Truly More Than a University: ITMO Fellow Tamer El-Messery on Foodtech and Working in Russia

What is your area of expertise?

I am working with ways for encapsulating vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that are essential for the human body. Ensuring optimal delivery and absorption of essential nutrients is critical for health and wellness. However, even when consuming nutrient-rich foods, a significant portion may not reach the appropriate part of the digestive tract or be absorbed by the body.

With encapsulation, it is possible to preserve the beneficial properties of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Enclosing these small particles within protective capsules shields them from degradation in the harsh conditions of the digestive system. The encapsulated form can then be selectively released and absorbed by the body. Thus, the technology enables controlled delivery and enhanced bioavailability, overcoming the limitations of simply consuming nutrient-rich foods. This innovative approach allows a greater proportion of beneficial compounds to be effectively utilized by the human body.

How did you start collaborating with ITMO?

My history with ITMO University began in 2015 when I worked as an associate professor developing encapsulation technologies at a research institute in Egypt. In 2021, a colleague informed me about the ITMO Fellowship program, which intrigued me as an opportunity to gain new expertise in biotechnologies. That’s why I decided to apply. I was initially invited for a short-term track at ITMO in 2022, during which I published a paper in a high-ranking journal and gave lectures. This positive experience led me to apply to the program’s long-term track, and my application was accepted.

After a 6-month preparation period, I joined ITMO in March 2023 as a leading researcher at the Faculty of Biotechnologies and the International Research Center "Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium.”  In my current role, I continue to write papers, give lectures, and supervise students, building on my previous work in encapsulation technologies.

What were your impressions of ITMO when you first came here?

My experience at ITMO University has been quite different from my previous work at other universities. While extracurricular activities were limited at those institutions, ITMO offers students a much more vibrant range of opportunities. I was pleasantly surprised to see students actively participate in optional courses and events for their enjoyment and enrichment, like the ITMO.Megabattle. This made me realize ITMO fosters a dynamic community. I also appreciate the freedom and flexibility ITMO provides, aligning with my values of giving students autonomy to explore their interests.

Another standout is the respectful, equal relationship I’ve observed between supervisors and students, in contrast to the more hierarchical dynamics I’ve seen elsewhere. Students take responsibility for executing the assigned tasks, fostering ownership and empowerment.

What research do you do at ITMO?

My team at ITMO’s Faculty of Biotechnologies is developing an efficient delivery system for natural active substances, which is related to food engineering. Scientists in this field are creating functional additives with high nutritional value to benefit the body. It's important to find effective ways to deliver nutrients like vitamins and phytonutrients, as meeting the required daily intake through diet alone can be difficult. For example, omega-3s are now more commonly consumed in capsule form.

I've been working on this topic for 7 years, since defending my PhD at Ain Shams University, where I studied encapsulation techniques. Food capsules act as a barrier, protecting the supplement's "filling" from factors like oxidation to ensure maximum active delivery.

However, simply encapsulating isn't enough – for each ingredient, we must select the right capsule composition, ratio, and parameters like acidity. Together with Professor Lyudmila Zabodalova’s team, we are working on an encapsulated food ingredient for the prevention of type 2 diabetes using arachidonic acid and probiotic bacteria under a grant from the Russian Science Foundation. At present, we have already received convincing data based on a preclinical model on laboratory animals that the ingredient being developed significantly affects the function of the pancreas, the microflora of the large intestine and glucose metabolism, that is, it is able to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in the early stages.

What does that look like in practice?

As an example, we encapsulated black carrot extract, which is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids. Carotenoids protect the eyes, while flavonoids strengthen blood vessels. To preserve these benefits and ensure delivery, we developed a capsule using gum arabic, maltodextrin, and whey protein. We then tested how the capsule breaks down in digestive fluids and interacts with foods like juice and milk – examining effects on color, taste, and physical/chemical properties. This work lays the groundwork for improved nutraceuticals in the future. By finding effective encapsulation methods, we can help more people access the health benefits of vital natural compounds.

What are your plans for future research? Will you be conducting it at ITMO?

Yes, I am planning to apply for several grants by the Russian Science Foundation, publish at least five papers in high-ranking journals, and take part in international conferences. I am also planning to continue my research in collaboration with industrial partners, as well as deliver lectures, supervise Master’s students, and attract students and researchers from Egypt to ITMO University.

What do you do in your free time? How do you like it in St. Petersburg?

I most enjoy the city during the pleasant warmer seasons – that’s when it comes alive with captivating experiences. The annual Victory Day parade was a particularly memorable event. In the summer, the city is bathed in the enchanting glow of the white nights, when the sky never fully darkens, creating an almost magical ambiance. Another favorite pastime of mine is taking leisurely boat tours along the city's renowned canals. Gliding through the historic waterways, one can admire the stunning architecture and landmarks that line the banks, offering a unique perspective on the city's rich cultural heritage.

Striking a balance between my professional responsibilities and personal life is of utmost importance to me. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family – we explore the diverse cultural offerings that my new home of St. Petersburg has to offer.