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.

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 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.

The company Azufrera y Fertilizantes Pallarés, S.A. (AFEPASA) has commissioned AINIA to develop strategies for the prevention of frost effects, supporting the creation of a product that helps plants combat the damage caused by this phenomenon. The project is funded by CDTI and FEDER funds under the CIEN call.

Research and development of new alternative protein sources through the cultivation of biomass such as duckweed and microalgae. Advanced technologies have been developed under non-conventional environmental conditions, enabling biomass to be enriched with minerals such as magnesium and iron up to 10 times more than in control cultures. In addition, the production of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, phytosterols, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids has been enhanced.
Technologies such as high pressure and ultrafine milling have also been implemented for cell disruption, facilitating the release of proteins and other compounds of interest, such as micro- and nanocelluloses. These technologies enable the full valorisation of biomass with specific applications. Furthermore, the protein has been isolated using scalable and sustainable techniques. The project is funded by the EU through IVACE with FEDER funds.

With the company Reciclados Palancia Belcaire, we have worked on the development of a fertilizer enriched with biostimulant microorganisms, from biostabilized material and compost resulting from the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. To this end, AINIA optimized the lactic fermentation process through bioaugmentation and modification of operating variables; the bacteria present with biostimulant capacity were isolated and subjected to a microencapsulation process. The final product was tested in combination with biostabilized material, compost, and conventional fertilizer. The company received funding from the Valencian Innovation Agency to carry out this project.

The project addresses innovative solutions through edible coatings and packaging to preserve food quality and contribute to environmental sustainability. Edible coatings are applied directly to fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality. Coatings for cardboard packaging improve the moisture barrier of cellulosic packaging, preserving its integrity and the freshness of packaged products. Finally, edible packaging, made from renewable materials, not only protects food but can also be consumed along with it, thus eliminating packaging waste. This is a pioneering initiative in the food industry in the fight against food waste and the environmental impact of plastic packaging. The project has been developed in collaboration with various companies and is funded by the EU through IVACE with FEDER funds.

We have collaborated with the company HEINEKEN ESPAÑA, which is developing various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. In this context, in order to minimise the contamination of its wastewater and, at the same time, recover valuable compounds contained within it, AINIA carried out a study for the implementation of electrodialysis processes with bipolar membranes at the company’s production plant in the province of Valencia. As a result, a complete treatment system has been designed that will reduce the conductivity of the generated wastewater and enable the recovery of sodium hydroxide at concentrations and quality suitable for reuse within the industry itself.

The companies ENSIS and MAHOU are collaborating in this consortium project focused on the research and development of fermented beverages capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota and improving the quality of life of people with metabolic osteoarthritis. These companies have subcontracted AINIA to carry out in vitro preclinical studies on gastrointestinal digestion, colonic fermentation, and the biological effects of the ingredients and products developed within the project. The project is funded by CDTI.

The SAVECREAM project is aimed at reducing the volume of waste generated in ice cream production by optimising the use of creams produced during start-ups, reusing and reconditioning them for subsequent use in the production process. AINIA’s collaboration focuses on monitoring the degradation or loss of functionality of the ingredients used, as well as evaluating the impact of using reprocessed creams on the characteristics and shelf life of different ice cream categories. This improvement not only contributes to reducing waste and its environmental impact, but also to lowering the consumption of ingredients with a high carbon footprint, such as dairy products or tropical fats, among others. This new circular economy model will also lead to reduced water consumption during the ice cream manufacturing process.

This project aims to valorise pig slaughterhouse blood in order to obtain a powdered protein hydrolysate for food use, which may be of potential interest to two end-user companies in the food sector: MATADEROS INDUSTRIALES SOLER S.A. and MORENO RUÍZ HERMANOS S.L. In addition, the feasibility of using the pig blood protein hydrolysate, in a prior non-dehydrated stage, as a biostimulant will be assessed by HEROGRA FERTILIZANTES S.A. The project is funded by Supra-Regional Operational Groups.

The overall objective of the project is to investigate the application of photonic technologies in the agri-food chain to address the major challenges faced by society. The project involves AINIA, UPV, and a consortium made up of MULTISCAN, INCARLOPSA, PIGCHAMP, ROBOTNIK, PROPORSEG, TRIANGLE and NIT. It is funded by CDTI through the Misiones call.

The project developed by the company CLEANITY, with the support of AINIA, involves the design of a control tool for cleaning and disinfection procedures that enables their optimisation and standardisation, with a focus on minimising unnecessary water use and reducing waste. The use of advanced technologies based on AI techniques will allow this process to be controlled and will facilitate the implementation of improvements for increased water recycling and reuse. At the same time, the project aims to reduce the overall environmental impact of industrial decontamination activities through efficient and responsible management of process data. In this way, reviewing and improving current systems can lead to optimised dosing, minimisation of the most polluting products, and the recovery and/or recirculation of the agents currently used. This project is funded by AVI.

Development of hyperspectral imaging technology for hygienic quality control in the meat industry, funded by the CDTI, in which AINIA collaborates with INCARLOPSA.

Este proyecto va dirigido a crear nuevas herramientas digitales para la predicción y detección temprana de las principales plagas que amenazan los cultivos de cítricos. El objetivo es diseñar un sistema de control, más avanzado y preciso, que permita a los agricultores hacer frente a estas enfermedades en su etapa inicial, con el fin de optimizar los tratamientos aplicados y reducir su posible impacto medioambiental. Participan la Asociación Valenciana de Agricultores (AVA-ASAJA) y AINIA.

The project focuses on the comprehensive valorisation of agricultural waste from three major crop groups (citrus, watermelon and persimmon) to obtain ingredients with enhanced technological and nutritional properties, enabling the production of dairy desserts, gummies, snacks or toppings. POSTRES LACTEOS ROMAR and AINIA are involved in this project, which is funded by AVI, together with IATA-CSIC and ANECOOP.

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.