encapsulation, functional foods, alternative fats, nutrition
Topic 2: New foods – Fostering innovations in food design, processing and supply via demand-and-supply reorientation
Our research group is focused on innovative approaches to food product development, with particular expertise in the encapsulation and coating of bioactive components, as well as the enhancement of fresh produce. Our key areas of research include:
• Encapsulation of Bioactive Components: Developing advanced techniques for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds such as phenolics and oils to improve their stability and bioavailability.
• Development of Functional Ingredients: Designing and creating novel functional ingredients that can enhance the nutritional value and health benefits of food products.
• Shelf-life Extension of Fresh Produce: Innovating sustainable, edible coatings to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Development of Fat-like Structures: Creating fat-like structures from unsaturated fats for healthier, more sustainable food formulations.
• Oleogels as a Fat Replacement: Investigating oleogels as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to saturated fats.
By exploring these areas, we aim to develop functional, sustainable food solutions that promote health and well-being.
Izmir Democracy University’s Nutrition and Dietetics Program is dedicated to advancing inter- and transdisciplinary research at the intersection of food science and nutrition. With a strong commitment to cutting-edge research, our department strives to push the boundaries of functional foods, healthy eating, and nutrition science.
Our Research Group is dedicated to developing cutting-edge strategies in food product innovation and processing technologies. Our areas of expertise include, encapsulation of bioactive compounds, probiotics and functional foods, shelf-life extension of fresh produce, reformulation of healthy, sustainable foods, olegels for fat replacement.
Our laboratory is equipped with fundamental tools for food analysis, and we also have access to cutting-edge facilities through our collaborations with both industry and academic partners in Turkey. We have extensive experience in both academic and industry-driven projects, and we are currently partner of a PRIMA project.
If you are interested in exploring potential collaborations, we would be eager to discuss opportunities for joint research and development.
