Research Projects

Oligosaccharides are non-digestible food components that selectively promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Agro-food wastes are an abundant source for producing these oligosaccharides, including cello-oligosaccharides (COS), pectooligosaccharides (POS), and xylooligosaccharides (XOS), along with other less common types like mannose, arabinose, galactose, and sugar acids. Neutral oligosaccharides exhibit anti-proliferative effects, induce apoptosis, and slightly enhance cell differentiation, while acidic oligosaccharides inhibit intestinal cell proliferation through alkaline phosphatase activity. Manno-oligosaccharides and xylooligosaccharides have also been reported to inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 colon cancer cell lines, further highlighting their potential as both prebiotics and anticancer agents. The aim of this project is to utilize machine learning (ML) strategies to identify and clone genes from Bacillus species and Bacteroides ovatus, two microorganisms known for their xylanase production. These enzymes will be optimized through genetic engineering and statistical methods to improve yields, reduce costs, and enhance bioactivity. ML will assist in identifying key genes responsible for xylanase activity, streamlining the cloning process, and predicting the best enzymes for efficient XOS production. In parallel, the project will explore nanoformulation techniques to improve the solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of XOS to the colon, ensuring maximum prebiotic effects and boosting their anticancer potential. Nanoformulation has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of prebiotics and improve their therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, ML-based quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling will be employed to identify specific structural features of XOS responsible for their anticancer activity, aiding the design of more potent prebiotics. With proposed objectives of the use ML to identify genes for XOS production and optimize cloning, statistically optimize XOS synthesis from agro-waste. Development of nano-formulated XOS (nXOS) for better delivery and investigation of the anticancer effects of XOS and nXOS in colorectal adenocarcinoma will deliver the long-term goal of this research is to develop a sustainable and efficient method for producing XOS from agro-waste while enhancing its therapeutic applications, specifically for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). By combining ML, nanoformulation, and QSAR modeling, the research aims to create scalable methods for XOS production, making these prebiotics more accessible and cost-effective. Ultimately, the integration of XOS and other prebiotics into personalized cancer prevention strategies could offer a natural, sustainable, and potentially more effective approach to combating CRC, one of the most common cancers worldwide.