Collaborate with the DRIFT-FOOD Team

We, the DRIFT-FOOD team, actively seek collaborations in joint research projects and proposal development. We welcome interns, exchange students, and visiting researchers interested in contributing to and learning from our ongoing work.

Our expertise lies in the agri-food sector, where we offer a broad range of analytical and consulting services, including:

  • Compositional analysis of food and agricultural samples
  • Application of advanced processing and treatment methods
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Food technology consulting

We also support innovation in product development through:

  • Sensory analysis and testing of new formulations
  • Shelf-life studies and stability assessments
  • Nutritional evaluations and reformulation advice

Additionally, we are open to partnerships involving the shared use of research infrastructure, aiming to foster innovation and promote knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and policy stakeholders. 

Infrastructure

Particle Characterization: Malvern Panalytical Mastersizer 3000+ Ultra

Our advanced laser diffraction system precisely measures particle size distribution across a broad range (10 nm to 3.5 mm). Equipped with both liquid (Hydro) and dry powder (Aero) dispersion units, it is essential for optimizing powder flowability, packing density, and the stability of suspensions and emulsions, key parameters in new food formulation and processing monitoring.

Rheology: Anton Paar Rheometer MCR 72

The MCR 72, part of Anton Paar’s Modular Compact Rheometer series, is a robust, entry-level instrument designed for both quality control and research applications across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and cosmetics. It delivers precise rotational and oscillatory measurements essential for analyzing viscosity, flow behavior, and viscoelastic properties.

Ultrasound Technology: BANDELIN electronic GmbH & Co. KG Ultrasound Probe (UW 200)

Operating at 20 kHz with up to 800 W peak power, our ultrasound generator is equipped with two interchangeable probes for a variety of applications. Ultrasound enhances homogenization, mixing, and extraction processes, reduces particle size, modifies viscosity, and supports microbial and enzyme inactivation, enhancing food safety and functional performance.

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF): Vitavae OmniPEF – LAB

The Vitavae OmniPEF – LAB is an advanced Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) system designed for both batch and continuous processing, offering exceptional flexibility for food research and innovation. It operates at pulse frequencies of up to 1 MHz in Burst Mode, enabling precise and energy-efficient treatments. PEF technology significantly enhances cell membrane permeability, making it ideal for improving food processing, preservation, and sensory qualities.

Water Activity Measurement: Rotronic AW-Therm

The Rotronic AwTherm is a high-precision water activity meter designed to measure the free water in food products with an accuracy of ±0.005 aw. Accurate water activity control is essential for preventing microbial growth, extending shelf life, and ensuring product stability. Ideal for both production and research, the AwTherm supports consistent quality and safety in food processing and storage.

Texture Analysis: Shimadzu EZ-SX Texture Analyzer

The Texture Analyzer is a versatile instrument used to measure the physical properties of food products, such as firmness, crispness, elasticity, and cohesiveness. By simulating real-world handling, chewing, or processing conditions, it provides objective data on texture, critical parameter for product development, quality control, and ensuring consistent consumer experience. This tool is essential for optimizing formulations and validating processing parameters in food innovation.

High Pressure Homogenizer FPG12805L (ANAMET)

The FPG12805L High Pressure Homogenizer (ANAMET) is an advanced laboratory-scale instrument designed to process emulsions, suspensions, and cells with high efficiency by forcing samples through a narrow gap at extreme pressures to reduce particle size, create stable emulsions, and disrupt cells. The device has a wide selection of homogenizing cells, i.e. 9 ml, 16 ml and 32 ml, volumetric capacity. It offers a large range of flow rates with adjustable process pressure from 100 bar (1 500 psi) to 4 200 bar (60 000 psi) and has several options for temperature control, including rapid cooling after the process and preheating.

Zetasizer

ZetaSizer Advance Series Ultra (Red) 100022582, plus Autotitrator MPT-3, MAL513576 Malvern (Anamet)

ZetaSizer Advance Series Ultra (Red) is the newest of Zetasizer models, designed for characterizing nanoparticles in terms of their physicochemical properties (size, concentration, polydispersity, and zeta potential). In addition, the system is a fully compatible automatic titration unit with pH electrode and MPT-3 degassing unit. The instrument automatically adjusts the pH of the titration, and determine the zeta potential or particle size at each point. It has three dosing units, requiring small amounts of the titration agent (from 0.28 μl), which allows precise targeting of the desired dose.

Lumisizer

LUMISizer 6514-310 LUM GmbH (Anamet)

The LUMiSizer 6514-310 (LUM GmbH, Germany) is a versatile analytical centrifugation device used for the rapid characterization of dispersions and complex food systems. It operates based on STEP technology (Space- and Time-resolved Extinction Profiles), which enables real-time monitoring of particle migration and phase separation across the entire sample length. The system is equipped with a field of LEDs and a high-resolution detector (>2000 channels), allowing precise measurement of transmission profiles with high spatial and temporal resolution. It can analyze up to 12 samples simultaneously under a wide range of viscosities, temperatures, and real-world concentrations. In food systems, the LUMiSizer is widely applied to evaluate physical stability, particle behavior, and structural changes under accelerated conditions. By applying centrifugal force, it significantly reduces the time required to assess instability phenomena such as creaming, sedimentation, flocculation, and phase separation, making it a powerful tool for shelf-life prediction and formulation screening.

Multiskan SkyHigh Microplate Spectrophotometer, A511196 00C

Supplied by Thermo Scientific™, The Multiskan™ SkyHigh Microplate Spectrophotometer is a modern, monochromator-based UV/Vis spectrophotometer designed for photometric research and routine applications. The A511196 00C configuration includes a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen for stand-alone operation, with flexibility to connect to a PC via SkanIt software. It is designed for high-speed, accurate measurements of nucleic acids, proteins, and cell-based assays etc.