Faculty seminar "Application of in vitro digestion to assess the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of plant bioactive compounds: analytical challenges and possible solutions"
The Faculty of Chemistry at Gdańsk University of Technology cordially invites you to a seminar that will take place on May 26, 2026, at the Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, at 12:15 in room 112, Chemistry A Building.
Title: Application of in vitro digestion to assess the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of plant bioactive compounds: analytical challenges and possible solutions
Speaker: Paulo Berni, Professor at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Brazil
Abstract:
The growing recognition that plant bioactive compounds contribute to the prevention and treatment of several diseases has been transforming dietary habits, public health policies, and the food chemistry/industry. However, the biological effects of these compounds depend on their chemical fate within the human body, which is influenced by factors such as food source, physical-chemical matrix, and individual physiology.
In vitro digestion methods have become important biochemical tools for investigating the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of plant bioactive compounds, as well as for supporting the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Despite these advances, important analytical challenges remain, beyond the standardized protocol, in understanding the biochemical processes involved in gastrointestinal digestion, metabolism, microbiota interactions, absorption, and biological effects of the plant bioactive compounds.
This seminar will discuss the application of in vitro digestion models in studies of plant material – concentrating on examples of several Brazilian plants, particularly native fruits – and share the challenges faced in this broader field of plant-derived bioactives while exploring innovative ideas, approaches, and possible solutions.
The seminar will also explore the opportunity to discuss cell culture models and possibilities for relevant future collaboration with the Faculty of Chemistry (Gdansk Tech).
Host: Adam Macierzanka