Projects
Unraveling the underlying mechanisms of risky driving among adolescents and strategies for training by means of simulated driving Hasselt University
The application of automated feedback and gamification to improve Truck Drivers' functioning. Hasselt University
Smart packaging films based on natural materials: Potential as sustained-release carriers and food quality indicators Ghent University
Food packaging innovation activities have gradually expanded toward the development of smart packaging due to the emerging need for new and efficient ways to solve safety and quality issues through the supply chain, and reduce product losses. On the other hand, the widespread utilization of petroleum-based plastic packaging has become a major global concern because their production and disposal are causing many environmental problems. With ...
Modelling the synergistic effect of oxygen and relative humidity on chemical processes in food products and its application in predicting optimal gas and water permeability of packaging materials Ghent University
The combined impact of oxygen and moisture influences to a large extent the stability of dry products such as biscuits, coffee, milk powder, etc. Their shelf life is therefore determined by the barrier properties of the used packaging materials. In industry, packaging materials are typically selected on basis of general guidelines (e.g. max. 1% oxygen) without being scientifically substantiated. Consequently, the optimal packaging ...
Structure-function properties of wax-based oleogels prepared in rice bran oil Ghent University
Oleogels are prepared using natural waxes in rice bran oil which contains a high amount of oryzanol and other antioxidants. These oleogels are solid-like in nature but are low in saturated fatty acids and could therefore be applied for production of confectionary fillings and margarines with an improved nutritional profile.
Exploring Raman spectroscopy for elucidating structure-function relationships in complex lipid-rich foods Ghent University
Today, several societal drivers (public health, climate change, disrupting supply chains) are pushing food producers to reformulate the fat phase in their foods towards a healthier (e.g. reduce saturated fat), local and environmental sustainable (e.g. no tropical oils) and plant-based (e.g. no milk fat) profile. A prerequisite for science-driven reformulation is a thorough understanding of the structure-function relationship from the nano-, ...
Curcumin-derived functionalized thiazepanes to selectively target colon cancer cell Ghent University
In this project, curcumin analogues, synthesized to improve curcumin’s stability, bioavailability and anticancer selectivity, will be investigated on novel 3D cell models for colon cancer by examining accumulation, biotransformation and -activity using microscopic, analytical and cellular-molecular techniques, followed by in vivo validation. The new compounds and mechanistic insights may open perspectives for product development in food ...
A Framework to Increase the Resilience of Embedded Systems – FIRES KU Leuven
Structure-function relations of fat crystal networks in suspensions Ghent University
This research aims at explaining the macroscopic (physical) properties of fat-based model suspensions through insights in the fat crystallization at different length scales (nano-, meso- and micro-scale). Therefore, this research uses a very advanced toolbox comprising ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), synchrotron microbeam X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) ...