iBET Researchers Present TEC4GREEN R&D at Int’l. Conference of Natural Resources, Green Tech & Sustainability

Advancing Agro-Industrial Sustainability

Researchers from iBET’s Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals Team recently participated in the 5th Edition of the International Conference of Natural Resources, Green Technology, and Sustainable Development held in Zagreb, Croatia, on December 3-5.

The conference brought together international experts to discuss vital themes for a sustainable future, including Urban Forests and Urban Greening, Ecosystem Management, Sustainable Production of Food, Green Technologies, Sustainable Wood Products and Environment and Climate Change.

iBET researchers made significant contributions to the scientific program, with 2 oral communications and 1 poster presentation:

Oral Communications: Microformulation of Ascorbic Acid & Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Winery By-products

Naiara Fernández delivered a presentation on “Microformulation as a tool to enhance the performance of ascorbic acid as a food preservative”. The study explored the formulation of microparticles of ascorbic acid (AA), using both conventional spray drying and advanced techniques like PGSS (particles from gas-saturated solutions). This aimed to enhance AA’s performance and stability as a food preservative.

João Baixinho presented work related to his PhD thesis on “Winery by-products as potential source of novel fungicides”. The project focuses on extracting natural bioactive compounds with antifungal potential from winery by-products (such as red and white stems, leaves, and pomace).

Poster: Evaluation of Olive Oil Industry By-products

Naiara Fernández and João Baixinho also presented the poster entitled “Evaluation of olive oil industry by-products as a source of phytosanitary ingredients”. This work examines the potential of olive oil by-products for extracting bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties to combat crop pathogenic fungi.

The research presented at the conference is part of the PRR-funded TEC4GREEN Mobilizing Agenda, launched in 2024. This initiative, involving 18 national partners and led by Ascenza Agro, aims to equip the agro-industrial sector for forthcoming challenges, while mitigating environmental impact and promoting sector sustainability.

A key aspect of iBET’s involvement in TEC4GREEN is the extraction and formulation of natural bioactives from industrial by-products. These efforts support the development of phytosanitary ingredients, contributing to both environmental and economic sustainability.

Learn more about the TEC4GREEN initiative here.

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