ππ‹π€ππ“πŸπ…πŽπŽπƒ 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 ππ‘πŽπ‰π„π‚π“! πŸ™Œ

We're excited to announce that Plant2Food has awarded funding to the interesting 𝗠𝗢𝗖𝗼𝗣 project from the 2023 call round. You can read more about the project below - and follow the projects progress and result at their own site under the tap `Funded projectsΒ΄(or click on the picture below).Β 

πŸŽ‰ Congratulations to all the partners involved! KΓΈbenhavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen and Wageningen University & Research. P1 and the main contact for the project - Lene Jespersen, Professor at Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen (KU) and the partners involved in the projects – NovonesisBioLeanPure DanskOrganic Plant Protein A/SFERM FOODHanegal A/SArla FoodsNIZO and Danish Center for a Plant-Based & Organic Future (Plantebaseret Videnscenter). The project has been granted 12.506.170 DKK in funding.

We are very much looking forward to following this exciting collaborative project and their process and results! 🌱


MiCoP: Data-driven design of synergistic microbial communities targeting high-quality plant-based food

The overall objective of the MiCoP project is to establish a knowledge-based paradigm for constructing synergistic microbial communities tailored for fermentation of plant-based food. Specifically, the project aim to introduce an AI framework powered by machine learning (ML) to design microbial cultures for fermentation of Nordic varieties of pulses. To refine the AI model, knowledge gaps within metabolic pathways, biodiversity, microbial interactions, intrinsic and extrinsic stress factors, and substrate degradation will be addressed.

 

The background for the project

Plant-based food products have limitations in taste and nutritional properties. To address these challenges, fermentation emerges as a gentle and sustainable technological approach. However, fermentation requires microbial cultures tailor-made for a very diverse group of plant-based products. Achieving an enhanced product quality requires comprehensive knowledge to identify microbial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) being relevant for optimized fermentation performances. Given the diversity and complexity of plant-based substrates a data-driven approach, based on fundamental knowledge within microbial interactions, sensory attributes, and nutritional properties, is needed.

The activities 

Mechanistic studies will be conducted to explore microbial interactions related to symbiotic behaviour and/or production of antimicrobials, microbial integration with and degradation of plant-based substrates, inhibition of spoilage microorganisms, flavour formation and degradation of antinutrients. An AI model, based on a supervised ML approach, will be developed to predict optimal synergistic microbial communities. Initially, the model will be built on data from open repositories. Throughout the project the model will be refined with experimental data gathered and new applications within AI will continuously be assessed for model integration. Microbial KPIs will be identified in collaboration with the project partners. Broadness in value creation will be ensured by targeting different industrial sectors and NGOs.

The outcome

IAn immediately successful output will be a generic AI model to predict required properties and combinations of microorganisms to effectively transform plant-based raw materials into high-quality food products. Fundamental knowledge will be gathered, revealing yet unexplored possibilities for improving palatability, increasing bioavailability of essential nutrients, and enhancing shelf life. The overall outcome will be the added value of fermentation in the transition to a more plant-based diet, thereby fostering innovation and sustainability of the already strong Nordic food culture. The NNF Plant2Food project has the potential to significantly contribute to the realization of several SDGs, particularly in the areas of enhancing good health and well-being (SDG3) and promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG12).