at 40% by the European Regional development Fund through the ERDF Operational Program 2021-2027 of Navarra",