Oil for Lifelong: Metabolomic and Innovative Cellular Models to Better Support Clinical Trial Promoting Traditional and Innovative Mediterranean-Based Dietary Patterns

The LIFE OIL project, born from the synergistic collaboration among five scientific and industrial partners, investigated the nutritional and functional properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through a detailed characterization of the metabolic profile of its bioactive compounds and the evaluation of their biological activity using advanced 2D and 3D cellular models, including organ-on-a-chip systems.

In particular, the research activity adopts an innovative approach to studying four main monocultivars (MONO-EVOO) produced in the three provinces of Abruzzo: Intosso (Chieti), Tortiglione and Dritta (Teramo), and Rustica (L’Aquila). A key aspect of the project involves assessing potential variations in the content of bioactive compounds in the four MONO-EVOOs following the application of innovative agronomic and technological procedures.

At the same time, the project also identified and characterized new nutritional components in lemon-flavored olive oils (BLE-EVOO), with particular attention to the presence of extracellular vesicles naturally contained in lemon juice. This line of research fits within the broader vision of the LIFE OIL project, which focuses on enhancing the value of local MONO-EVOOs also through the development of innovative labeling based on in-depth product analysis. Such a tool will represent a key element in promoting transparency and competitiveness, providing consumers, producers, and opinion leaders in the field of nutrition with clear and useful information to support informed dietary choices.

Throughout this project, scientific and industrial partners worked in close coordination, successfully completing all planned activities in line with the scientific objectives and timeline. The University of Chieti–Pescara ensured effective project coordination, monitoring progress through regular meetings and data-sharing sessions.

Significant outcomes were achieved in communication and dissemination, including the development of the official LIFE OIL logo, a dedicated project website, and customized labels for the MONO-EVOO 2025 sample bottles. The project was actively promoted through major public and scientific outreach events, fostering dialogue among researchers, producers, and citizens.

From a scientific perspective, comprehensive metabolomic profiling of four MONO-EVOO 2024 samples from Abruzzo was completed using advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry, leading to the identification of key bioactive compounds. Polyphenolic extracts demonstrated measurable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in human endothelial 2D models (HUVEC). In parallel, an innovative human liver-on-chip platform was developed and validated to assess anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening the translational relevance of the results.

Extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from lemon juice and characterized, and their anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in endothelial models. In addition, flavored BLE-EVOO samples were produced and analyzed for vesicle content, opening new perspectives for functional olive oil formulations.

At the agronomic level, experimental fields were established using both traditional and innovative practices (3,000 olive trees in total). This enabled the production of MONO-EVOO 2025 under control and treated conditions for each monocultivar. Comparative analyses (acidity, peroxide value, and polyphenol content) were completed, and samples were processed for downstream metabolomic and biological assessment.

Marketing and consumer research activities delivered actionable outputs, including digital performance audits, competitor analysis, qualitative interviews, consumer surveys, cluster analysis, and the definition of buyer personas. These data informed a comprehensive marketing report and practical recommendations for product positioning. A brand identity framework for LIFE OIL was also developed using a research-by-design approach, supported by focus groups and prototype communication tools.

Overall, the project successfully delivered integrated scientific, agronomic, and market-oriented results, demonstrating the functional potential of local MONO-EVOOs and providing validated analytical, biological, and communication tools to support their valorization and competitiveness.