Partner 18: Chalmers University of Technology (CTH)

Chemistry and Bioscience at  CTH employs about 100 researchers. In addition to Food Science, it includes units for molecular biology, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Since 1998, the department has been closely connected to the Swedish Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Functional Foods. Research at Food Science is focused on biological techniques for the improvement of nutritional, sensorial or functional properties of food or food raw materials. Until recently, mostly yeast, cereals, fruits and vegetables have been addressed. In 2001, activities on fish started which are anchored in the Swedish herring industry (Väst 5 AB). The aim is to provide a knowledge basis for development of fish-based functional foods. Several aspects are considered, ranging from health beneficial effects of a fish containing diet, storage/process-induced chemical changes in fish to biological differences in raw material composition. Herring (Clupea harengus) is the primary ‘model species’ because of its high relevance for the region, and its potential for being better used for food production. In a recently started project (NI-project 02106), the influence of season, stock and year of catch on composition and storage stability of herring is addressed. In collaboration with SIK, activities are also performed around novel processing techniques such as acid and basic isolation of herring proteins (NI-project 00075). A backbone in the research is studies of fish-derived aqueous antioxidants. These are considered both out from their potential health effects and out from their lipid/protein-stabilizing effects in vitro. Characterizations are done both in in vitro and in vivo model systems. Studies in vivo are performed in collaboration with the Wallenberg Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Academy. Pro-oxidants in fish are also studied, mainly haemoglobin. Evidence on the role of herring for human health (blood lipids, oxidative stress etc), are currently gained via intervention studies carried out with Department of Internal Medicine at the Sahlgrenska University hospital.

 

Key persons

Dr. Ingrid Undeland (Project 4.3 LIPIDTEXT).