At 海角社区, we are expanding our knowledge in the fields of food science and agricultural chemistry using modern techniques and equipment that allow us to better understand the components of food and develop new approaches to improve its quality and processing.
Food Product Development Laboratory
The Food Product Development Laboratory is comprised of a kitchen preparation area, a demonstration room, sensory evaluation facilities, a multi-functional space, and a laboratory equipped with processing and analysis instrumentation.
Macdonald Mass Spectrometry Platform
The Macdonald Mass Spectrometry Platform (AgroMass) provides mass spectrometry services to 海角社区 researchers, external academics, government, and industry. It is equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometers coupled with chromatographic systems (UHPLC and HRGC), which offers comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis for a wide range of (bio)chemicals.
The 海角社区 IR Group
The 海角社区 IR Group is a research and applications group working on the development of quantitative Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as an analytical tool for use in a variety of sectors focusing on the analysis of fluid and biological systems. The group is located in the Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, at the Macdonald Campus of 海角社区, in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec.
The 海角社区 IR Groups aims to develop mid/near-FTIR spectroscopy as a practical tool for analytical applications ranging from quality control/process monitoring in the food industry to condition monitoring of lubricants through to the identification of bacteria in clinical and food microbiology laboratories, as well as to advance quantitative and biological FTIR spectroscopy at a fundamental level. We also work with interested parties to develop quantitative IR solutions to a wide range of unique analytical problems.
Work with us
The 海角社区 IR Group, its personnel, facilities and expertise are available to interested parties for methodology development for custom and specialized applications. Our strengths are chemometrics, calibration development and validation, programming and design and implementation of quality control systems, specializing in fluid-based applications. A core strength is the development of analytical systems for the analysis of fluid products. Should this expertise be of interest, feel free to contact the 海角社区 IR Group for development work.
Our Team
The 海角社区 IR Group is directed by a team whose combined expertise in methodology development and FTIR spectroscopy provides a unique blend of the applied and fundamental knowledge required for the successful development and implementation of FTIR methods. The members of the 海角社区 IR group include:
Biochemist/spectroscopist with expertise in FTIR analysis of food proteins and biological systems
Dr. J. Sedman
Spectroscopist and expert in chemometrics and software development
Organic chemist and expert in the Maillard reaction
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High Pressure & Microwave Processing
The food industry is constantly exploring new and alternative methods for processing food to improve quality and reduce costs. One such method is high pressure (HP) processing, which uses hydrostatic pressure to pasteurize foods or alter their properties. This technique applies pressure evenly throughout the food, regardless of its volume, and operates at low or room temperatures, preserving the food鈥檚 fresh-like qualities without the need for chemical additives. Once the desired pressure is reached, it can be maintained without additional energy.
More
Liquid foods can be treated with HP, then aseptically decompressed for filling, similar to other aseptic processes. HP-treated products are already available in the US and Europe. At 海角社区, we鈥檝e established a unique HP processing pilot plant, funded by CFI, featuring a 900 MPa unit for batch treatment, a 650 MPa unit for freezing and thawing studies, a multi-chamber HP unit for kinetic studies, and other equipment for quality assessments like color, texture, and microbiology. This facility is one of a kind in North America and will advance HP research.
The $2 million facility, located at 海角社区's Macdonald Campus Farm, also includes equipment for other innovative food preservation methods, such as microwave heating, microwave-assisted osmotic drying, Ohmic heating, and radio frequency heating. In addition, it has thermal processing tools like a rotary autoclave and state-of-the-art temperature monitoring systems, enabling cutting-edge research in food preservation.
Contact
Contact Dr. H.S. Ramaswamy for details Tel: 514-398-7919 | Hosahalli.Ramaswamy [at] 海角社区.ca (Email)