EN
Laboratory Cell Analysis Laboratory (type core technology facility) focuses on:
Laboratory is divided in two in vitro cell cultures section and strictly analytical section where we are introduce new techniques appropriate to users needs. Based on our experiences Laboratory provides highly qualified service for other Departments and privet companies.
We are open for collaboration with other laboratories and companies.
The primary goal of our scientific work is to improve the quality of food and enrich it with natural ingredients that promote health (functional foods).
Our research concerns bioactive compounds that have a positive impact on human health by influencing specific processes occurring in the body such as counteracting inflammation, slowing down oxidation reactions in the body, and improving immunity.
Thanks to access to advanced research equipment and modern analytical methods, we have the ability to deeply characterize bioactive substances. We determine changes in the profile and content of polyphenols, tocopherols, tocotrienols, sulfur compounds (glutathione, glucosinolates), inositol phosphates, and many others.
We investigate the health-promoting potential of food using in vitro and ex vivo models, in human bodies, and utilizing designed model foods. We analyze the bioavailability of bioactive compounds, i.e., the degree to which they are absorbed and utilized by the body. We also assess the impact of modified diets on nutritional status and selected health parameters.
Additionally, we examine the influence of biopolymers (such as starch or proteins/lipids) on the characteristics and activity of gut microbiota, metabolic changes in the gut ecosystem, and their potential bifidogenic functions (i.e., their positive influence on the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria).
Another important aim of our research is food security. We focus on assessing the effects of technological processing on food quality – including thermal processing of food. Our studies enable the identification and quantitative analysis of the contents of products from the so-called Maillard reaction, which are produced during frying and heating nearly every type of food product containing proteins and reducing sugars. We assume that by selecting raw materials and optimal conditions for food preparation, we can minimize the production of harmful compounds without losing the compounds responsible for flavor and aroma.
We offer our analytical knowledge and research experience to food producers, including those in the bakery sector, as well as producers of fruit and vegetable preserves and honey. We collaborate with manufacturers interested in designing innovative products, both conventional and intended for special dietary purposes.
We specialize in the study of biologically active compounds in plant raw materials and plant-based food, analyzing their properties and impact on health.
Our research is centered around the analysis of the chemical and biological activity of biologically active compounds (such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, condensed tannins, lignans, saponins, oligosaccharides, tocopherols, and carotenoids) in plant raw materials (mainly seeds of legumes and oilseeds) and plant-based foods. An HPLC method with different detectors is used for quantitative analysis.
We also investigate enzymatic hydrolysis of food proteins and the properties of protein hydrolysates, as well as the interactions of phenolic compounds with proteins. For protein hydrolysis we use the pH-stat method with various proteolytic enzymes. The interactions are investigated using protein precipitation models, chromatographic analysis, and spectrofluorimetry.
An important goal of our research is to analyze the effect of high pressure on biologically active compounds and their properties. This research area also includes antibacterial activity, sensory properties, and the inhibition of enzymes that are physiologically important: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Additionally, our analyses include antioxidant and antidiabetic activity (the ability to inhibit the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase).
We also collaborate with the business environment, including the biotechnology sector and plant breeders, supporting them with our expertise and analytical capabilities.
Our research facilitates the contemporary understanding of the impact of diet and food quality on health.
Our research focuses on common and potential new dietary components, including nutrients and bioactives of plant or synthetic origin, that may weaken or enhance metabolic disorders specific to diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes or some intestinal and cardiovascular diseases.
Our research interests mainly concern n polyphenolic extracts and fiber-phenolic preparations, dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids from unconventional sources (such as herbal or fruit seeds, minerals in the form of nanoparticles, prebiotic preparations and food additives containing phosphorus.
We particularly focus on recognizing physiological and molecular mechanisms through which nutrients affect gut and metabolic health of the body. We track interactions between selected dietary components after their consumption, for example in the gastrointestinal tract, where by affecting the local microbiota, they can mutually alter their biological availability and activity.
We conduct feeding experiments mainly on laboratory rodents, which serve as a research model reflecting the state of human health, and also together with other research teams on farm animals to improve the health quality of animal products such as meat or eggs.
We also work with industry to plan and implement research and development projects aimed at introducing new types of food to the market.
The laboratory carries out analyses ordered by the outer clients. we also offer the microbiological analyses of foods and feeds in respect of the specific, individual requirements of the clients.
Animal Lab conventional type CV is located in the building of the Department of Food Sciences at 10 Tuwima Street. The first lab with an area of 120 m2 was established in 1998 thanks to a grant of the Foundation for Polish Science. In 2011its area was increased to 150 m2 and thoroughly modernized with a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and now it meets all the requirements for modern facilities of this type.
All experiments are conducted with the permission of the Local Ethical Committee for Animal Experiments in Olsztyn.
We investigate the mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance and its associated metabolic disorders.
Insulin resistance, characterized by a decreased biological response to insulin, is a condition that can lead to the development of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes. It is associated with obesity, and may be influenced by physical activity and nutrition.
The molecular basis of insulin resistance involves a decrease in insulin cellular signaling, most commonly in its post-receptor transduction pathway. Therefore, our research focuses on identifying these mechanisms within skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.
We conduct studies on individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, we implement physical exercise or low-calorie diet programs for individuals with obesity.
To assess tissue sensitivity to insulin, we use the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique — the gold standard for measuring in vivo insulin sensitivity. We perform biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In these tissues, we analyze gene and protein expression. In experimental studies, we culture skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes, employing techniques such as gene silencing, electrical stimulation of differentiated myotubes, and glucose uptake assays in myotubes.
The results of our research enhance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. This knowledge contributes to developing personalized therapeutic interventions for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance-related diseases and identifying potential biomarkers.
We are studying the molecular mechanisms that occur in the female reproductive system, particularly those related to polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine myomas, endometriosis, adenomyosis and fertility disorders.
In addition to understanding the biology of these processes, our research also aims to develop diagnostic tests and identify therapeutic targets for effective treatment.
We focus on the analysis of physiological processes in the studied cells and tissues. We conduct experiments to determine the role of steroid and protein hormone receptors in reproduction, the effect of steroid hormones on pathological processes within and outside the reproductive system, and the effect of hormones on the development of cancerous processes or disorders of the physiology of the female reproductive system.
We use both basic and state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques in our research. Thanks to our ongoing collaboration with the medical community and access to clinical research material, we can conduct genetic and molecular analyses to identify key biomarkers associated with fertility and reproductive tract pathologies.
By focusing on collaborations with clinical centres at home and abroad, we can contribute to the development of modern, more effective diagnostic methods for the early detection of potential health problems.
As a result, we can also improve therapeutic options in gynaecology and reproductive medicine, as well as contribute to improving the treatment of reproductive disorders and infertility. In the long term, such innovations can significantly increase accessibility to advanced therapies, which will affect the quality of life of patients and their families.
