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TITLE
BLUEBERRY - NEW EXTRACT, METHODS AND USE THEREOF

HIGHLIGHTS
The present disclosure relates to a blueberry extract, in particular to the use of said extract
in food, foodstuff or beverages as an inhibitor of bacteria or fungi, and as a probiotic
enhancer.

CONTEXT
Blueberry extracts have been widely recognized as possessing antimicrobial activity against several
potential pathogens. However, the contextualization of the interaction of these extracts with
beneficial bacteria (i.e. probiotics), particularly when considering food applications of these
products, may be of importance, not only because their presence is important in the regular gut
microbiota but also because they are important constituents of regular and functional foodstuffs.

BENEFITS
When combining the presence of an extract and a probiotic microorganism, there is an increased
inhibitory effect upon the adhesion, displacement and removal of pathogenic cells, in vitro, to a
surface that is treated to simulate the intestinal mucosa.

PROOF OF CONCEPT
Was demonstrated the inhibitory effect of a blueberry extract upon four potential food pathogens
and, after identifying the active concentrations, evaluated their impact upon the growth and
metabolic activity (organic acid production and sugar consumption) of five potential probiotic
microorganisms.

POTENCIAL COMMERCIAL USE /APPLICATIONS

This blueberry extract is capable of inhibiting a pathogen, while simultaneously not inhibiting
potentially probiotic microorganisms, which can be used as potential antimicrobial additive for
fermented foods or as a coadjuvant for the treatment of intestinal infections.

INVENTORS AND RESEARCH UNIT

Bruno Miguel Horta, Eduardo Manuel Costa, Manuela Pintado, Mariana da Luz Veiga, Rui Morais,
Sara Costa e Silva

Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia - Universidade
Católica Portuguesa

COOPERATION OPTIONS
Sell the patent application

Licensing the exploitation rights

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PATENT STATUS
Patent Pending: FT P/1458

CONTACTS (ESB) E-MAIL PHONE

Eduardo Costa emcosta@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 01

Manuela Pintado mpintado@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 55 800 00