Objective "Surfactants are large class of substances with wide range of applications in flotation, detergency, food, cosmetic, pharma, and many other industries. Most of the surfactants used today are synthetic, their production being based on petrochemicals. There is another group of natural surfactants, such as proteins and polysaccharides, which are biodegradable and sustainable. Saponins are class of natural surfactants that have demonstrated in clinical studies a number of positive health effects: antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral. Saponins are already used in several industries and commercial products, but their properties as foam and emulsion stabilizers are not studied systematically. If saponin properties are understood better, this would open the door for their wide application, especially in foods, beverages, and cosmetics, where their unique properties provide strongest benefits. This will have a positive impact on society and nature, because of their positive health effects and sustainable sourcing. The project has two interrelated research parts: (1) Study of the surface properties of the saponin solutions (surface rhelogy, kinetics of adsorption etc.); (2) Study of the bulk properties of foams and emulsions, stabilized with these solutions (bulk rheology, stability etc.). The major aim is to analyze the complex relation between the surface properties of the saponin solutions with the bulk properties of their foams and emulsions. Based on this knowledge, recommendations will be formulated on how to prepare dispersions with desired properties (high stability, optimal rheology, etc.). The project is collaboration between Wageningen University and Unilever R&D, Vlaardingen, both located in The Netherlands. The research group 'Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science' (Wageningen) has a world reputation in its field. Unilever is an innovative multinational company with consumers, employees, business partners on every continent." Fields of science engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesfood technologynatural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydratesnatural scienceschemical sciencesphysical chemistry Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator UNILEVER INNOVATION CENTRE WAGENINGEN BV Address Bronland 14 6708 WH Wageningen Netherlands See on map Region Oost-Nederland Gelderland Veluwe Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Judith Bismeijer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
