Bioengineering concept of winemaking development to reduce the risks of age-related diseases

Abstract

Scientists explain the anti-aging effect of red dry wines consumption primarily because of the presence of the biopolyphenolic compound resveratrol, which has pronounced antioxidant properties. There is experimental evidence that unfermented grape juice, from which red dry wines are produced, has a lower efficiency of absorption of the biopolyphenolic compound resveratrol in the body of consumers, in contrast to ready-made red dry wines [8]. The concentration of resveratrol in red dry wines (according to the same source) varies significantly depending on the grape variety, as well as the characteristics of its vinification. The greater effect is showed by the wines infused on the mesga and crests of the grape brush, because it is in the grape's skin berry that the concentration of resveratrol and other biopolyphenols is maximum. The results of previously cited studies describe the anti-aging effects of resveratrol because of its proven properties beneficial to the aging body of consumers, such as strengthening the heart (prevents atherosclerosis); reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, preventing diabetes, obesity and aging, anti-cancer properties [3; 10]. Alcohol contradicts the positive effect of resveratrol and other polyphenols in red dry wines. Experimental data on this issue in sources were not found because of the lack of experimental studies. However, to eliminate this contradiction, it is advisable to consider in the Project, besides red dry wines themselves, also low-alcohol drinks based on them (with juices, extracts, etc., reducing alcohol concentration), as well as their industrial partial or even complete de-alcoholisation [7]. There is also a debate in scientific circles about the fact that the concentration of resveratrol that is proven effective in eliminating the risk of diseases associated with age-related changes in the body of consumers is not typical of its concentration in red dry wines. Experimental data show that the concentration of resveratrol, even in selected types of red dry wines, clearly does not manifest this effect. To eliminate this factor, it is advisable to provide for the addition to the above drinks based on red dry wines of materials of natural origin with a high concentration of resveratrol and other biopolyphenolic compounds effective in terms of prevention of age-related diseases (e.g. dihydroquercitin, etc.). Research in this direction is being conducted by Russian scientists and their results are expedient to be used to achieve the goal of this project [4]. Red dry wines of Russian origin may hypothetically contain a significant concentration of resveratrol and other bioflavonoids, because of the peculiarities of the climatic zone of the Russian Federation and the traditional winemaking system, which provides for long aging of the wine material on the mash and crests of the grape cluster. No information on the comparative characterisation of red dry wines of Russian origin has been previously published. The development of the concept of biological engineering will make it possible to substantiate the categorisation of red dry wines of Russian origin according to the concentration of biopolyphenolic substances of anti-aging effect in them, and to substantiate the biotechnologies of their winemaking and viticulture as they ensure the achievement of the specified social effect.