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Research projects 6
NANOSOLUTIONS seeks to identify and elaborate the characteristics of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) that determine their biological hazard potential. It will help develop a safety classification model for ENM based on an understanding of their interactions with living organisms, benefiting industry and enabling innovation.The NANOSOLUTIONS project was created to develop a safety classification for engineered nanomaterials (ENM) based on an understanding of their interactions with living organisms at molecular, cellular and organism levels. The human body uses natural nanomaterials, such as proteins and other molecules, to control the body�s many systems and processes.
Team
Dario Greco, Harri Alenius, Riitta Lahesmaa, Roland Grafström, Kai Savolainen
The BIOCODE project aims to develop high-value extraction compounds (e.g. protein, oil, waxes, and carotenoids), cellulose and hemicellulose products (nanocelluloses, soluble cellulosic macromolecules, sugars and lactic acid) and lignin based materials (biochar, soil additives, chemicals) from main commercial grain crop residues (corn, rapeseed and wheat co-streams). A sequential fractionation concept based on extraction pre-treatment (fractionation of minor components) followed by hydrothermal destructuration (fractionation of major components) will be developed and integrated with a variety of conversion techniques.
Team
Henrikki Liimatainen, Terhi Suopajärvi, Lothar Driller, Robin White, Gianluca Ottolina, César López
To develop food products based on Andean grains (quinoa, amaranth, lupine)
Team
Emanuele Zannini
Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an adhesion molecule and involved in leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and transmigration from the blood into sites of inflammation, which is important for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. VAP-1 was found and identified in Turku by Prof. Sirpa Jalkanen. In this study, we planed to investigate the relationship soluble VAP-1(sVAP-1) in serum with cardiovascular factors based on Chinese population. This is an internation collaboration project. Finland provides technical supports and VAP-1 antibodies to China. Parters in China performed population study.
Team
Dawei Chen, Jianchang Wang, Sirpa Jalkanen, Anne Roivainen, Juhani Knuuti
The aim of the project is to develop gluten-free extruded snacks by incorporating nutritious grains from Latin America and Finland. This is a comprehensive research project that focused on technological optimization, study of microstructures and nanostructures and their effects on the sensory characteristics of solid emulsions (extruded snacks). Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) are endemic to South America and are regarded by their resilience to harsh weather conditions and formidable nutritional properties (protein quality is comparable to casein). Besides, lupine (Lupinus angustifolius) is cultivated in Finland, mostly, for animal feed despite its nutritional potential for direct human consumption. Hence, technological understanding on the transformation of underutilized grains is critical to boost food diversity not only in Finland but worldwide.
Team
Dr Kirsi Jouppila (supervisor), Dr Seppo Tenitz (lecturer at UH) and Prof. Hely Tuorila (Professor of food sensory science), Prof. Ritva Serimaa (Professor of material science)
The ZANE Study (Estudo do Estado Nutricional e da Dieta em Raparigas Adolescentes na Zambézia) focuses on the nutrition of adolescent girls in Zambézia Province, Central Mozambique. Our aim was to study the food consumption, dietary intake and nutritional status among 15 to 18-year-old adolescent girls. Data was collected in 2010 during two seasons and in one city and two districts. . Our research questions include: What is the prevalence of stunting, thinness, overweight and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals? What are the main food sources of energy, protein and micronutrients in the diet? What is the fatty acid status of the girls? Are dietary patterns or dietary diversity scores associated with blood concentrations of vitamins and minerals? Are there differences in diet and nutritional status between urban and rural girls?
Team
Riitta Freese, Liisa Korkalo, Helena Hauta-alus