The OliveNet project was implemented from 01/03/2017 to 31/08/2022, after also a period of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the project was suspended on 23/07/2020 and on 02/2021 it was extended for 12 months, until 28/02/2022. Finally, the project was resumed on 01/06/2021 and an extra period of six months extension was given.
Seven work packages had been designed, involving experimental and administrative work. Thirteen partners participated as beneficiaries and three partners were from Third countries.
The project started with the acquisition of all relevant authorizations, approvals and certificates related to ethics requirement. In parallel, various samples of olive oil, fruits, leaves, pomace and olive mill waste waters (OMWW) were gathered from different countries (Greece, Algeria, Thailand) and were extracted with various techniques, such as liquid-liquid extraction, ultrasound extraction, maceration, accelerated solvent extraction and centrifugal partition extraction. Fractionation of the samples was accomplished with resins technology and centrifugal partition chromatography.
All the extracts were analyzed with TLC, HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS analysis and were found to be rich sources of phenolic compounds, like hydroxytyrosol. The total phenolic content of the produced extracts and fractions was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu analysis while extracts, fractions and pure compounds were evaluated for their radical scavenging activity with DPPH assays. In continuation, the extracts/fractions/compounds were evaluated for their potential bioactivity. In vitro screening on the antioxidant potential and the anti-ageing effect was performed and again the extracts containing hydroxytyrosol where the most potent. The extract/fractions/compounds were also tested in cell based assays for their cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and also for toxicity. The effects of oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol were studied in selected animal models and further olive metabolites were determined in plasma samples using LC-HRMS approaches. Extracts with hydroxytyrosol were selected as the most promising and pilot scale extraction of these extracts was designed and implemented. A cosmeceutical product and a food supplement containing extracts with hydroxytyrosol were formulated and developed.
Dissemination activities implemented, involved the transfer of knowledge to all scientists working in the field of natural products and other stakeholders. Specifically, it involved the project website, the publication of articles in scientific journals, participation in scientific conferences, exhibitions and the organization of a workshop. The results of the project were disseminated also to the public through TV interviews.
Management activities involved all the activities and procedures required for the administration of the project, the communication between partners, the organization of meetings and the preparation and signature of the grant and partnership agreements. The kick off meeting was organized on 17/03/2017 and the mid-term meeting was held on the 30/11/18, in Athens with the presence of the project officer and an external expert. Several difficulties had been encountered regarding administrative issues related to the secondments. Mostly issues related to health insurance, visa, contracts etc had been shown to be really time-consuming and laborious. The first semester of 2020 was really difficult since most of the countries involved in the project were in a lock down situation with researchers working from home and couldn’t host people in their facilities. In addition, most of the airports were closed and flights were cancelled. The extension gave the opportunity to the consortium to organize and implement secondments at the last six months of the project, since most of the restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic had arrested.
