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The research group RheoTech has a solid background in relating microstructure, rheological properties and stability of complex systems that are usually formulated by using several components, each of them exhibiting some specific functionalities, for a wide variety of applications. Such systems frequently lead to the formation of complex multiphasic matrices, where optimisation of processing conditions is of great importance. Although, the group is not specifically devoted to the food technology field, this is indeed our major area of expertise. It is also interesting to mention our background in rheology of complex materials as well as in product design.

On these grounds, the group RheoTech, is specialised in the rheological and physicochemical characterization of micro and nanostructured, multicomponent systems (interfacial films and emulsions, biopolymer solutions and gel matrices, etc.) and their applications. The group also has a long track record of research on the valorisation of protein-based systems, which has been developed through 12 R&D projects over the last 20 years. Recently, the group has been involved in the study of protein-polysaccharide interactions, with a relevant application in emulsions and gels. Thus, the current research activity, which have lead to 6 PhD theses between 2006-2012, include the following research lines:

• Development of protein-based emulsions with long-term stability and its relationship with emulsion rheology and microstructure
• Interfacial rheology and its applications to protein-based emulsion processing and stability
• Rheology and processing of biopolymer (protein/polysaccharide) gel matrices
• Development of thermomechanically processed protein-based bioplastics: applications in food packaging

Technological capabilities

Through the knowledge acquired over years and by means of the available facilities, the group RheoTech offers the following services to enterprises and institutions:

• Characterization of the rheological behaviour (shear and elongation), microstructure (Particle Size Distribution) and stability (Multiple Light Scattering) of complex fluid materials
• Characterization of materials by means of static or dynamic mechanical properties (tensile strength, compression or bending), calorimetric properties (DSC, TGA), and other physicochemical properties
• Characterization of protein composition, structure and functionality (protein, lipids, ashes and water content, electrophoresis, solubility under different extraction media, z-potential, surface hydrophobicity, free sulfhydryls and disulphide bonds, electron microscopy, etc.)
• Characterization of interfacial rheological properties of A/W or O/W protein-adsorbed layers (surface tension measurements, interfacial shear or dilatational rheology)
• Optimization of formulation and processing conditions for the development of protein-based or protein/polysaccharide-based emulsions, gels or biodegradable polymeric matrices
• Collaboration in R&D projects on product design for novel or enhanced applications