Area of concentration

Bioscience and Food Technology

In recent years, it has been noted a strong trend in the development of safer food with a longer shelf life that preserves the sensorial features; that is rich in bioactive substances promoting the human health, and; that uses sustainable technologies in its production. As such, the studies related to the Bioscience and Food Technology will cover - from a broader perspective - the following themes: (I) regional products; (II) food safety; (III) microbiology and bioprocesses; (IV) chemistry and green processes; (V) post-harvest and use of sub-products; (VI) non-thermal processes; (VII) applications of microwaves to the food processes and related; (VIII) processing of fish and related; (IV) mathematical modeling in Science and Technology and (X) food packaging.

Under this perspective, the research involving production, storage, use, industrialization and other aspects of the production chain will be developed. The research will also be conducted in order to use clean and safe technologies, processes for use of waste, as well as the development of equipment, package, and additives. Such themes converge in a global reality, seeking innovation on how to process food in order to become them differentiated and competitive.

In this proposal, these themes will be explored under four different lines of research: (I) Food processing and use of sub-products; (II) Microbiology and bioprocesses; (III) Food analysis and green chemical processes; (IV) Processes and mathematical modeling applied to food. In this way, the technological expertise combined with bioscience may contribute to the decrease of agricultural losses, an increase of bargaining power of the small and medium producer, possibility of market expansion for differentiated products, a decrease of transport and storage fees. The research development, under this perspective, is consistent with the world trends of greater concern, nutritional quality, a decrease of losses in the production chain and food distribution, besides the application of green technology. This is expected to promote scientific knowledge and regional development.