This PhD project aims to develop innovative nutraceutical capsules for pet animals, designed to preserve the integrity of active ingredients throughout the gastrointestinal tract and enable their controlled release at the target site. The research will focus on biodegradable and biocompatible encapsulation materials derived from renewable resources (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, biopolymers), in line with circular economy and decarbonization principles. Controlled-release systems (e.g. pH- or enzyme-responsive) will be investigated to protect sensitive compounds during gastric transit.
Furthermore, the project will explore the use of active ingredients recovered from agro-food residues, valorized through innovative green extraction technologies (e.g., supercritical CO₂, ultrasound-assisted extraction, natural deep eutectic solvents), preserving their bioactivity. An additional objective is the development of sustainable, biodegradable or compostable packaging solutions as alternatives to conventional blister packs.
The integrated approach will combine chemical engineering, materials science, and sustainable processing to develop high-performance nutraceutical products with reduced environmental impact, in collaboration with Candioli Pharma.
The candidate should have a background in chemical engineering with competencies in biotechnology and food engineering. Skills in formulation, transport phenomena, and process design are required, along with knowledge of biobased materials, encapsulation, and controlled-release systems. Experience in green extraction technologies and biomass valorization is desirable. Laboratory skills in material characterization and data analysis are essential. Familiarity with sustainability assessment (e.g., LCA) is an asset. Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Italian is a plus.
The research will be conducted within the multidisciplinary FERMAN group, focused on biotechnological and green extraction processes supporting circular economy models. The team has strong expertise in valorizing agro-industrial residues into high-value products using sustainable techniques such as ultrasound, enzymatic, and supercritical CO₂ extraction.
State-of-the-art laboratories (FERMAN, Blunox, GreEnLab1, Circle) support material development and process optimization. The group integrates chemical engineering, bioprocesses, and LCA, ensuring sustainable and scalable solutions in collaboration with Candioli.