Anemia is a global issue affecting 2 billion people. Over 52% of pregnant women suffer from anemia. Scientists' bigger concern is iron bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. A promising approach for anemia treatment is the utilization of iron oxide nanoparticles. We will empower the iron oxide nanoparticles with probiotics from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, leading to a reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort, an increase in iron absorption and reduced problems pose of toxicity. Our overall objective is to design, develop and test an innovative probiotic (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria) carrier iron oxide nanoparticles suitable for i) anemia treatment with ii) minimum side effects (no cytotoxicity) that sustain iii) optimum iron absorption mechanism and iv) ensure the gut microbiota health, in order to maximize their impact. Specific objectives will be achieved through seven work packages (WP1-7): WP1-Synthesis and characterization WP2-Functionalization WP3 -In vitro simulated gastrointestinal interventions WP4-In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity WP5-In vivo validation of the anemia treatment using probiotic iron oxide nanoparticles WP6-Scientific and social innovation, dissemination, communication & exploitation WP7-Management The potential impact on budgets for health care is considerable; considering that over 30% of the population is anemic, many due to iron deficiency. The research will encourage an interdisciplinary approach. Estimated results Obtain and characterize (XRD, FTIR, TEM, HETEM, BET, XPS) iron oxide nanoparticles. Probiotic or a mix of probiotics able to carrier the obtained nanoparticles. In vitro and in vivo tests on the probiotics carried iron oxide nanoparticles

Our overall goal is to design, develop and test an innovative probiotic (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria) carrying iron oxide nanoparticles suitable for i) anemia treatment with ii) minimal side effects (without cytotoxicity) that support iii) optimal mechanism of iron absorption and iv) the health of the intestinal microbiota, in order to maximize its impact.

The specific objectives will be achieved through seven work packages (WP1-7):

• WP1-Synthesis and characterization
• WP2-Functionalization
• WP3 -In simulated gastrointestinal interventions
• WP4-In vitro cell absorption and cytotoxicityIn vivo validation of
• WP5 in the treatment of anemia using probiotic iron oxide nanoparticles
• WP6-Scientific and social innovation, dissemination, communication and exploitation
• WP7-Management

The impact on budgets is considerable given that over 30% of the world's population is anemic.

Estimated results

Obtaining and characterizing (XRD, FTIR, TEM, HETEM, BET, XPS) iron oxide nanoparticles.

Probiotics or a mixture of probiotics capable of transporting the nanoparticles obtained. In vitro and in vivo test on iron oxide nanoparticles transported by probiotics.