Identification & Background 

Project name: Nutr&ssencial – Development of protein alternatives with improved nutritional properties.

Acronym: Nutr&ssencial

Project description: The Nutr&ssencial project aims to promote innovation in the food industry through the sustainable production of Iron and Selenium biofortified mycelia and the development of protein products from these mycelia.

Project code: PL24-00058

Date of approval: 15/06/2024
Start date: 01/10/2024
Completion date: 01/10/2027

Total eligible investment: €200,000
Financial support: 150,000 €

co-promoters:
IPB – Instituto Politécnico de Bragança.
Gonçalo Sérgio Alves Martins, SU
Molendum Ingredients, SL
MORE CoLAB – Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação- Associação.

  • Implement a production line of biofortified mushrooms on an industrial scale;
  • Develop protein products from biofortified mycelium;
  • Chemically and nutritionally characterise the products developed and their bioactive and thermomechanical properties, as well as their stability and acceptability;
  • Promote the valorization of local natural resources, mycological and forest through the development of new applications of high quality and safety.
  • Promote regional innovation in the area of nutrition and boost the growing national and international market for protein products without meat.
  • Sustainable production of iron-selenium biofortified mycelium on an industrial scale.
  • Development of protein products from biofortified mycelium.
  • Validation of the technical feasibility, quality and food safety of the products developed.
  • Sensory evaluation, study of acceptability and development of strategies for promotion and consumption of the products developed.
  • Project management and promotion.
  • Development of optimized protocols for the biofortification of mycelium with bioaccessible forms of iron and selenium.
  • Implementation of a mycelium/biofortified mushroom production line.
  • Development of protein alternatives rich in iron and selenium, namely protein flours and meat analogues based on mycelium/biofortified mushroom, as well as biofortified mushrooms.
  • Implementation of a production line for protein flours from the mycelium/biofortified mushroom.
  • Promotion of innovation in the food industry of the region and positioning of the region as a technological development pole in the food area.