Obiettivo Lutein (L), a compound which is entirely of dietary origin, is essential for optimal vision and protection against the world’s leading cause of blindness (age-related macular degeneration), and also confers other health benefits related to its antioxidant activity. The global market for L ($233 million in 2010) is expected to rise to $309 million by 2018. Currently, the world’s L market depends solely on extraction of this carotenoid from the marigold flower head, and it takes circa 60 days to complete plant growth and enter into the reproductive stage, from when the flower bud appears. Marigold cultivation requires large agricultural acreage, huge volumes of water and chemicals, and traditional farm equipment and labour. In other words, extracting L from the marigold flower is a labour-intensive process that is season- and climate-dependent, in a way that excludes an EU-based industry of competitive production of L. In summary, this project will develop a method of L production from an alternative source to the Marigold, so that the resulting patentable processes will stimulate an economically viable, EU-based and more environmentally-friendly industry to meet the growing global demand for L. Campo scientifico natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcoholssocial scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementcommerce Programma(i) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) ERC-OA-2013-PoC - European Research Council ERC Proof of Concept Invito a presentare proposte ERC-2013-PoC Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento CSA-SA(POC) - Supporting action (Proof of Concept) Istituzione ospitante WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Contributo UE € 149 071,00 Indirizzo CORK ROAD X91 Waterford Irlanda Mostra sulla mappa Regione Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contatto amministrativo Susie Cullinane (Mrs.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato Beneficiari (1) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Irlanda Contributo UE € 149 071,00 Indirizzo CORK ROAD X91 Waterford Mostra sulla mappa Regione Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contatto amministrativo Susie Cullinane (Mrs.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato
