Twinning for intensified enzymatic processes for production of prebiotic-containing functional food and bioactive cosmetics

The general objective of the project is to advance the research and innovation capacity of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy (FTM) in the area of prebiotics technology by collaboration with leading institutions with complementary expertise able to implement substantial improvement of the research staff profile, project management and administration skills. The consortium includes Maastricht University and Radboud university medical center contributing with the expertise in analysis of human microbiota, which provides determination of the activity of prospective gut and skin prebiotics, and Spanish National Research Council contributing with the expertise in protein engineering, which enables improvement of catalytic properties of enzymes applied in production of prebiotics. In addition to transferring knowledge within these two areas expertise, specific objectives are also to strengthen management capacities of the FTM, to unleash potential of young scientists and to form network of scientific community and potential industrial partners. Joint research is designed to result with joint scientific publication, which will increase research profile and attractiveness of the FTM and provide wider scientific impact by dissemination in accordance with open science concept. Additionally, wider economic, technological and societal impact will be facilitated through establishment of the Center of Scientific Excellence for Prebiotics and two innovative prebiotic technologies developed to technology readiness level 6. Still, motives behind formation of the consortium goes beyond goals of this project because long-term sustainable cooperation between four institutions is envisioned. All members of the consortium foresee increased demand for innovative prebiotic technologies, for which the consortium with such a high level of interdisciplinarity is needed.