Our Natural Pigments Research Project
ChromaQuest is dedicated to a research project focused on natural pigments, aiming to stabilize these pigments in food. Our objective is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field and to make a positive impact on the food industry. Through our research, we strive to uncover new insights and develop innovative solutions that benefit both consumers and the environment.
The Aim of ChromaQuest
THE OVERARCHING AIM: The overarching aim of ChromaQuest is to offer innovative solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of artificial dyes on consumers by replacing them with stabilised natural dyes from sustainable sources.
THE MAIN AIM: The main aim of ChromaQuest is to investigate biorefinery-derived plant pigment and co-pigment synergistic interaction mechanisms to develop novel approaches for the stabilisation of safe natural dyes with improved colour characteristics for use in food industry matrices.
The Objectives
OBJECTIVE 1:
Identify biomass and industry side-streams potential for extraction of pigments and co-pigments based on the compositional characteristics;
OBJECTIVE 2:
Create standardised extraction and purification protocols for anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and betalain retrieval;
OBJECTIVE 3:
Create standardised extraction and purification protocols for tannin, phenolic acid, and flavonoid retrieval from locally sourced biomass;
OBJECTIVE 4:
Develop and characterise stable anthocyanin-, chlorophyll-, carotenoid-, and betalain-based natural dyes, considering the synergistic interaction between pigments and co-pigments;
OBJECTIVE 5:
Evaluate the potential application of the prepared natural dye complexes in food matrices and in vitro antioxidative and cytotoxicity effects.
The Activity Plan
The work in the project has been divided in 4 Work Packages (WPs), of which 3 are Activity WPs. Each Activity WP has 3 outputs which contribute to specific Project Objectives.
WP1 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION
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Goal of the work package – Organisation of project activities to reach the set Project Objectives, coordination of financial planning and project reporting. Communication of project results towards entrepreneurs, scientific, and general community.
WP2 – BIOMASS BIOREFINERY TO OBTAIN PLANT-DERIVED PIGMENTS
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Goal of the work package – Create biorefinery-based biomass preparation, extraction, and purification procedures to obtain natural dyes and co-pigments (corresponds to Project Objectives 1, 2 and 3).
WP3 – CO-PIGMENTATION OF PLANT-DERIVED PIGMENTS
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Goal of the work package – Design, optimise, and investigate stabilised natural dyes using co-pigments and encapsulating agents (corresponds to Project Objective 4).
WP4 – INVESTIGATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF NATURAL DYES AND CO-PIGMENTS, STABILITY
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Goal of the work package – Characterise natural dye complexes based on their stability and characteristics providing application-backed solutions (corresponds to Project Objectives 4 and 5).
Meet Our Team
Our team is comprised of talented individuals who bring unique perspectives and expertise to our research project. We are driven by a shared curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the scientific community. Together, we are dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of natural pigments and translating our findings into practical solutions.
Linards Klavins
Project leader, Phd
As the lead researcher, Linards brings experience and a deep understanding of natural pigments. Main areas of focus are the extraction and separation of pigments from different industry by-products.
Alise Zommere
Project expert, Masters student
An expert in biorefinery focusing on plant biomass, with expertise in chromatographic and spectral analysis, as well as experimental planning and design to develop sustainable solutions.
Taisija Gricenko
Project expert, Masters student
Expertise and knowledge in analytical chemistry with the main focus on chromatography and method validation.
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Jorens Kviesis
Main investigator, Phd
Expert in chromatography and analytical work regarding studies of natural products and biomass derived phytochemicals.