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Food-Grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems

Objective

Aerogels are ultra-light, highly porous materials widely used in insulation and biomedical applications, yet food-grade versions remain limited to early proofs-of-concept with unresolved issues in scalability, safety and performance. FAroGels addresses this gap by developing biodegradable and edible aerogels for food production, processing and packaging and by establishing the foundations needed for their safe and effective use in real food systems.
The consortium brings together 23 organisations from 8 countries, including 11 beneficiaries (8 academic, 3 industrial) and 12 associate partners, forming an interdisciplinary network spanning food engineering, materials science, aerogel technology, biotechnology and physics. The non-academic sector contributes directly through specialised training, regulatory expertise, pilot-scale facilities and industrial problem-setting, ensuring that research outputs are aligned with real needs and clear innovation pathways.
FAroGels will train 15 DCs through a programme covering circular feedstocks, scalable and energy-efficient supercritical drying, advanced characterisation (MRI/TD-NMR) and application-driven studies in complex food matrices. Intersectoral secondments, hands-on exposure to industrial environments and modules on sustainability, entrepreneurship, IP and responsible research equip DCs with scientific depth and labour-market-relevant transferable skills. FAroGels will deliver validated aerogel libraries, harmonised production protocols and industrial prototypes for applications such as nutraceutical carriers, oral-lubrication systems, selective removal of anti-nutritional factors, shock-protective inserts and active, safe food-contact materials. By combining scientific excellence with strong industrial integration, FAroGels will strengthen Europe’s position in sustainable food materials and contribute to the European Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork Strategy, supporting more resilient and resource-efficient food systems.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

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Coordinator

MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution
€ 474 584,40
Address
DUMLUPINAR BULVARI 1
06800 Ankara
Türkiye
Region
Batı Anadolu Ankara Ankara
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (10)

Partners (12)