Short course and research spotlight successes for the Plant Protein Innovation Center
May 31, 2024
Protein Basics Short Course | May 20-21, 2024
During PPIC's spring short course geared toward anyone with an interest in learning the basics of plant protein, attendees heard from speakers within both industry and academia as they discussed current and upcoming market trends, gave an overview on food proteins, taught basic protein chemistry and production of protein ingredients, introduced protein modification for enhanced functionality, highlighted challenges and opportunities when formulating with plant proteins, and more. The course featured live demonstrations and experiences in PPIC's analytical laboratories, test kitchen, and the UMN Pilot Plant.
50 attendees participated from 36 food companies, from different R&D areas such as technical sales, product development, and category leaders.
5th Annual Research Spotlight Meeting | May 22-23, 2024 at the University of Minnesota
130 attendees from 66 companies joined the Center's Research Spotlight Meeting to stay updated on the latest in plant proteins research from national and international researchers and from research experts associated with the first plant-based research center of its kind in the nation. PPIC founder and director Pam Ismail hosted the event, and gave a talk on the topic, "Plant proteins are a foe or friend? Extraction and modification remedies." Other talks covered topics in breeding, processing (extractions, high pressure processing, extrusion), scaffolding in cultured meat applications, identification of bioactive peptides with AI modeling, 3D printing, and influence of plant proteins on gut microbiome. A panel of representatives from six PPIC's industry partners and supporters discussed consumer expectations and challenges in the plant and alternate protein space.
26 students from different universities across the U.S. showcased their plant protein based research in poster presentations.
“These poster sessions are a great benefit to both the student researchers and industry,” notes PPIC Director Prof. B. Pam Ismail. “Students get the opportunity to showcase their work, while industry participants get to ask questions about the research and connect with future research talent for hire.”
The keynote speaker was Stephan Drusch, Professor, Food Technology and Food Material Science at Technische Universität Berlin, who gave a talk on "Challenges and Opportunities of Plant proteins from Agri-Food Side Streams."
PPIC's research efforts are headquartered within the Food Science and Nutrition Building on the University of Minnesota campus in Saint Paul. Learn more about PPIC research, membership benefits and future event opportunities.
