DEEP
Gradually integrating into the food production sector, Industry 4.0 focuses on exploring Non-Thermal Processing technologies (NTP) as emerging alternatives. Cold Plasma Processing (CPP), Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF), and High-Pressure Processing (HPP) are among the various NTP technologies being investigated, with PEF and HPP already in use with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) exceeding 7.
The DEEP project specifically targets residue leaves from beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) and faba beans (Vicia faba L.), incorporating digitalization into the NTP setup with sensors and IoT to optimize the extraction of RuBisCO (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) protein. Emphasizing sustainability, the project integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) for food safety and quality monitoring, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing bioinformatics tools, a peptide database is established to provide insights for optimizing extraction procedures. The project concludes by quantifying sustainability and conducting economic calculations through LCA, determining the feasibility of nonthermal IoT green extraction.
The multidisciplinary team, equipped with expertise in NTP technologies, green extraction, informatics, LCA, bioinformatics, and economic analysis, ensures a comprehensive and cohesive approach to achieving sustainability in food processing.
AMIBM role
For conducting the LCA of the project, life cycle assessment software will be purchased by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, with a license for Faculty users for 3 years. Wherein UM will conduct training sessions (as per our availability) to teach LCA to the project partners (visiting the Faculty of Food Technology & Biotechnology – in hybrid form as an online webinar for other partners)
Timeline: November 2023 - November 2027
Contact: Pranav Nakhate
Host institute: University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology
Funded by: Hrvatska zaklada za znanost