Prebióticos sustentáveis de nova-geração dirigidos à imunonutrição de precisão: aplicações em esclerose múltipla

Releaf project is poised to address crucial global challenges, encompassing natural resource scarcity, ecosystem decline, sustainable industrial modernization as well as health risk reduction and management, particularly in immune-mediated diseases as is the case of multiple sclerosis (10,11). With the demand for highly nutritious and affordable foods escalating due to the growing global population, there is an urgent imperative to recover nutrients from wasted resources in order to alleviate environmental challenges together with the shortage of world food supplies for future generations (12). Releaf is an applied research project that fuels microbiome science innovation by introducing a bio-based processing technology to convert blueberry agrowaste, typically disregarded in cultivars, into functionalized fibers for gut health. It seeks to meet the needs of industry, farmers and consumers by offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly approach to revolutionize prebiotic production. Accordingly, Releaf drives science-based innovation in the agri-food sector through pioneering functional ingredients that merge the prebiotic and immunomodulatory dual assets. FCT application is an integral part of an ongoing technology transfer process grounded in three overarching goals: 1 – To conclude the necessary experimental demonstration required for scientific assessment by regulatory authorities (EFSA) and substantiate Releaf fiber as a novel prebiotic with claimed immune support (Activity 1-3; Milestones 1,2); 2- To offer scientific guidance on precision immunonutrition as innovative dietary approaches to supplement Multiple Sclerosis’ therapeutic protocols, aimed at enhancing disease management and improving the health quality of patients (Activity 1-3; Milestones 1,2); 3- To accelerate the incorporation of Releaf fiber into innovative functional foods that have a positive impact on the environment, business and territorial innovation (Sever do Vouga - Activity 4; Milestone 3). The groundbreaking nature of this bio-based processing technology lies in the convergence of a range of knowledge areas encompassing food biotechnology (UCP), nutrition (PUC), pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences (UC), whose synergy of expertise has accumulated within the Releaf team since 2018 (INOVC2020). Together, we cross-pollinate ideas to advance knowledge on an innovative biotechnological approach for the functionalization of blueberry leaf agrowaste, an underutilized, plentiful, and cost-effective endogenous resource through partial depolymerization of polyphenolic fibers towards increased polyphenols bioaccesibility along the gastrointestinal tract. Our circular economy strategy is customized to be highly scalable internationally, as we witness a burgeoning blueberry production rates on a global scale. This strategy harmonizes closely with international green transitioning agreements such as the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the European Green Deal. Releaf project addresses significant challenges outlined in the Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3, Center and North). It stands out for its dual alignment with the distinctive domains of "Natural Resources and Bioeconomy" and "Health and Well-being", configuring active participation in all recommended innovation platforms across various action lines (please see section 4).