dr. Charlotte Grootaert (PhD)

Research interests are the development of advanced human-derived cell culture models for the study of food bio-actives and contaminants, in the field of intestinal and chronic Western-type diseases, such as cancer. By application of these models under relevant physiological conditions, such as inclusion of the food and digestive systems, we aim to bridge the gap between food producers and nutritionists by providing in vitro screening models suitable for mechanistic research. The evolution from conventional cell culture techniques to 3D setups and coculture of different cell types are envisaged, where the intestinal barrier is combined with liver, endothelial, immune cells etc. in order to take into account the cellular crosstalk mechanisms involved in health. Current cancer-related projects include the study of curcumin derivatives as anti-cancer agents, and the impact of red and processed meat on colon cancer development.
 

Charlotte Grootaert obtained an MSc. (2005) and PhD (2011) in Bioscience Engineering at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, in collaboration with the Ghent University Hospital. After obtaining her PhD, she was a doctor-assistant at the Laboratory of Food Chemisty and Human Nutrition (2011-2018).
Current, she works as postdoc and lab coordinator for cell and molecular activities in the same department.
 

• ‘Synthesis of 1,4‐thiazepane‐based curcuminoids with promising anticancer activity.’ Chemistry A European Journal, 2019. DOI:10.1002/chem.201902549
• ‘Synthesis of non‐symmetrical nitrogen‐containing curcuminoids in the pursuit of new anticancer candidates’, ChemistryOpen, DOI: 10.1002/open.201800287
   

• Lab address: Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Block B, 3rd floor, Coupure Links 653 9000 Ghent.
• Scientific interests Charlotte Grootaert 
• Ghent Gut Inflammation Group (GGIG)