1. Measuring biological age : insights from omics studiesEva Kočar, Robert Šket, Ana Halužan Vasle, Gorazd Avguštin, Evgen Benedik, Barbara Koroušić-Seljak, Pavle Simić, Antonio Martinko, Shawnda A. Morrison, Maroje Sorić, Mihaela Skrt, Tomaž Polak, Tine Tesovnik, Barbara Jenko Bizjan, Jernej Kovač, Tadej Battelino, Damjana Rozman, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, Bojana Bogovič Matijašić, Gregor Jurak, Miha Moškon, Tadeja Režen, 2026, review article Abstract: Biological ageing is a systemic, multifactorial process driven by progressive molecular and cellular alterations whose complexity necessitates systems-level approaches. Advances in high-throughput omics technologies now allow simultaneous quantification of millions of biomolecules from a single specimen, enabling longitudinal, integrative profiling across multiple molecular layers. This review synthesizes recent progress in applying genomics, epigenomics, metabolomics and microbiomics to ageing research, highlighting their contributions to biomarker discovery, mechanistic insight, and translational opportunities. Genomic studies reveal genetic variants that promote extreme longevity, while epigenetic clocks provide robust predictors of biological age. The blood proteome can be used to calculate proteome-based scores and evaluate temporal changes in ageing trajectories in an organ- and sex-specific manner. Metabolomic signatures identify key metabolites reflecting ageing trajectories, and microbiome research demonstrates that gut microbial composition mirrors and modulates biological ageing, with microbiome clocks emerging. The omics approaches have further elucidated the impact of exercise and diet providing evidence that interventions can reduce biological age. The integration of multi-omics with clinical and lifestyle data, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence, is paving the way for a holistic definition of biological age and the development of personalized healthy ageing strategies. This review highlights how the omics technologies and computational modelling are transforming ageing biology into strategies for personalized healthy ageing.
Keywords: ageing, biological ageing, omics, physical fitness, nutrition, computational modelling
Published in DiRROS: 08.01.2026; Views: 386; Downloads: 92
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2. Sustainable cyclodextrin modification and alginate incorporation: viscoelastic properties, release behavior, and morphology in bulk and microbead hydrogel systemsMaja Čič, Nejc Petek, Iztok Dogša, Andrijana Damjanović, Boštjan Genorio, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Črnivec, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Incorporating cyclodextrins (CDs) into ionically crosslinked polysaccharide matrices offers a promising strategy for developing well-defined, safe-by-design and biocompatible carrier systems with tunable rheological properties. In this study, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was functionalized with citric acid (CDC) and maleic anhydride (CDM) using solvent-free synthesis to improve compatibility with alginate hydrogels. The modified CDs were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, DLS, zeta potential, and MS, confirming successful esterification (4.0 and 3.4 –OH substitution for CDC and CDM, respectively) and stable aqueous dispersion. Rheological measurements showed that native CD accelerated gelation (within approximately 30 s), while CDC and CDM delayed crosslinking (by 2 to 13 min) and reduced gel strength, narrowing the linear viscoelastic range to 0.015–0.089% strain due to competition between polycarboxylated CDs and alginate chains for Ca2+ ions. Vibrational prilling produced alginate microbeads with diameters of 800–1000 µm and a simultaneous increase in size and CD concentration. Hydrogels demonstrated high CD retention (>80% after 28 h) and slightly greater release of CDC and CDM than native CD. Overall, solvent-free modification of CDs with citric and maleic acids provides a sustainable approach to tailoring the gelation kinetics, viscoelasticity, and release behavior of alginate-based hydrogels, offering a versatile, food- and health-compliant platform for controlled delivery of bioactive compounds.
Keywords: cyclodextrin, alginate, dry modification, solvent-free, hydrogels, viscoelasticity, rheometry, microcarrier design
Published in DiRROS: 25.11.2025; Views: 820; Downloads: 137
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3. Stabilisation of lutein and lutein esters with polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, medium-chain triglyceride oil and lecithinZala Gombač, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Črnivec, Mihaela Skrt, Katja Istenič, Andreja Knez Knafelj, Igor Pravst, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, 2021, original scientific article Published in DiRROS: 11.11.2025; Views: 215; Downloads: 147
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4. Verifying the use of food labelling data for compiling branded food databases : a case study of sugars in beveragesEdvina Hafner, Živa Lavriša, Maša Hribar, Sanja Krušič, Anita Kušar, Katja Žmitek, Mihaela Skrt, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, Igor Pravst, 2022, original scientific article Keywords: beverages, reformulation, added sugar, food composition, HPLC, database
Published in DiRROS: 11.11.2025; Views: 306; Downloads: 134
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5. Nano spray-dried particles of in-situ crosslinked alginate and their toxicological characterisationJaka Levanič, Ilja Gasan Osojnik Črnivec, Iza Rozman, Mihaela Skrt, Alja Štern, Bojana Žegura, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The feasibility and technical capacity for producing crosslinked sub-micron gels with a nano spray-dryer were studied with variable pH systems incorporating alginate, pectin, and pullulan. The obtained powders were characterized for their morphology, particle size distribution, and their toxicological safety profile using genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays. Additionally, quercetin was added to the encapsulation system to study the potential of the system to encapsulate this material. The produced powders exhibited morphologies and particle size distributions characteristic for nano spray-drying. The addition of pullulan and pectin to the feed solutions resulted in a particle size increase, with crosslinked alginate particles having a mean value of 1.43 μm, while particles with added pectin and pullulan had a mean particle size of 1.70 and 1.75 μm, respectively. The inclusion of quercetin proved to be problematic with this encapsulation system. Extremely high degradation rates and extremely low encapsulation efficiencies were observed due to the alkaline pH (~10) of the system that is needed to keep the feed dispersion in a liquid state and prevent premature crosslinking of the alginate. Although pectin and pullulan provided some protection for quercetin in the alkaline dispersion, the absolute quercetin content in the final product remained very low, with a maximum achieved encapsulation efficiency of 2.06 %. The safety profile of most produced powders was favourable, as they did not exhibit any significant cytotoxic and genotoxic activity in the HepG2 cell line, except in the case of Alginate/Pullulan which showed a 43 % decrease in cell viability at 500 μg/mL. Samples where quercetin was added did not show any increased toxicological effect.
Keywords: alginate, polysaccharides, crosslinking, nano spray drying, toxicological evaluation
Published in DiRROS: 08.05.2025; Views: 811; Downloads: 504
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6. Identification of triazolopyrimidinyl scaffold SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inhibitorSebastjan Kralj, Marko Jukič, Miha Bahun, Luka Kranjc, Anja Kolarič, Milan Hodošček, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, Urban Bren, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The global impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its companion disease, COVID-19, has reminded us of the importance of basic coronaviral research. In this study, a comprehensive approach using molecular docking, in vitro assays, and molecular dynamics simulations was applied to identify potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro), a key and underexplored viral enzyme target. A focused protease inhibitor library was initially created and molecular docking was performed using CmDock software (v0.2.0), resulting in the selection of hit compounds for in vitro testing on the isolated enzyme. Among them, compound 372 exhibited promising inhibitory properties against PLpro, with an IC50 value of 82 ± 34 μM. The compound also displayed a new triazolopyrimidinyl scaffold not yet represented within protease inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the favorable binding properties of compound 372. Structural analysis highlighted its key interactions with PLpro, and we stress its potential for further optimization. Moreover, besides compound 372 as a candidate for PLpro inhibitor development, this study elaborates on the PLpro binding site dynamics and provides a valuable contribution for further efforts in pan-coronaviral PLpro inhibitor development.
Keywords: drug design, protease inhibitor, SARS-CoV-2, papain-like protease, PLpro, antiviral design, in silico drug design, CADD, virtual screening, HTVS, structure-based design
Published in DiRROS: 07.08.2024; Views: 1026; Downloads: 875
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7. Extremophilic microorganisms in Central EuropeVera Zgonik, Janez Mulec, Tina Eleršek, Nives Ogrinc, Polona Jamnik, Nataša Poklar Ulrih, 2021, review article Abstract: Extremophiles inhabit a wide variety of environments. Here we focus on extremophiles in moderate climates in central Europe, and particularly in Slovenia. Although multiple types of stress often occur in the same habitat, extremophiles are generally combined into groups according to the main stressor to which they are adapted. Several types of extremophiles, e.g., oligotrophs, are well represented and diverse in subsurface environments and karst regions. Psychrophiles thrive in ice caves and depressions with eternal snow and ice, with several globally distributed snow algae and psychrophilic bacteria that have been discovered in alpine glaciers. However, this area requires further research. Halophiles thrive in salterns while thermophiles inhabit thermal springs, although there is little data on such microorganisms in central Europe, despite many taxa being found globally. This review also includes the potential use of extremophiles in biotechnology and bioremediation applications.
Keywords: ekstremofilni mikroorganizmi, mikrobna ekologija, ekstremofili, oligotrofi, psihrofili, halofili, termofili
Published in DiRROS: 05.08.2024; Views: 1155; Downloads: 975
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