Research database

AdvinPro - Advanced Insect Processing for Industrial Applications (AdvInPro)

Duration:
21/10/2024 - 20/10/2026
Principal investigator(s):
Project type:
Corporate-funded and donor-funded research
Funding body:
PRIVATI (Compagnia San Paolo)
Project identification number:
123564
PoliTo role:
Sole Contractor

Abstract

The aims of this two years project are: (i) to develop sustainable technologies for the extraction of the lipidic fraction of the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae and (ii) to valorise such extracted lipids by using them to manufacture novel oleocolloidal materials for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. In the first year we will focus on two tasks: (1) understanding the effect of the type of feed on the chemical composition of the BSF lipid extract, (2) designing and optimizing the extraction technique for maximum yield and minimum environmental impact. In the second year we will develop processing techniques to produce novel soft materials, called oleocolloids, with the BSF lipid fraction. Oleocolloids are a recent class of multiphase soft materials that present excellent properties in terms of rheology, bioavailability and nutritional profile. Extraction, physical characterization of all lipidic materials (extracted BSF lipid and oleocolloids), and oleocolloids production will be carried out by the PI and her team at Politecnico di Torino (PoliTO). The project will involve two collaborators: the University of Torino, UniTO (Prof. Laura Gasco) that will provide the raw material (dried BSF larvae) for the study, and the University of Perugia, UniPG (Prof. Lina Cossignani), which will perform the chemical characterization of the BSF lipid extract. At least three scientific and technological outcomes are expected from this project (e.g., peer-review publications, patents). These outcomes will consolidate the international scientific profile of the PI in an area that is new to her and her team, they will also open new opportunities for further collaboration or potential commercial exploitation. To maximize the impact of the project, participation to specialized international conferences (e.g., EFFOST, Food Colloids) and interactions with existing networks (e.g., PNRR Centro Nazionale AgriTech) are foreseen.

Structures

Keywords

ERC sectors

PE8_2 - Chemical engineering, technical chemistry

Sustainable Development Goals

Obiettivo 12. Garantire modelli sostenibili di produzione e di consumo

Budget

Total cost: € 65,000.00
Total contribution: € 65,000.00
PoliTo total cost: € 65,000.00
PoliTo contribution: € 65,000.00