Projects / Programmes
Raziskave za zagotavljanje varne hrane in zdravja (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2013
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| 1.04.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Chemistry |
|
| 3.01.00 |
Medical sciences |
Microbiology and immunology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (28)
Organisations (2)
Significance for science
Research has been undertaken for continuing successful scientific research work in the field of development of analytical and new diagnostic tests and methods. Some of them have been already efficiently realized and published in scientific journals with high impact factors. With the development of new food formulations and functional foods it has been shown a need to develop simple laboratory models, which can be used to test the adequacy, efficacy and safety prior to the start of clinical studies in humans. In this segment, our research group developed new functional models and their validation showed that we can avoid the use of ethically controversial and expensive experiments on animals. Developed intestinal models, which were prepared from non-tumor tissue, refute in many segments the long-standing dogma about the applicability of cancerous cell lines. These may be due to different physiological properties of cross false results. Models of functional intestinal cells lines, which began to develop to meet the needs of the EU project FP6-Pathogen Combat (2005-2009), were originally used to study interactions of individual pathogenic viruses and bacteria with the epithelium and the isolation and characterization of probiotic bacteria. In the last reporting period, the program group upgraded existing models regarding the experimental procedures and applications. In the field of research of diseases related to lifestyle, we have the example of obesity and high cholesterol showed that using in vitro models correctly choose functional foods to help reduce the risk of these syndromes. Proper predictive value of the models was further demonstrated in studies of the toxicity and bioavailability of individual substances and contaminants in food. By using imaging flow cytometry and cell models, we managed to methods of testing the early stages of toxicity and genotoxicity of individual substances prepared for quick viewing. Because of the potential and applicability of the models in vitro toxicology, we study as a partner in the European project FP- 7 EcsafeSEAFOOD the toxicology of yet unregulated contaminants in seafood. Results of in vitro cell models, which were developed at the University of Maribor, they found an international certification in a number of studies that have been published in journals with high impact and citation, as can be seen from the bibliography of program group. With the development of new products and the fundamental findings of their performance, we have tried to contribute to the development of science with interdisciplinary area of food safety and health. The cell models are perfect tool for the development of science in accordance with EC directives, which provide phasing out experiments on animals and their replacement by alternative methods. In this way we expand and deepen the promotion of Slovenian science and its scientists in the EU and worldwide.
Significance for the country
Meaning and favorableness of research work between youth has been encouraged by inclusion of domestic and foreign students. Therefore, their engagement in natural science and technology is further stimulated. In this way, the reputation of Slovene researchers and their achievements has been recognized abroad. Consequently, the number of foreign researchers in Slovene laboratories increased, which also contributes to promotion of science and its development. While collaborating abroad, achievements of many Slovene researchers grow and strengthen in domestic environment too. As such, these results stimulate inclusion of Slovene researchers into different international boards and other forms of excellence acknowledgement (invited lectures, membership in international editorial boards of journals with high impact factors, membership in boards for rewarding science achievements, etc). Beside this, the results of proposed program have represented substantial part of knowledge transfer to Slovene agri-food and pharmaceutical industry. Implementation of this knowledge in practice will improve their economic performance and increase recognition of their products. By developing cell models, content of proposed program follows EU guidelines for reducing use of laboratory animals as well as increase of level of animal welfare in agri-food production. These strand leads to the achievement of important socio-economic goals and higher level of cultural and scientific development. Results of proposed interdisciplinary researches will contribute to higher life quality of Slovene inhabitants and with prevention measures reduce costs of medical treatment as consequence of certain diseases. And taking into account economic side, trade with sensitive agri-food products and impact of different trade-policy related barriers (sanitary, phytosanitary measures) has been monitored.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
