Main activities

Main activities

The RheoTech research group specializes in the study of the relationship between microstructure, rheological properties, and stability of complex multicomponent systems, each of which has specific functionalities for a wide variety of applications, including packaging materials, food, pharmaceuticals products, packaging materials and biomedicine. This broad experience in bulk and interfacial rheology, as well as in the processing of complex materials, allows the group to focus on the design of a wide range of value-added products and bioproducts such as those based on the stability of interfacial films and emulsions, on the development of bioplastics, superabsorbent materials, porous matrices for tissue engineering, bioinks for 3D printing, or matrices (2D or 3D) for encapsulation and controlled release of active agents.

Over the last decade, 12 R&D projects aimed at valorizing protein-based systems have been led, research that has recently been extended to include protein-polysaccharide interactions, in particular in emulsions and gels. Thus, since 2015, more than 250 articles have been published in journals of recognized prestige, 10 PhD theses have been defended and 10 others are in progress on some of the following topics.

Active research topics:

• Development of highly stable protein-based emulsions and their relationship with rheology and microstructure for applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
• Strength of interfacial fluid-fluid films. The role of Interfacial rheology and its application to emulsion processing and stability.
• Encapsulation of bioactive ingredients through the formation of simple or multiple emulsions for their controlled release.
• Rheology and processing of hydrogels for the development of 3D biopolymeric matrices (protein/polysaccharide) for different applications (additive manufacturing, absorbent materials, encapsulation of micronutrients for horticulture, drug delivery, etc.).
• Development of protein bioplastics and composites from agro-food waste by thermo-mechanical processing for different applications (food packaging, biodegradable superabsorbent materials, encapsulation of micronutrients for horticulture, drug delivery, etc.).
• Development of biocomposite and biodegradable films for food packaging with bioactive properties (antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, magnetic properties, etc.).
• Development of polymeric nanofibre matrices processed by electrospinning for different applications (food packaging, controlled release, biodegradable superabsorbent materials, filtration, etc.).