PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
NANOLCTEO - NANOPARTICLES AS TRANSPORT VEHICLES OF POLYPHENOLIC
COMPOUNDS FOR MILK MATRICES: EVALUATION OF STABILITY, BIOAVAILABILITY AND
TOXICITY

HIGHLIGHTS
Food nanoparticles for proliferation in milk matrices

ABSTRACT
Several studies indicate that the incorporation of phenolic compounds into milk matrices is not
feasible due to interactions with components of the milk matrix (for example with proteins).
These interactions destabilize these compounds and decrease their bioavailability. After ingestion,
conformational changes may occur in its structure, during exposure to gastric and intestinal juices,
and especially to the intestinal microflora. Actually, prior to absorption, these compounds are
hydrolyzed by intestinal enzymes or by the microflora of the colon; The microflora of the colon
hydrolyzes the glycosides into aglycones and degrades them into simple phenolic acids.
Therefore, a transport system may be formulated to protect polyphenols from these events, which
compromise its antioxidant activity and bio-availability. Therefore, the formulation of nano-
vehicles, such as solid and polymeric lipid nanoparticles loaded with polyphenolic compounds.
With this research project we intend to: 1) find an efficient transport system to protect the
polyphenolic compounds from the interactions to which they are exposed when incorporated into
a protein matrix; 2) contribute more studies about the toxicological effects of nanoparticles when
ingested regularly (using a dairy product as a case study); 3) contribute to research in agrarian
sciences and technology in functional dairy foods with studies that will allow the use of NPs in
dairy products safely and with the desired functionality; 4) promote Portuguese research in the
area of Nanotechnology, mainly in its application in the food area.

KEYWORDS
Nanotechnology, Food, Polyphenols, Dairy Products

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia Universidade Catlica Portuguesa (Coordinator); CESPU; UBA

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

FCT COMPETE2020 2012-2015 177.140,00

CONTACTS E-MAIL PHONE

Raquel Madureira rmadureira@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 44
Manuela Pintado mpintado@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 01