PhD Candidates from UPWr Secure Funding from the Pearls of Science Program

• Katarzyna Leicht was honored for her project focusing on the utilization of myofibrillar proteins from chicken muscles in combination with bioactive substances from the Centella asiatica plant.
• Aleksandra Hendrysiak, on the other hand, is working on a project related to obtaining natural blue pigments based on an innovative composition of plant-based ingredients without artificial stabilizing additives.
• The Pearls of Science program, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, supports young scientists in the implementation of innovative research projects.

Research on the functionality of myofibrillar proteins

Katarzyna Leicht was recognized by the Pearls of Science program for her project investigating the mechanisms of improving the functionality of isolated myofibrillar proteins from chicken muscles. In her work, Katarzyna focuses on the application of bioactive substances such as terpenes, polyphenols, and essential oils found in the Centella asiatica plant.

This project is of great importance to the food industry as it may contribute to the development of food products, especially tailored to populations with high nutritional and sensory requirements, such as the elderly, children, or athletes. – Research on the interactions of bioactive substances with myofibrillar proteins isolated from chicken muscles could lead to the creation of nutritionally and healthily valuable products tailored to the specific needs of certain consumer groups – explains the PhD candidate.

As part of the project, Katarzyna Leicht uses myofibrillar proteins extracted from chicken breast muscles as a model system to analyze the mechanisms of selected bioactive compounds from the Centella asiatica plant. Myofibrillar proteins, present in high quantities in poultry muscles, play a crucial role in the structural aspect of meat and influence its functional properties. The integration of these proteins with bioactive substances from Centella asiatica has the potential to create innovative food products with high nutritional and health value.

Centella asiatica, known for its rich composition of bioactive substances, may serve as an ideal source of health-supporting ingredients. Myofibrillar proteins combined with substances from Centella asiatica have the potential to create food products with a wide range of health benefits, demonstrating antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Natural Blue Pigments

The second scholarship recipient of the Pearls of Science program is Aleksandra Hendrysiak, who is working on a project related to obtaining natural blue pigments in powder form. Aleksandra's project aims to develop an innovative composition based on natural plant-derived ingredients, enabling the production of blue pigments in powder form without the need for artificial color-stabilizing additives.

These studies are particularly important in the context of growing consumer interest in natural and functional food additives. – Plant powders, as a natural source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, may serve as a natural substitute for artificial food colorings – explains the PhD candidate.

As part of the project, Aleksandra Hendrysiak investigates the influence of the composition of flower-fruit blends, the type and concentration of the carrier, and selected drying methods on changes in the physicochemical properties of powders. She focuses on evaluating the quality of the obtained powders in terms of the stability of their blue color and the retention of the maximum amount of polyphenolic compounds.

In her research, Aleksandra Hendrysiak utilizes flowers of ternate indigo, butterfly pea, as well as juices from Siberian blueberry and black chokeberry. Additionally, she uses carriers such as inulin and oligofructose, which not only allow the production of powders with desired physicochemical properties but also enrich them with functional properties due to their prebiotic effect.

Pearls of Science: support for young scientists

The Pearls of Science program, funded by the Ministry of Education and Science, aims to support young scientists in the implementation of ambitious research projects. The awarded financial support allows for the development of innovative ideas and conducting research that can contribute to the development of science and industry.

The findings from the research conducted by UPWr PhD candidates may have a tremendous impact on the future of the food industry by introducing innovative products with favorable health and sensory properties.

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