Offre de thèse :
Laboratory: Laboratoire d’ingénierie des biomolecules (Université de Lorraine)Thesis supervisors (Université de Lorraine): Claire GAIANI - Jennifer BURGAINThesis supervisors (University of Queensland): Sangeeta PRAKASH - Bhesh BHANDARIThesis scholarship: French doctoral contract funded by Lorraine Université excellence (LUE)
Sustainable protein powders for the microencapsulation of probiotic cells
Keywords: food powders, dairy proteins, plant-based proteins, atomic force microscopy
Subject: Food technologists from private companies as well as university researchers are currently investing time and effort in the quest for healthier food systems. One innovative solution may be to provide structured dairy or plant-based powders allowing stabilization and enhancing the performance of bioactive compounds (flavonoid, vitamins, enzymes…) and cells (bacteria). The present project and is focused on probiotics stabilization. This study is aimed to develop a novel encapsulation process using plant-based and dairy proteins (individually and in mixtures). The matrix formulation will be based on strong scientific knowledge through the understanding of protein-protein and bacteria-protein interactions using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The impact of storage on powder properties will also be monitored with AFM through the specifically designed environmental chamber. Finally, the effective controlled release of probiotic bacteria will be followed with simulated gastro-intestinal conditions.The project will be Directed by the University of Lorraine (LIBio – Pr Claire GAIANI & Dr Jennifer BURGAIN) and co-directed by the University of Queensland (Pr Bhesh BHANDARI & Dr Sangeeta PRAKASH).
Profile: The candidate must:• be motivated by interdisciplinary disciplines (physico-chemistry, microbiology, biophysics)• have competences in atomic force microscopy• be autonomous, curious and open-minded• possess a master degree (or engineer diploma) in food science.The candidate will have the opportunity to do part of the PhD work during a stay of 12 months minimum at the University of Queensland, in Brisbane, Australia, as part of a UL-UQ general agreement.
Starting time: October 2020contact: claire.gaiani@univ-lorraine.fr