Advanced methods for the detection of micro- and nanosystems in food

New methods are needed for the analysis of nanosystems in food products and packaging. Micro- and nanocapsules, nanohydrogels, nanoemulsions, lipid nanoparticles, micelles, metallic nanoparticles with a range of compositions and shapes must be determined in a variety of matrices. All these small entities present different interaction with their food environment and can change with time. There is no single technique that can provide all the information required therefore a range of complementary analytical approaches should be used to capture quantitative and qualitative physical and chemical properties to understand the behaviour of the nanosystems in food. This chapter addresses different stages of the analytical process illustrating recent developments made in this field. A cross-section of commonly used analytical tactics to characterise nanofood are explained, including advanced techniques that can offer valuable information, although their use is still limited for some. Sample preparation strategies and how these affect the quality parameters of measurements are discussed with special emphasis on the detection with electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Trends in the application of separation and detection techniques in the characterisation of nanosystems are also explained. There are important gaps of knowledge and grey areas regarding the working range of the different techniques in the characterisation of micro- and nanosystems in food. At present, feasibility studies are being carried out, which may precede a new phase for establishing guidelines and analytical protocols, and increasing automation. Exciting analytical times are foreseen

Entrevista amb la dra. Concepció Gotzens

Abstract not availabl

Graphene oxide-based degradation of metaldehyde : effective oxidation through a modified Fenton's Process

A modified graphene oxide-based Fenton’s reaction has been investigated for the degradation of a challenging emerging contaminant which is not effectively removed in conventional water treatment. Metaldehyde, used as the challenge molecule in this study, is a common molluscicide that (like many highly soluble contaminants) has frequently breached European regulatory limits in surface waters. The new method involves graphene with higher hydrophilic characteristics (single-layer graphene oxide, SLGO) as a system that participates in a redox reaction with hydrogen peroxide and which can potentially stabilize the radical dotOH generated, which subsequently breaks down organic contaminants. The modified Fenton’s reaction has shown to be effective in degrading metaldehyde in natural waters (>92% removal), even at high contaminant concentrations (50 mg metaldehyde/L) and in the presence of high background organic matter and dissolved salts. The reaction is relatively pH insensitive. SLGO maintained its catalytic performance over 3 treatment cycles when immobilized. Its performance gradually decreased over time, reaching around 50% of starting performance on the 10th treatment cycle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of modifications caused in SLGO by the oxidizing treatment indicated that the oxidation of Csingle bondC sp2 to carbonyl groups may be the cause of the decrease in performance. The proposed modified Fenton’s process has the potential to substitute traditional Fenton’s treatment although regeneration of the nanocarbon is required for its prolonged use

Graphene oxide-based degradation of metaldehyde: Effective oxidation through a modified Fenton’s process

A modified graphene oxide-based Fenton’s reaction has been investigated for the degradation of a challenging emerging contaminant which is not effectively removed in conventional water treatment. Metaldehyde, used as the challenge molecule in this study, is a common molluscicide that (like many highly soluble contaminants) has frequently breached European regulatory limits in surface waters. The new method involves graphene with higher hydrophilic characteristics (single-layer graphene oxide, SLGO) as a system that participates in a redox reaction with hydrogen peroxide and which can potentially stabilize theOH generated, which subsequently breaks down organic contaminants. The modified Fenton’s reaction has shown to be effective in degrading metaldehyde in natural waters (>92% removal), even at high contaminant concentrations (50mgmetaldehyde/L) and in the presence of high background organic matter and dissolved salts. The reaction is relatively pH insensitive. SLGO maintained its catalytic performance over 3 treatment cycles when immobilized. Its performance gradually decreased over time, reaching around 50% of starting performance on the 10th treatment cycle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of modifications caused in SLGO by the oxidizing treatment indicated that the oxidation of CC sp2to carbonyl groups may be the cause of the decrease in performance. The proposed modified Fenton’s process has the potential to substitute traditional Fenton’s treatment although regeneration of the nanocarbon is required for its prolonged use

Implantació d'un EMAS a la UPC

La present ponència s’emmarca dins de les iniciatives “motor de canvi” que està portant a terme la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), dins del seu compromís amb la Sostenibilitat. Aquest projecte s’inclou dins del Pla UPC Sostenible 2015, i s’està realitzant actualment en el Campus del Baix Llobregat i en el Campus de Manresa, com a prova pilot. S’està desenvolupant un model de Sistema de Gestió Ambiental (SGA), en aquest cas basat en EMAS, adaptat a les organitzacions del coneixement (OdC). La innovació del projecte es basa en la inclusió de la part de recerca i docència d’una universitat dins un SGA-EMAS. El projecte vol demostrar-ne l’adaptabilitat i sobretot la replicabilitat a la resta d’OdC. L’objectiu és dissenyar un model teòric i assajar-lo en els campus amb diferents participants, per a mostrar l’abast de la seva efectivitat.Peer Reviewe