abstract
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This study investigates the effect of biofortification of Granny Smith apple (Malus domestica) agro-industrial by-products (RM-N) through combined abiotic stresses (UVA radiation and wounding) to enhance their phenolic compound content and bioactivities. The applied abiotic stress conditions significantly increased the total phenolic content and the content of procyanidin B2, catechin, and epicatechin, with a maximum increase of 305 % in biofortified tissue (RM-E) compared to untreated samples (RM-N). Simulated gastrointestinal digestion improved the bioaccessibility of key phenolic compounds in RM-E, enhancing their antioxidant capacity by 22.8 % and the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production by 107 % in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Furthermore, RM-E displayed selective antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT29), achieving lower IC
50 values than RM-N samples, while maintaining low cytotoxicity in healthy fibroblast cells. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using combined abiotic stresses as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to valorise apple by-products, providing bioactive-rich ingredients with potential applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. © 2025 The Author(s)