The development of new synbiotic food products using enzymatic hydrolysis of plant by-product
APP Institute of Horticulture is implementing a project within the specific support objective 1.1.1.1 framework. “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” of the European Union Funds Operational Programme “Post-doctoral Research Aid” 1.1.1.2 measure, Project No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/1/16/201 "The development of new synbiotic food products using enzymatic hydrolysis of plant by-product"
The primary objective of this research project is to enhance the capabilities of a young scientist at the Institute of Horticulture, referred to as LatHort, while simultaneously strengthening the scientific expertise in the development of high-value-added food products utilizing processing by-products. This initiative is designed to provide valuable career advancement opportunities for the researcher, both within LatHort and through cooperative endeavors with food producers. Moreover, this research aims to expand opportunities for international collaboration, fostering recognition beyond Latvia, and enhancing skills in inter-institutional cooperation. It will also create avenues for publishing joint research findings in reputable, high-quality scientific journals. For LatHort, the benefits of this research are significant. It will facilitate the attraction of new international collaboration partners, promote the engagement of a highly qualified researcher, and contribute to meaningful quantitative outcomes, including an increase in publications, patents, and the introduction of innovative products. The pursuit of advanced technologies will enable the Institute to attract manufacturers who are keen on implementing cutting-edge products in their production processes. The research is directly aligned with the RIS3 area, specifically focusing on the Knowledge-intensive bio-economy and the growth priority of optimizing the utilization of primary processing products to generate higher added-value products, while also fostering the development of new technologies and diversifying applications. This industrial research will specifically target the creation of novel functional food products from plant by-products, including fruit and berry pomace and cereal bran, employing biocatalysts, primarily enzymes.
The proposed technological approach will be grounded in the enzymatic hydrolysis of plant by-products, utilizing starch and non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. Subsequently, the functional properties of the derived hydrolysates—both in their insoluble and soluble forms—will be evaluated using a gastrointestinal simulation device to study the growth and development of prebiotic bacteria with probiotic characteristics. Each fraction of the hydrolysate will be comprehensively assessed as a potential prebiotic substrate, focusing on the viability of probiotic bacteria and evaluating metabolic activity along with the metabolite composition, including short-chain fatty acids, organic acids, amino acids, and vitamins present in the intermediate products. Based on the results obtained from this research, two distinct technological processes and two new synbiotic food products will be developed. Additionally, three scientific articles will be prepared and submitted for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals indexed in recognized databases, such as SCOPUS or Web of Science. The overall duration of the project is planned for 36 months, commencing on May 20, 2017, and concluding on May 19, 2020. The anticipated eligible costs for the project total €133,805.88, which includes €113,735 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as co-financing.
Web site of program: http://viaa.gov.lv/lat/pecdoktoranturas_atbalsts/pecdoktorantura_apraksts/