PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
PRO-TECH-CLNA - MICROBIOLOGICAL PRODUCTION OF BIOACTIVE ISOMERS OF
LINOLENIC ACID CONJUGATED FOR THE OBTAINMENT OF FOODS AND FUNCTIONAL
INGREDIENTS

HIGHLIGHTS
Identification of lactic bacteria isolated from food sources capable of converting ALA to
CLnA

ABSTRACT
Conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA) isomers are promising compounds because of their chemical
similarities to omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and their bioactivity at lower doses
than CLA. Some food-borne bacteria have been shown to be able to transform linolenic acid (ALA)
into CLnA and, in animal models, have improved the fatty acid composition of liver, adipose tissue
and brain. Thus, the CLnA has potential for the elaboration of new functional products.

The general objectives of the PRO-TECh-CLnA project are to contribute to food biotechnology
research by identifying lactic bacteria isolated from food sources capable of converting ALA to
CLnA through a metabolomic approach to obtain relevant information on the synthesis pathways
and optimization of CLnA production strategies in food; and to elaborate new value-added dairy
products (milk, yogurt and cheese) by the in situ production of CLnA evaluating the biological
activity and technological aspects.

KEYWORDS
Food Biotechnology, Functional Foods, ALA, CLnA, Dairy Products

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia Universidade Catlica Portuguesa (Coordinator); IINFACTS; CESAM/UA;
UNICAMP; CIAL/CSIC

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

PTDC/AGR-TEC/2125/2014 2017-2020 199.507,00

CONTACTS E-MAIL PHONE

Lus M. Rodrguez Alcal lalcala@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 558 0001