In the framework of Biotech4Food, Innov’Alliance and ANFACO had the opportunity to attend and participate in the European Federation of Food Science and Technology’s 39th International Conference, “Fostering the Transition to Sustainable Food Systems: Embracing Novelty and Overcoming Challenges”. Held in Porto (Portugal), from the 17-19th of November, the conference was hosted by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Faculty of Biotechnology.
The plenary session on the 19th of November was placed under the theme “From Research to Impact”, illustrating the current dynamic of the bioeconomy: (1) the acceleration of the transition from scientific results to industrial innovation, particularly through European funding; (2) the valorisation of agricultural by-products, fermentation technologies; and (3) the rise of biotechnology as an engine for transforming food systems.
The three sub-themes of the event were focused on novel food sources (Exploring Novel and Alternative Food Sources for the Future), food processing (Sustainable Food Processing and Packaging Innovations) and the digital transition in food (Digital Transition/Big Data towards Food Systems Transformation). Amongst the participants were researchers, scientists, policy makers, and professionals from food-related fields, presenting the latest developments and trends, notably in biotechnology.
Some key trends and topics of keen interest for the sector are highlighted below:
- Green extraction processes applied to the valorisation of peanut shells, extracting polyphenols, fibres and natural antimicrobial molecules, with immediate potential for transferability to almonds, hazelnuts, nuts and pistachios
- Proteomics-guided crosslinking of plant proteins: proteomics as tools to optimise texture, solubility and functionality through transglutaminase
- Enzymatic detoxification of mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins and ochratoxins, notably pertinent for hazelnuts, nuts, and coffee
- Development of PHBV films from coffee and eggshell by-products
- Valorisation of side-streams for the culture of microalgae: ANFACO presented a circular approach using aquaculture effluents rich in sugars, minerals and proteins as culture media for microalgae and marine algae
Innov’Alliance also had the opportunity to visit the Universidade Católica Portuguesa’s faculty of biotechnology and fine chemistry. This research centre of the university holds a strong expertise in agrifood biotechnologies, health and the environment, as well as the valorisation of biomasses through green extraction technologies. The centre has infrastructure adapted for the development of active compounds, ingredients or solutions for the agrifood, cosmetics and other sectors of the circular economy, with ultra-sound, micro-wave, supercritical extraction and plasma technologies.
The conferences and visit highlighted just how much biotechnology can fuel the transformation of our agrifood systems – and the myriads of opportunities for collaboration available to actors within the industry. We look forward to seeing what the next edition of EFFoST has to offer!
