Discipline: Biomedical Science

Nowadays, plastic food packaging poses risks to the environment and human health. As a promising alternative, emulsion-based biodegradable film has attracted increasing attention. In this system, oil droplets are coated by the protein layers and suspended in the film homogenously to protect food products and extend their shelf life. Recently, the development of protein-phenolic conjugates as encapsulants has received much research interest due to potentially improved emulsifying, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, etc. Meanwhile, many literatures have proven the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oils.

This study investigates the reactions between food proteins and phenolic compounds. The effects of conjugation on proteins' solubility and emulsifying properties are determined. Then, the protein-phenolic compounds are used to encapsulate essential oil as an emulsion. Finally, emulsion-based films are prepared using the casting method, followed by measuring their functional properties. As an application, the fabricated film is applied to preserve cherry tomatoes. The quality and shelf life of the fruit are monitored to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of protection.

Supervisor: Bo Wang (Principal Supervisor), Pre De Silva

Campus: North Sydney

Lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been promoted as important dietary components to promote human health. However, these lipids are naturally susceptible and readily oxidised during food processing and storage. Therefore, they are commonly stabilised into protein-based powder form via the "microencapsulation" process to maximise their stability and facilitate the application. On the other hand, phenolic compounds are powerful antioxidants. In recent years, they have received increasing research interest due to their health benefits in preventing conditions like cognitive decline, cancer, and osteoporosis.

In this study, we aim to design a novel microencapsulation system to co-deliver omega-3 lipids using a protein-conjugate based system, followed by the bioaccessibility test. Omega-3 lipids are the "core material," while protein and phenolic compounds act as "wall materials". It is hypothesised that 1) The developed system can significantly enhance the oxidative stability of omega-3 lipids and 2) The designed microcapsules are digestible in the in-vitro gastrointestinal environment.

Targeted Cohort: Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Nutrition Science

Supervisor: Bo Wang (Principal Supervisor), Pre De Silva

Campus: North Sydney

Magnesium is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. Normal plasma magnesium concentration is maintained by the kidney (0.8 to 1.10mml/L).

The Australian Department of Health (13 January 2023) reported that approximately 70% of the population are deficient in magnesium. Short-term magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle spasms and cramps and severe deficiency to arrhythmias and potentially cardiac arrest. Long-term deficiency increases the chances of developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.

Magnesium deficiency can be a result of poor diet but also includes those with digestive problems (e.g. Crohn's disease), persistent vomiting or diarrhoea or overuse of diuretics or drugs to treat Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Magnesium levels in the body can be depleted by excessive consumption of processed foods, high sugar content and coffee and alcohol consumption and which may explain the apparently high prevalence of low magnesium intake in the Australian population.

In a university context, lower levels of magnesium may also offer insight into elevated levels of anxiety in students, increased stress, and student retention in degree programs.

This project seeks to gain a better understanding of measured magnesium levels in students over several time points during an academic semester via the use of saliva-based and or plasma ELISA measurement together with a confidential medical history covering elements that affect magnesium intake and absorption.

Supervisor: Dr Roger Lord

The honours' students involved in these projects will investigate new pathways involved in Alzheimer's Disease using human brain tissues, saliva and blood samples.

Supervisor: Associate Professor Francesca Fernandez (Francesca.Fernandez@acu.edu.au)

Campus: Brisbane