Molecules of Biological Interest

The MIB is an interdisciplinary team mainly composed of professors and associate professors from the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques) - University of Bordeaux. This team was set up in 2016 after the merging of the GESVAB unit (EA3675) with UR Oenology. T. Richard served as the group leader since 2016 until now with J.M. Mérillon as co-leader (2016-2019) who was replaced later by S. Cluzet following his retirement. Historically, research activities were focused mainly on two topics: (1) Analysis of phenolic compounds of vine and wine; (2) Study of the biological properties of these compounds. Both topics targeted mostly the properties of stilbenes produced from vine by-products.

Today, the group develops original know-how to enhance the vine and wine compounds characterization and particularly the one of phenolics. We attach importance to adding value to vine and wine products. We develop two complementary axes: (1) Tools for the production and analysis of grape and wine compounds; (2) Valorization of the products and by-products of the vine.

MIB Lab web page

Tools for analytical chemistry of wine and vine products
Valorisation of vine by-products

Tools for analytical chemistry of wine and vine products - IP: T. Richard, P. Waffo-Teguo

We develop analytical tools for production and characterization of vine and wine metabolites, with particular attention to stilbenes. This work is essential in order to be able to consider valorisation of vine or wine products from the wine industry. Two aspects are privileged: (1) The development of eco-friendly methods; (2) The development of metabolomics tools for the analysis of vine and wine products.

New tools for production of vine and wine products

Regarding the production of extracts from vine by-products, particular attention is paid to the development of eco-friendly extraction methods. Two strategies are explored: (1) the eco- purification of phenolic compounds from the vine by liquid-liquid chromatography; (2) the use of green solvents, as NaDES (Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents).

Metabolomic analyses of vine and wine products

Regarding wine traceability (VRAI project), complementary analytical approaches are explored in addition to 1H-NMR tools already implemented such as analysis by LC-MSn. These analytical approaches are coupled with original statistical approaches such as the use of neuronal networks. A national/international database of wines is developed within the framework of the WAP-NMR project. In addition, NMR tools for oenological analysis of wines are under development.

Valorisation of vine by-products - IP: S. Cluzet, S. Krisa

The promotion of vineyard products and by-products, and more particularly of phenolic compounds, is proposed in two main areas: (1) Health-promoting properties in humans and bioavailability; (2) Reduction of inputs in viticulture and oenology.

Health-promoting properties in humans and bioavailability

Phenolic compounds bioavailability is an important concern in the valorisation of natural extracts. The main goal of our works is to understand the fate of phenolic compounds derived from vine, and other foods associated with the Mediterranean diet, in the body in the context of valuing their use. To evaluate the bioavailability of phenolics resulting from the consumption of phytonutrients, we quantify these molecules and their metabolites by high throughput methods that we have developed. A holistic approach (from cells to humans) was carried out. Correlations between the presence of these compounds in body fluids and their biological effects (such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, vascular functions, effect on microbiota or epigenetic markers linked to the aging) are investigated.

Reduction of inputs in viticulture and oenology

Regarding reduction of chemicals for vine and wine treatment, the development of green and sustainable strategies is sought. For the control of diseases in vineyard, among the alternative control methods, two strategies are mainly considered. Firstly, we study the effects of plant defence stimulators (PDS) by monitoring the plant primary and secondary metabolic responses (in leaves and berries), and by assessing their impact on wine quality. Secondly, phenolic-enriched extracts are evaluated for their use as biopesticides. The use of vine by- products to obtain the phenolic extracts is favoured. For both strategies, antimicrobial assays towards 2 main grapevine pathogens (downy mildew and gray mold) are usually performed to inform about the protection afforded by their use.