Bonn Polyphenols 2018 saw an unprecedented diversity of topics in polyphenols research
Bonn Polyphenols 2018 saw an unprecedented diversity of topics in polyphenols research
In continuation of 11 successful conferences, the 12th edition of the World Congress on Polyphenols Applications was held in Bonn at the end of September 2018. This two-and-a-half day event took place in the new lecture hall building of the University of Bonn, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2018. Local organizer Prof. Dr. Andreas Schieber, Chair of Molecular Food Technology, and his team welcomed more than 210 attendees coming from all continents and representing both the academia and the industry, who witnessed a broad range of topics unprecedented in this series of conferences. Extended lectures, numerous short oral presentations, and close to 100 poster presentations built the scientific framework of this conference and included, among others, polyphenols-microbiome interactions, metabolism and health effects, chemistry and analysis, food technology and biotechnology, plant physiology, and innovative applications of polyphenols. A special session on polyphenols as natural pigments and antioxidants was dedicated to Prof. Dr. Reinhold Carle from the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, for his outstanding contributions to polyphenols research. The laudatio was held by one of his former mentees, Prof. Dr. Ralf Schweiggert.
The introductory session focused on polyphenol-microbiota interactions, with extended presentations given by Prof. Dr. Marvin Edeas, Dr. Daniela Graf, and Prof. Dr. Michael Gänzle. For the first time in this series of conferences, two lectures addressed biotechnological aspects of polyphenols. Prof. Dr. Matteos Koffas provided an overview of the development of microbial platforms for plant polyphenols production, and Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schwab presented his latest findings on the biosynthesis of acylphloroglucinols in strawberries. Prof. Dr. Ute Nöthlings reviewed epidemiological perspectives of polyphenols and chronic disease risk. Prof. Dr. Jan Frederick Stevens showed that non-estrogenic derivatives of xanthohumols improve cognitive function in diet-induced obese mice. According to Dr. Sebastian Soukup, considerable species differences can be observed in isoflavone metabolism, which may have biological implications. Analytical advances in polyphenols research were presented by Dr. Christoph Steingass, who introduced unique phenolic compounds as authenticity markers of pineapple. Prof. Dr. Richard Maroun and Dr. Christine Fuchs highlighted the potential of by-products emerging from plant food processing. Prof. Dr. Mario Ferruzzi and Prof. Dr. Isabel Odriozola Serrano provided an overview of the effects of processing on the stability and bioactivity of phenolic compounds. Dr. Kirsten Berger reported on the in vitro inhibitory effects of phenolics from red fruit juices on alpha-amylases and alpha-glucosidases. Tannin-rich blends of polyphenols may be used as alternative growth promotors in poultry chicken, as demonstrated in a study presented by Dr. Leandro Martin Redondo. Prof. Dr. Reinhold Carle reviewed strategies to enhance the color stability of anthocyanins, and Dr. Judith Müller-Maatsch investigated phenolics from mango peels and rooibos as copigments.
During a live broadcast in the lecture hall building where the conference was held, the University of Bonn received notification of six successful applications for German Clusters of Excellence, and the Rector of the University of Bonn, Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael Hoch, invited the conference participants to celebrate this huge success with the University.
Prof. Dr. Mario Ferruzzi from North Carolina State University Kannapolis, USA, received the 2018 Polyphenols Award for his presentation “Effects of processing on the bioactivity of phenolic compounds”. Prof. Dr. Dea Anton from the Estonian University of Life Sciences was recognized for her poster presentation “Antimicrobial and antioxidative effects of rhubarb, tomato and berry powder in raw and cooked pork”.
In his concluding remarks, Andreas Schieber highlighted the impressive quality of the congress contributions and announced that the 13th edition of the World Congress on Polyphenols Applications will take place in 2019. The search for a venue will be a priority task of the scientific committee and the outcome will be published in due course.
During the congress, The Scientific Committee descerned following awards:
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Scientific Contribution Award "Processing as a modifier of polyphenol delivery and bioactivity" Prof. Mario Ferruzzi, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, USA |
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Poster Presentation Award “Antimicrobial and antioxidative effects of rhubarb, tomato and berry powders in raw and cooked pork". Dea Anton, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia
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On behalf of all the members of Scientific Committee and President, we thank you for your participation. See you next year.
