BIBAFOODS Biopolymer based food delivery systems EC FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN GA 606713 Prof. Tom Van de Wiele

The “BIopolymer BAsed FOOd Delivery Systems” (BIBAFOODS) network will train
young researchers for the advancement of food science and technology, by providing
them with the complementary skills necessary to develop the future sustainable food
industry and entrepreneurial skills crucial for creating biotechnological food oriented
start-up companies. This collaborative training network will combine the
complementary training capabilities of each individual partner institution to improve
the trainees’ chances for employment and promote health and welfare in the EC by
providing the capability to develop novel functional foods. The scientific focus of the
research training is on colloidal delivery systems to protect and deliver active
components via foods, resulting in novel functional foods. The development of these
systems is to be based on only food-grade ingredients and upon economical feasible
processes. The hypothesis is that the materials and coatings can be made
responsive to the external chemical conditions and therefore suitable for controlled
releases targeted at a desired stage during food processing or at a specific point
during digestion of the food, e.g. in the intestinal tract. This will involve probiotic
bacteria and enzymes that are liberated and allowed to be active in a controllable
way. The ultimate successful materials ensure stability of the active component
during long term storage prior to food production, during food production or during
digestion, but at the same time liberating the active component at the right point. The
behaviour and interaction of the delivery systems will be studied by simulation of
gastric and intestinal conditions and by implementation in food production and
formulation into probiotic products. To summarize, through the training in
BIBAFOODS, 14 young researchers will achieve superior qualifications that will make
them highly competitive and attractive for the European food
and bio-tech industry.