Projects
Visualization of cell walls components in creal grains using fluorescently labeled enzymes. KU Leuven
The impact of microwaves on wheat gluten structure. KU Leuven
The effect of structural build-up of plant-based food emulsions on carotenoid bio-accessibility and in vitro digestion of fat. KU Leuven
Vegetable-based foods such as soups and sauces, are good sources of water, fibers (e.g. pectin), micronutrients and lipids. In foods, lipids are often considered as negative since an excess uptake of lipids is linked with a risk of obesity. It should however be noted that lipids are important macronutrients providing energy and essential fatty acids and facilitating the uptake of lipid soluble micronutrients such as carotenoids.
The ...
Multiscale modelling of microbial colony dynamics. KU Leuven
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES. A thorough control of food quality and safety is indispensable in the food industry to satisfy consumer and government requirements. For this purpose, predictive microbiology develops mathematical models to predict microbial growth and inactivation. Traditionally, these models apply a macroscopic approach considering global microbial population properties in a homogeneous liquid environment.
...
Kinetics of processing-induced contaminant formation in plant-based foods. KU Leuven
Furan is a processing-induced contaminant that is classified as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ to humans. Since the carcinogenic effects can most probably be attributed to a genotoxic mechanism, furan concentrations in foods should be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Heat-treated, shelf-stable fruit- and vegetable-based products (e.g. jarred baby foods, ready-to-eat soups, sauces and juices) are important contributors to the furan exposure of ...
MIGRINKT: Study of stability and reactivity of migrating compounds from printing inks and glues, used in food packaging materials. Ghent University
The stability and reactivity of migrating substances from printing inks and glues used in food contact materials will be studied. Therefore a study of literature will be made concerning stability, reactivity and methods of analysis of the most relevant migrants. Next a study of stability of the selected migrants with respect to formation and degradation kinetics is performed. Kinetic models will be drawn up and validated.
Influence of processing on the microstructure, nutrient retention and bioaccessibility characteristics of plant based food model systems. KU Leuven
Foodborne pathogens at the boundaries of growth. KU Leuven
Optimisation of biomass compression. KU Leuven
The compression of biomass is essential for facilitating transport and storage. Biomass, like wood, landscape refuse, straw and hay, is mostly compressed with a press moulding machine because of continuous operation which results in high capacities.
The working principle of press moulding machines is based on friction of the material with the compression chamber. Higher friction means more compression but also results in high energy ...