The laboratory focuses on bioreactor technology for optimal production of useful bacteria, yeasts, algae and fungi (mycoproteins) as an alternative protein source for food and feed applications including downstream processing to meet product safety. Our approach spans from fundamental research at lab scale to understand the underlying biological and chemical means to comprehensive process development at pilot scale, developing scalable and reproducible processes. Besides the production (defined media or side streams) and characterisation (proximate composition, functionalities) of protein-rich microbial biomass, the laboratory also focusses on improving the functionality of plant proteins by enzymatic treatment or fermentation. We are open to collaboration with academia and industry partners to strengthen the potential of alternative proteins.
Ilse Van de Voorde
Researcher- Host institution: KU Leuven
- Position: Principal investigator
- Discipline: Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Food science, Microbiology
- Alternative protein type: Fermentation, Plant-based
- Collaboration opportunities: Industry partnership, Joint research, Providing guest lectures, Sharing equipment or facilities, Technical consultation
- Hiring for: Graduate students, Postdoctoral fellows, Research staff, Undergraduate students
- Lab equipment: Biochemistry equipment, Microbiology equipment, Microscopy equipment, Other, Sensory and food science analysis equipment, Sequencing equipment, Standard molecular biology equipment
- Pilot equipment: Fermentation, Plant protein processing
- Region: Europe
- Technology focus: Bioprocess design, Feedstock optimization, Food safety and quality, Ingredient optimization
- Location: Leuven, Belgium