Nanoplastics wins prize for the best innovative project of the Generation of Ideas Programme

by Àlex Argemí

The project Nanoplastics, launched by researchers at the Catalan Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Institute for Neurosciences (INC-UAB) and the Centre for Agronomic Research (CRAG), has created a single-layer biodegradable film to increase safety of packaged and extend their shelf life.

The UAB Research Park and the Biotechnology Reference Centre recently awarded the prizes for the three best projects of the sixth edition of the Generating Ideas Programme (Programa de Generació d'Idees), an initiative which awards the best business ideas presented by researchers of the UAB campus and based on their research studies. This year's edition focused on the sectors of industrial biotechnology and biomedicine.

This year's winner is the Nanoplastics project, which aims to provide greater security for packaged fresh foods and extend their shelf life. The idea presented was a ’single-layer flexible film based on a biodegradable polymer with anti-bacterial activity. This technology allows guaranteeing food safety and reducing costs associated with recycling and production in the packaging process.

The project was coordinated by Dr. Achille Francone, postdoctoral researcher at the ICN2 Phononic and Photonic Nanostructures Group; Natalia de la Oliva, from the Institute for Neurosciences (INC UAB); and Ana Beatriz and Tarik Ruiz Medina, from the Centre for Agronomic Research (CRAG). Nadia Pons, from the ICN2 Business Developer of the ICN2 Strategic Development Office, and Cristina Morales, Scientific Group Administrator at the awarded ICN2 Group, also attended the event.

The programme's second prize went to RES-KIT, a diagnosis kit for the detection of mutliresistant bacteria in veterinary medicine, which permits a rapid and individualised treatement of mastitis in dairy cattle. It was led by researchers from the Barcelona Microelectornics Institute (IMB CNM CSIC). The project Ovatec was awarded the third prize. This project was created to cover an ever growing need to increase benefits of cattle farms through the production of genetically selected embryos. It was led from the UAB Area of Animal Production.

First place winners received a cash prize of €2,500 and a six-month stay at the PRUAB Eureka Building incubator. Second place winners received €1,500 and also a six-month stay at the incubator, while the third place winners received €1,000 and three months in the incubator.

Information via: UAB