Utilization of anthocyanin extracts from vinification waste

ANTHO_GRAPE aims at the utilization of winery byproducts (pomace) as raw material for the extraction and further processing of naturally occurring bioactive substances (anthocyanins) that exert pleiotropic beneficiary effects, and their subsequent use for the development of novel products aiming at the prevention and/or delayed progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

Wineries represent an important sector of industry in Greece. Their operation results in the production of large amounts of byproducts including bunches, pomace, grape seeds and wine lees. Pomace is the main solid winery by-product, containing a high burden of polyphenols, mainly anthocyanins. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are secondary plant metabolites with well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Due to their beneficiary biological effects, ACNs could be exploited for the development of novel preventive and/or intervention approaches against diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons, leading to neuronal death. NDs, also known as proteinopathies, entail protein conformational changes which result in the formation of disease-related protein aggregates. NDs include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease (HD) and Prion diseases. Even though the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are still elusive, molecular processes related to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are known to be involved in NDs’ development and progression. Enhancement of antioxidant defences and alleviation of neuroinflammation have been proposed as preventive and/or interventive approaches.

Currently, several methods aiming at the extraction and incorporation of bioactive compounds in foods or dietary supplements are being developed. The biological and beneficiary properties exerted by ACNs render them compounds of great economic and commercial interest. Following the principles of circular economy, we aim at the utilization of winery by-products for the extraction of ACN-rich  factions using environmental friendly  approaches and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials and their use for the development of  added value products. This approach is anticipated to reduce wineries’ environmental footprints and in the same time provide financial benefits related to the production of novel products, suitable for consumption.