Objective
In April 2002 Stockholm University and the Swedish National Food Authority (SNFA) published the results of a research survey, which showed that unexpectedly high levels of acrylamide were generated in a wide range of starch-rich foods cooked at high temperatures. This finding was of great importance, because acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen. The highest acrylamide levels were found in potato chips, crisps and other fried, deep-fried or oven-baked potato products. Several research groups have proposed that the main pathway to acrylamide formation in foodstuffs is by the reaction between asparagine and a carbonyl source. Reducing sugars are the important reactants so far identified. Both asparagine and reducing sugars can be found in potatoes in higher amounts than in any other starch-rich food products, and when they react at cooking temperatures, acrylamide is formed. Reducing sugar levels in potatoes vary considerably with a number of factors. Controlling storage of potatoes conditions is a simple method for reducing sugar contents and therefore acrylamide levels in cooked potato products. Monitoring sugar levels during harvesting and storage is therefore an essential step to guarantee the suitability of specific lots of potatoes for processing and thus further avoid acrylamide formation.
The aim of REFLAB is therefore to develop a hand-held NADH-based redox-flexible biosensor that allows a continuous supervision of the reducing sugar levels during harvesting and storage. The technology will allow for a parallel quantification of different reducing sugars. Furthermore, the current biosensors available in the market are only able to work in oxidative conditions. REFLAB offers the possibility to be used both under reductive and oxidative conditions and therefore overcomes the interference caused by substances such as ascorbic acid, other vitamins, and phenolic compounds, and can reach higher sensitivities.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2004-SME-COOP
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
PONTYPOOL
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.