AINIA also collaborates with startups. This is the case of the company Key Biological, which has developed an ingredient called PeroxiBiokey®, consisting of a mixture of oils subjected to an ozonisation process, resulting in a product with interesting properties for use in cosmetics or healthcare products. However, the ozonisation process gives the oil a characteristic odour that the company wanted to mask. AINIA developed a tailored microencapsulation process for the company, making it possible to obtain a product that retains the beneficial properties of the original oil, in a non-agglomerated powder format and with no odour.

With a fully autonomous technology based on UV-LED radiation, this innovative preventive method can be applied after standard cleaning processes in companies to enhance safety.
AINIA has collaborated in verifying the effectiveness of this equipment in eliminating risk microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes, responsible for foodborne infections; fungi such as Aspergillus niger, highly resistant in food processing environments; and bacteriophage viruses (MS2 coliphage), used as surrogate viruses for more complex human viruses (such as norovirus or coronavirus), where effectiveness above 99% has been demonstrated.

AINIA’s collaboration consisted of the development of additives against Clostridium botulinum as an alternative to the use of nitrites in meat products. Nitrites can generate carcinogenic nitrosamines, making it highly relevant to find a healthy alternative that maintains antimicrobial properties without altering sensory characteristics. AINIA has carried out in vitro evaluations and challenge tests in cooked meat products, and has developed predictive growth models as well as software that enables the estimation of the degree of growth or inhibition of C. botulinum based on the additive concentration in the product and the storage temperature. For the implementation of this project, the company received funding from CDTI.

This tool makes it possible to assess the sustainability of packaging based on different parameters. AINIA has supported and advised on defining the functionality category, establishing criteria for categorising the different variables and helping to validate the tool against various “best runners” jointly proposed by ECOEMBES and AINIA. Based on the results, adjustments have been made to the established parameters in order to resolve the issues identified. Within PACKCD, the functionality parameter is intended to highlight the primary role of packaging in protecting against spoilage agents (oxygen, water, light, loss of aromas) and preserving the food or product contained, making this a differentiating parameter of the tool developed by ECOEMBES.

This project aims to standardise the high procyanidin content in wines. Procyanidin is a polyphenol to which a cardioprotective effect is attributed. AINIA has participated in the project by carrying out an in vitro validation of bioaccessibility and cardioprotective effect. In particular, the gastrointestinal digestion process and colonic fermentation have been studied, evaluating the generation of secondary metabolites and the evolution of the intestinal microbiota. To assess the functional effect of wines rich in procyanidins, their impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors has been analysed: blood pressure homeostasis, insulin resistance, HDL cholesterol levels and obesity. This project has been supported by CDTI.

Project for the valorisation of brines through the integration of sustainable technologies based on the concept of the circular economy. It enables giving a second life to brines by obtaining bioactive compounds with high added value, while also minimising the organic matter present in the brine by transforming it into an energy vector, resulting in purified water. The project involves ACEITUNAS CAZORLA, AINIA and ITC.

Development of new feed formulations that, when supplemented with fungi and microalgae, provide inhibitory and/or antimicrobial effects, enhance local immunity, and support saprophytic intestinal flora, improving animal welfare in poultry farming. The companies HIFAS VETERINARY S.L., NEOALGAE MICRO SEAWEED PRODUCTS S.L.N.E., GRUPO UVESA and FEUGA are involved in this project.

Design of new processes to enable the valorisation of by-products to obtain natural preservatives and functional animal feed. DELAFRUIT is working with AINIA on this project, in which the potential of the direct use of plant-based by-products, after conditioning and stabilisation, as active ingredients in animal diets has been studied. The project is part of the CIEN call of CDTI.

Collaborative research project supported by CDTI for the predictive control of microbiological contamination risks in food production, based on machine learning techniques. VERDIFRESH, GRUPO ENTREPINARES and SAN DALMAI are involved in this project.

This integrated biotechnological system for the cleaning and microbiological disinfection of pathogens is based on endolysins effective against a range of pathogens, with applications in both the food safety sector and the clinical field. Once the pathogen is identified using the biosensor, cleaning products containing enzymes active against these pathogens are applied. The project is led by the company CLEANITY. In addition to AINIA, the company Lumensia and three research centres—ISABIO, IATA-CSIC and iCMOL-UV—are also involved.

AINIA has participated in the development of a new range of healthier and easier-to-prepare breaded products. This is a reformulation of the product category without compromising its sensory appeal. An innovative range has been developed, offering alternatives to traditional frying through the design of new coatings and the use of new ingredients. It provides a lower caloric intake and a consumption experience that maintains the inherent properties of this type of product.

Project led by FACSA to recover cellulose, such as toilet paper, from wastewater and urban waste, with the aim of producing renewable biofuels. The initiative also addresses the feasibility of recovering and valorising cellulose residues from the pruning of parks and gardens, as well as from diapers and personal hygiene products. AINIA participates in the development of the studies, experiments and proof-of-concept activities required at laboratory scale. A first prototype will be developed to assess the real feasibility, at a small scale, of implementing this biorefinery, laying the groundwork for industrial scale-up in the medium term.