Projects
Natalia Prieto Vidal & Mario Martinez-Martinez
Sargassum muticum seaweeds are invasive brown macroalgae threatening marine ecosystems equilibrium causing serious negative economic and environmental impact. Interestingly, brown algae are a natural source of biologically active compounds. Thus, S. muticum seaweeds can be strategically targeted as a source of functional ingredients to develop complex food systems that can maximize the prevention towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, despite the outstanding bioactivity of algae compounds, their use in food production is hampered by their sensitivity to degradation under certain processing conditions and their bioaccesibility depends on their interaction with food matrix components. Currently, the scientific community is lacking a holistic approach towards the formulation, processing, and nutrition labeling of these bioactive components to ensure the generation of foods with positive metabolic outcomes. ALGOOD project will develop foundational understanding of extrusion technology to improve the bioaccesibility and metabolic effects of S. muticum PUFAs, carotenoids, and phlorotannins in complex food model systems resembling trendy foods. If successful, it will provide critical knowledge tools for the valorization of Sargassum invasive algae to design and produce healthy food with a positive health and ecological impact.
Financing: AIAS-COFUND Fellowship - Natalia Prieto VidalDescription
01/10-2021 → 20/05-2025
Stale bread waste mainly consists of starch, gluten and arabynoxylans with huge potential for utilization as future biodegradable materials. This explorative project builds on a novel idea and will deliver a scientific breakthrough to fill a current gap in the state-of-the-art by explaining the direct conversion of the stale bread matrix into 100 % biodegradable films with good water resistivity and mechanical properties. Combining crosslinking with food grade catalysts, and reactive extrusion, a novel biomaterial will be prepared. Films will be evaluated in terms of molecular conformations and interactions, moisture sensitivity, and mechanical performance, using advanced chromatography, spectroscopy and microscopy. This will lay the foundation for future rational improvements of the polymer matrix, crosslinking agent and process conditions.
Financing: DFF-Forskningsprojekt1/DFF-Research Project 1Description
01/01-2022 → 01/01-2025
Mario Martinez-Martinez , Bruce Hamaker , Clarissa Schwab & Martin Krøyer Rasmussen
Financing: DFF-Sapere Aude
Description
01/03-2022 → 01/03-2026
