Aim and goal

The D-Factory aimed to set a world benchmark for a sustainable biorefinery based on biomass from the halophilic microalgae Dunaliella.

Challenge

Dunaliella is currently cultivated commercially for its high β-carotene content. The resulting product is a powder consisting of spray-dried Dunaliella cells and therefore a mixture which largely consists not only of carotenoids but also proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals. While the bio-refinery concept to be implemented within this project will go beyond the production of these crude products, it will also result in a number of extracts and extract-rich fractions with different specifications in terms of both compounds and purity. Thus, the challenge of the formulators assessing and evaluating the best possible uses of these extracts, will be not only to test and benchmark the properties of the actual individual components present in Dunaliella but also those of different extract-rich fractions produced as a result of economically viable separation processes.

Solution

Formulation know-how for specific high-value added products applications as well as a good understanding of current possibilities, challenges and limitations of the most important Dunaliella compounds and their properties was the basis for a successful outcome.

Effect

After processing biomass using supercritical CO2 and solvents for 9-cis b-carotene, the natural colorants produced as a by-product are well-suited for food markets that are growing to meet demand from the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) demographic and other food sectors, and extracts have been formulated in a variety of ways for use in different beverage-type applications. The defatted powder after processing also shows great promise in tests as a feed additive and also as a protein-rich bulking agent in fish sausages, and the individual starch, polar lipids and protein fractions have been processed as food additives, emulsifiers, and in gluten-free protein-enriched bread.

Aim and goal

To combine materials science, electronics, sensor technology, food science and physics to develop remote sensing of texture in oral processing through the use of food with magnetic iron oxide particles.

Challenge

The main oral processing activities are chewing, production of saliva and transportation of the food and drink including the prepared bolus, within the mouth. During the short time it takes to carry out these activities the receptors of various senses in the oral cavity and in the nose are stimulated, ideally to give us a pleasurable food experience. However, we know very little of this and therefore many new products fail on the market, which is neither sustainable nor economically satisfactory for the producers. Only 20% of the 20 000 new products launched every year remain after one year.

Solution

We can use magnetic particles in the food, such as iron oxide, to capture the food oral processing responsible for the perception, thus allowing us to predict and design succulent new food products. The project utilizes the expertise of RISE specialists in food science, magnetic sensor technology and material science to design a completely new measurement technology for food oral processing.

Effect

The new technology will result in more efficient product development for succulent products and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and processes occurring in our mouth. This in turn will decrease the number of new products failing on the market.

In the healthcare sector, an extra vulnerable group is those who have difficulty chewing and swallowing (dysphagia), which is common among the elderly but also occurs in younger groups such as stroke and cancer patients. The aim of the project is to achieve reduced malnutrition and increased quality of life for those with swallowing difficulties, and to reduce healthcare costs. To achieve this, technologies such as 3D printing and printable food ingredients will be used to produce attractive, texture adapted and individualized diets.

The goal is that this project will reduce the problems of malnutrition and increase the quality of life for those suffering from dysphagia. In addition, a goal is to reduce healthcare costs through a broader range of texture adapted food. In the long term, the idea is that an entire system of customized food can be produced, for example by means of 3D printing.

3D printing is a very flexible process, which enables individual customization of products. An innovative concept is to place 3D printers in manufacturing kitchens that prepare food for elderly care and hospitals. This is to allow automatic production of new, attractive and texture adapted foods with the possibility of personalizing each meal.

Stakeholders throughout Swedish society have come together to get to grips with the problem of vibration injuries. Vibration injuries lead to great personal suffering and significant costs for society and businesses, as sufferers must be redeployed or placed on sick leave.

We are now moving on from individual low-vibration concept prototypes to antivibration demonstration environments These are delineated industrial production environments at a fully operational company with associated productivity and quality assurance requirements.

Goal

The goal is to eliminate vibration injuries with the aid of innovative technology and by making better use of existing knowledge. This is achieved by developing low-vibration handheld machines. Existing machines, such as hammer drills, impact wrenches and dental tools, are rebuilt to reduce levels of vibration. This is achieved by using balance rings and auto-tuning vibration absorbers (ATVA), as well as traditional vibration isolation techniques.

The emphasis is on making it possible to specify requirements and thereby manufacture and procure low-vibration machines. The goal is to further develop prototypes so that the technology can used in serial manufacture and sold on an international market. The demand for low-vibration machines also needs to be increased through increased awareness of the injuries caused by vibrations.

Participant

Machine users: Bilia Personbilar, Höganäs, Benders Sverige, Betonghåltagning i Göteborg, Finnveden Lastvagnar, Naturstenskompaniet, NCC, Swedish Rental Association, Skanska Sverige, Swimpex, Granit, Volvo Construction Equipment, Xylem Water Solutions Manufacturing

Machine manufacturer: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique, Chicago Pneumatics, Swepac, SETEK

Research performers: RISE, University of Gothenburg, Lund University, Malmö University, Umeå University, Chalmers University of Technology

Reference group: Arbetsmiljöverket, IF Metall, Teknikföretagen, Svenska Byggnadsarbetarförbundet, Sveriges Byggindustrier, Transportföretagen

FUTURE - evaluations of  PFAS-free extingushing agents

During two years, more than 100 extinguishing tests were conducted with PFAS-free extinguishing agents in the fire halls at RISE in Borås. The tests were conducted according to ICAO Level B. The tests showed that the PFAS-free extinguishing agents extinguish a liquid fire (e.g. a burning fuel) within the specified time. The results were used directly in practice by allowing the Air Force to decide to use a new extinguishing agent that does not contain PFAS. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) was then tasked with procuring a PFAS-free extinguishing agent to be used in the new rescue vehicles (delivered at the end of 2022).