Future Scientists in Non-Thermal Process Engineering for Sustainable and Functional Products

• Grant number: 25/14020-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Eric Keven Silva
• Grantee: Eric Keven Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Campinas
• Associated research grant: 20/11255-3 - Pulsed electric field: design of non-thermal processes, functional foods and biomaterials, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/23872-0 - Pulsed electric field as an intensification tool and activation energy for the extraction and copigmentation of anthocyanins from grape pomace, BP.IC; 25/24093-5 - Pulsed electric field as a pretreatment for intensification of extraction and modification of pectin from orange residues, BP.IC

Abstract

This proposal is linked to the Young Investigator Research Grant entitled "Pulsed electric field: Engineering of non-thermal processes, functional foods, and biomaterials," currently funded by FAPESP. Its objective is to integrate undergraduate students, especially those admitted through affirmative action programs or coming from public schools, into scientific activities focused on the use of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology as a pre-treatment to enhance sustainable processes for recovering bioactive compounds and biopolymers from agro-industrial residues of economic relevance to the state of São Paulo. PEF stands out as an innovative and versatile technology capable of modulating cellular structures, reducing the use of chemical inputs, and decreasing energy consumption, in line with global trends in sustainability, health, and food safety. By developing research aimed at transforming agro-industrial residues into functional products and high value-added ingredients, the proposal contributes both to technological innovation and to environmental preservation and regional economic development. Moreover, the initiative seeks to foster scientific vocations, reduce academic dropout rates, and train highly qualified professionals prepared to work in strategic sectors of the food, pharmaceutical, and biomaterials industries, promoting scientific and technological advances. (AU)