BrainMap

Ciont Călina

- UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

PhD student

Expertise & keywords

Evaluation of microalgal iron's bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity for the treatment of iron deficient anemia Call name: P 5.1 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie - Competiția 2023
PN-IV-P1-PCE-2023-1449 2025 - 2027

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://14pce.weebly.com

Abstract:

This project aims to comprehensively assess the bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and bioactivity of iron derived from microalgae to address iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Three microalgae species, A. platensis, C. vulgaris, and G. sulphuraria, will be investigated. In the first phase, the selected microalgae will be cultivated and optimized for high biomass production. Growth conditions such as temperature, pH, and medium composition will be fine-tuned. In the second phase the bioaccessibility of iron in microalgae biomass will be evaluated through in vitro simulations of gastrointestinal digestion and techniques like pulsed electric fields and ultra-high-pressure homogenization will be used to enhance bioaccessibility. Iron content and forms and the presence of ascorbic acid and phycocyanin will be analyzed. In the third phase, the bioavailability and bioactivity of microalgal iron will be investigated through ex vivo and in vivo experiments. An iron-deficient mouse model will be utilized to study the effects of microalgal iron on IDA treatment. Different diets containing microalgal iron will be administered, and blood parameters, fecal iron content, and overall well-being will be evaluated. The project outcomes will provide valuable insights into the use of microalgae as bioavailable iron sources for supplementation and sustainable food production. The findings will pave the way for future clinical research and offer new possibilities for global IDA treatment.

Iron oxide nanoparticles transported by probiotics - cytotoxicity, bioavailability and their influence on intestinal microflora Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-2126 2021 - 2023

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: https://pronanoiron.usamvcluj.ro/

Abstract:

Anemia is a global issue affecting 2 billion people. Over 52% of pregnant women suffer from anemia. Scientists' bigger concern is iron bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. A promising approach for anemia treatment is the utilization of iron oxide nanoparticles. We will empower the iron oxide nanoparticles with probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, leading to a reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort, an increase in iron absorption and reduced problems pose of toxicity.

Our overall objective is to design, develop and test an innovative probiotic (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria) carrier iron oxide nanoparticles suitable for i) anemia treatment with ii) minimum side effects (no cytotoxicity) that sustain iii) optimum iron absorption mechanism and iv) ensure the gut microbiota health, in order to maximize their impact. Specific objectives will be achieved through seven work packages (WP1-7):

WP1-Synthesis and characterization

WP2-Functionalization

WP3 -In vitro simulated gastrointestinal interventions

WP4-In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity

WP5-In vivo validation of the anemia treatment using probiotic iron oxide nanoparticles

WP6-Scientific and social innovation, dissemination, communication & exploitation

WP7-Management

The potential impact on budgets for health care is considerable; considering that over 30% of the population is anemic, many due to iron deficiency. The research will encourage an interdisciplinary approach.

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