Food of the future
The 51st International Scientific, Educational, and Methodological Conference at ITMO featured a session focused on ecology, biotech, and food. Its participants shared insights into fascinating concepts from the world of natural sciences, such as:
- Anti-Alzheimer’s food additives;
- Using sensory analysis to raise the appeal of novel foods like insect flour and 3D-printed meat;
- Special foods for the elderly;
- Renewable fuels made from perennial plants;
- Virus-immune plants;
- Health-boosting cookies.
Read more: Foods for Longevity and Green Living: BioTech Today
Microfluidic modules for biochips and sensors
Devices used to study the chemical composition of air, water, oil, and other liquids are often based on microfluidic modules. However, these chips aren’t that easy to produce and maintain operational.
A water droplet being lowered onto a microfluid module. Image courtesy of Irina Krylach
Scientists from ITMO and their colleagues from the P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute have devised a new production method for a less demanding type of microfluidic chips. There is still more work to be done before the devices are ready for practical applications, but the scientists are hopeful.
Read more: Russian Researchers Suggest Innovative Approach to Production of Microfluidic Modules
New synthesis method for carbon nanodots
A diverse team of researchers from ITMO University, St. Petersburg State University, TU Dresden, Ioffe Institute, and City University of Hong Kong have proposed a new way to manufacture water-soluble carbon nanodots.
These luminescent particles are all the rage in the world of science due to their unique luminescent properties – not to mention their affordability and eco-friendliness. Most importantly, they are biocompatible, meaning they have great potential for use in medical fields, especially in bioimaging.
Special mention: new Master’s in BioTech
ITMO University’s freshly-rehauled Faculty of Biotechnologies is launching a new Master’s program in industrial biotechnology. Its students will learn all about pharmaceutical production and the use of digital technologies in modern biotech.
Production at Innova Plus, an industrial partner of the new Master's program. Photo by Dmitry Grigoryev / ITMO.NEWS
“...it’s crucial for students to know that modern biotechnology production relies on various IT approaches, including digitalization, automation, robotization, and predictive analytics. This means that companies need specialists who understand such production principles and are capable of navigating technologies and integrating them into the process,” said Mikhail Kurushkin, the dean of the Faculty of Biotechnologies, about the program.
Read more about the new program: ITMO University Launches New Master’s Program for Future Biotechnology Specialists
