Gdańsk Tech as the only foreign partner in the French MucFib project | Gdańsk University of Technology

Adam Macierzanka, PhD, DSc, Eng., professor at the Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology, is a co-applicant for the international research project MucFib (Impact of legume dietary fibres on piglet small intestinal mucosa), which has received funding from the French government under the ANR-AAPG-2025 programme. The project will be implemented from 2026 to 2029, with a total budget of EUR 336,234.

The research is coordinated by the INRAE-PEGASE institute and conducted in collaboration with three other units of the French INRAE institute: INRAE-UE3P, INRAE-BIA and INRAE-UNH. The Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology is the sole foreign partner in the project and is responsible for implementing one of the four work packages (Work Package 4).

Fibre under the microscope of scientists

The MucFib project aims to investigate how dietary fibre from legumes affects the health and functioning of the small intestine, with special attention to the protective role of the intestinal mucosa. The research combines in vitro and in vivo experiments, which allows for explaining in detail how soluble fibre fractions and the colloidal structural elements of the mucosal layer and intestinal epithelial cells interact.

“We are focusing on legumes, with particular emphasis on peas, as this plant is native to Europe,” emphasised Prof. Adam Macierzanka. “Although plant proteins are less digestible than animal proteins, we are seeing a clear shift in consumer food preferences and a global trend of diverting from animal products to a plant-based diet.”

Four plants and four stages of research

The project analyses four types of legumes: peas, lupins, broad beans and soybeans. Testing covers both grains and flours.

The project is divided into four main research tasks. The first stage analyses fibre solubility under digestion conditions using advanced in vitro models that simulate the biochemical environment of the stomach and small intestine (relevant enzymes, biosurfactants, mineral salts and pH).

“We use miniaturised in vitro digestion models, which allow us to precisely observe how fibre behaves under the biochemical and physicochemical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and how it affects digestive processes and the transport of nutrients,” explained Prof. Macierzanka.

In subsequent stages, the study is conducted on piglets fed with feed containing fibre of varying content and origin, including pea fibre. Next, in the laboratory, the reaction of the intestinal epithelium and the morphology of the small intestine mucosa of these animals are analysed.

From animal husbandry to human applications

The research aims to identify the plant and form of fibre that best support healthy intestinal development, intestinal barrier integrity and effective nutrient absorption. The project results will enable specific recommendations to be made to feed manufacturers and breeders regarding supplementation and feed additives.

“The physiology of digestion in pigs and humans is very similar, which is why the pig organism is an excellent research model,” noted Prof. Macierzanka. “Recommendations developed for animal nutrition may also apply to human nutrition in the future, for example, in the design of prebiotics.”

The project results may be of interest to feed producers, breeders, the agri-food sector and the biotechnology industry, and their implementation may also have a measurable economic impact.

As part of the project implementation at the Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology, research work by a French postdoctoral researcher is also planned for 2027–2028, strengthening the university's international research cooperation.