ALGAPOW · Smart design of well-function algae-plant-based powder: green spray-drying, characterization and rehydration
Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2023-06-01 → 2025-05-31
- EU contribution
- €211,755
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Smart design of well-function algae-plant-based powder: green spray-drying, characterization and rehydration
As it is now crucial to reduce our dependence on animal-based protein, notably to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, algae protein and plant protein are considered as novel and primary source of protein for the human being in future. Among the various food structures, the powder form is particularly interesting since it reduces transportation and storage costs, and increases product shelf life due to lower water content, which is an asset for the food industry. Powdered cow's milk is one of the most consumed food products in the world. The ALGAPOW project therefore aims to study the use of powders combining algae and plants as substitutes for traditional dairy powders, using milk analogue powders as a model. The production of algae and plant-based powders by spray drying has not yet been studied. To explore the potential of these powders for the production of functional food products, this project focuses on: 1/ identifying an initial formulation combining algae and pea protein suitable for spray drying; 2/ studying the influence of formulation and drying, at laboratory and pilot scales, on the technological properties of the powders. More specifically, the rehydration of the produced powders is studied with regard to the solution characteristics and spray drying conditions, in order to lead to the intelligent design of a solid matrix allowing instant rehydration. Finally, the in vitro study of the powders' digestion and their nutritional analysis pave the way for a commercial alternative to dairy powders.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Algae protein and plant protein are considered as novel and primary source of protein for the human being in future as it is now crucial to reduce our dependence on animal-based protein, notably to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, among varied food structure, the powder matrix of the algae-plant-based formula will reduce transportation and storage costs due to lower water content, which is interesting for food industry. Moreover, the algae-plant-based powder can be a replacer to traditional dairy powder, which is namely milk-analogue powder. However, the formula of algae-plant-based solution and its powder has not been studied yet. This project therefore aims to 1/investigate the powder matrix of algae-plant based formula influenced by drying protocol, 2/demonstrate the rehydration profile of the powder matrix, and 3/improve the sustainable production of this powder. Technological and health potentiality of plant and algae protein for the production of functional food powders by spray drying will be investigated focusing on milk-analogue powder as a model. To achieve the sustainability of the process, mass and energy transfer will be modelled to identify optimal conditions for greener production. The physical characteristics of algae-plant-based initial liquid feed and final powder will be investigated. Both are linked and are of great significance on the development of powder structure during drying and on the final powder functional properties. Especially, the rehydration of algae-plant-based powder will be studied stepwise in comparison with the characteristics of feed solution and spray drying conditions, which can enlighten the smart design of powder matrix for instant breakage during rehydration. Lastly, the digestion of algae-plant-based powder and nutrition analysis pave path to alternate the real milk. As a fresh researcher, my career can be facilitated by this advanced research at AgroParisTech, internationally recognized institute on future food.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
Links
- View on CORDIS
- DOI: 10.3030/101067859
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e505261e50&appId=PPGMS
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e51c05a61a&appId=PPGMS
Data: CORDIS, © European Union