ACTIVITY GROUP’S DESCRIPTION

This research group has carried out the physicochemical characterization of the seeds, the study of the microstructure, the physical properties according to the moisture content, as well as the global characterization of the chia oil from different geographical locations (Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico) , in this sense, (cold pressed, solid-liquid extraction, supercritical extraction).

Thermoxidation and shelf life studies have been carried out to design strategies for its adequate preservation. A combination of oils and sunflower has been developed with a ratio of ω-6: ω-3 according to the FAO / WHO guidelines. At the same time, the residual flours, the mucilage have been physicochemical and functional characterized and the exudation process (myxocarpia) has been investigated. Currently, activities can be carried out for the application of these by-products in foods..

CIDCA is an Institute constituted by a multidisciplinary group of Scientific-Technological research dependent on the National University of La Plata. Its objectives are focused on research and development in food preservation and processing, technologies adapted to the requirements of the country, especially with regard to equipment and storage conditions, transportation, marketing systems, etc., to elaborate standards and quality criteria that allow improving the marketing of perishable products in the domestic and export markets, the resources used, the transfer of knowledge and technology to the productive sector and the human resources form in Food Science and Technology that, to transfer to the productive environment , improve the technical level of the industry, tending to a faster development in the area. It is also the objective of the Center to train researchers as a means of accelerating the training of personnel involved in projects as well as the activation of new groups in the area.

The researchers of the Seed and Food Technology (TECSE) group have several research studies on the morphological, physical and chemical characterization of seeds or grains of different plant species, the genetic and environmental effect on technological properties and quality of the material used in the oil industry and its by-products. Likewise, they have carried out studies on postharvest treatments and pretreatment of grains and kinetics of oil extraction, these activities within the framework of agreements or collaboration with other institutions (PLAPIQUI, UNMdP, INTA, CIDCA, ASAGA) and / or oleaginous industries, which they were the origin of the provision of services and / or advice to the industrial sector.