SCAN: Identification of bioactive response in typical Portuguese varieties of apples

Abstract
During the last few decades, consumption of fruits and vegetables has received growing interest due to epidemiological and biochemical studies that have demonstrated they are beneficial to human health. This is attributed to the antioxidants they contain, such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids and polyphenols, which prevent cellular damaging by free radical, reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Apples are among the major contributors of antioxidants in human diet. A reduction in the risk of some cancers, asthma, type-2 diabetes, thrombotic stroke and ischemic heart disease has been attributed to consumption of this fruit. The major polyphenolic compounds present in apples includes quercetin glycosides, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidins, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. The phytochemical composition of apples varies greatly between different varieties and thus their antioxidant value and biological effect can diverge substantially. 
Within this context, the main aim of this work was to evaluate the bioactivity of four typical Portuguese apple varieties, including Bravo de Esmolfe, Malápio Fino, Malápio da Serra and Pêro Pipo. For this purpose, the strategy was focused on the evaluation of their antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effect on human cancer cells. The results obtained will be discussed and further compared with those achieved for exotic varieties (Golden, Starking, Fuji, Gala Galaxy and Reineta Parda).

Short CV
1998-2003 – Degree in Biological Engineering by Instituto Superior Técnico – Universidade Técnica de Lisboa
2004-2005 - Research assistant at Nutraceuticals and Controlled Delivery Laboratory, ITQB/IBET
2005-2009 – PhD fellowship by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, since February of 2005, on "Development of New Valorization Strategies for Typical Portuguese Fruits and Legumes", under supervision of  Dr. Catarina Duarte, at Nutraceuticals and Controlled Delivery Laboratory, ITQB/IBET.