Interdisciplinary research on food technology, human nutrition and agricultural and forest technologies
The Division of Biological Agriculture Foundations, in cooperation with sibling units (the Division of Food Industry Processes and Devices; the Division of Biochemistry and Biotechnology; the Unit of Automatics) is an interdisciplinary group of specialists in food technology and human nutrition as well as in agricultural and forest technologies. The main research interests of the group concern:
- modern no-tillage systems; developing innovative technologies for raw materials cultivation;
- processing using traditional knowledge to create food products with health-enhancing properties;
- increasing the variety of products based on traditional knowledge via developing innovative processing technologies and techniques;
- biomass production and conversion for energy;
- production of second-generation fluids; enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis.
Individual research units collaborating as the “Biocentrum” have a join capacity to monitor all the operations involved in cultivation, harvesting, storage and processing up to delivery of a product to the food market. The “Biocentrum” is also involved in sensory testing of raw materials, half-products and final products. The key area of interest is the analysis of ingredients of raw materials and resultant products.
The expertise offered includes:
- determining effects of no-tillage systems on changes in soil environment and plant yield;
- testing plant responses to stress-causing factors;
- determining sensory qualities of niche agricultural raw materials and products;
- developing technologies of health-enhancing product manufacture with the use of traditional methods to create innovative foods;
- conducting studies on identification of conditions optimal for raw materials storage and on selecting packaging appropriate for finished products and for extending their shelf life.
The group is interested in cooperation in:
- creation of product image and development of promotion systems for individual health-enhancing products;
- testing the utility of biomass manufacture of second-generation bio-ethanol.
Thematic area - Cluster in Horizon Europe: 6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.