Current Projects
Research and Development of CEDEVITA OTG – Developing a Sustainable Instant Vitamin Product - PK.1.1.12.0040.
2025. - ongoing
Our part of the project focuses on checking whether micro- and nanoplastics are present in the new Cedivita drink formulation. Tiny plastic particles from PET food packaging (around 136–167 nm) can enter cells, increase harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), and act similarly to known oxidants. At certain concentrations, these PET nanoparticles can damage DNA and cause oxidative damage to cellular proteins and lipids, which is why it is important to test the new formulation for their presence.
PI: Tihomir Balog, PhD
Exploring the Potential of Novel Supplements for Elite Training Performance [P3-SUPREME] - PK.1.1.12.0135.
2026. - ongoing
The project includes research and development activities focused on creating a next-generation pre-workout product designed to support focus, mental clarity, endurance, and recovery through a unique combination of scientifically supported ingredients. It is the first product in the region to be developed through primary scientific research, rather than relying only on secondary data. The project is carried out by Polleo Adria d.o.o. in collaboration with scientists from the Ruđer Bošković Institute. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme 2021–2027.
PI: Sandra Sobocanec, PhD
Exploring Sirtuin 3 as a modulator of sex differences in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) progression in obesity
[Scientific and Technological Colaboration Austria - Croatia]
2026. - ongoing
This project examines how Sirt3 and sex shape liver mitochondrial function and lipid/glucose metabolism during Western-diet overload—and whether this interplay drives sex-biased progression of MAFLD.
PI: Sandra Sobocanec, PhD; Tobias Madl, PhD
Investigating sex-specific metabolic effect of Sirtuin 3 in obesity-related diseases [Obese Sirt] - HrZZ - IP-2022-10-4806
2023. - ongoing
This project explores how Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) and sex hormones collaborate to mitigate metabolic stress induced by a Western diet, focusing on the adipose tissue-liver crosstalk in the context of obesity-related diseases. Understanding these interactions is crucial given the global prevalence of obesity and its associated health challenges. The research utilizes advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging technologies, along with metabolomic analyses, incorporating preclinical cell cultures, mouse models, and clinical studies to decipher Sirt3's role in sex-specific susceptibility to metabolic complications linked to obesity.
PI: Sandra Sobocanec, PhD
Past Projects
ONE – Research and Development of CEDEVITA OTG – Developing a Sustainable Instant Vitamin Product - IRI 2 OP - KK01.2.1.02.0090
Sirtuin 3 as a mediator of mitochondrial function in estrogen-dependent resistance to oxidative stress and high-fat diet [SuMERA] - HrZZ - IP-2014-09-4533