The University of Sassari obtains an international patent on food technologies

The University of Sassari within the IDOLI project in collaboration and with the inspiration of the lead company Accademia Olearia (Innovation in Dairy and Olive Industry - Research and development program of the Sardinia Region - Area of ​​specialization: AGROINDUSTRY - POR FESR Sardinia 2014-2020 Axis I – Scientific Research, Technological Development and Innovation) obtained the national and international patent for industrial invention, through the study and creation of an innovative method for an edible sphere containing a liquid matrix. This invention will bring an innovative approach to the panorama of technological processes.

Following team work carried out by researchers, Dr. Maria Grazia Farbo PhD, Dr. Elisabetta Avitabile PhD and Dr. Roberto Cabizza PhD RTD/A, under the guidance of Professor Costantino Fadda of the Food Technologies section of the Department of Agriculture, it was possible to develop an edible spherical matrix capable of containing hydrophobic or hydroalcoholic liquid matrices with innovative chemical-physical characteristics. The experiments were conducted in the laboratories of the Food Technologies section of the Department of Agriculture.

The proposed invention lays the foundations for the creation of containment, storage, transport and conservation systems that are completely edible, do not deteriorate over time and capable of containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquid matrices within themselves. The invention also aims to give two responses to the market, both of a technical nature, therefore linked to the production process, and of a food nature, relating to the possibility of enclosing, preserving and protecting different liquid matrices without altering their characteristics in an innovative way.

There are currently no "Made in Italy" spherification systems on the market that are exclusively organic in nature and respectful of the environment, capable of containing extra virgin olive oil and alcoholic beverages in liquid form. The innovative process invention can be used by the food, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, fully responding to the increasingly stringent requests for the creation, storage and distribution of biocompatible products that are safe for the consumer and the environment.