Electrospinning plant protein fibers
2021-2023
Dr. Perrechil Bonsanto is exploring a process to create 3D plant-based meat products from electrospun nanofibers.
PRODUCTION PLATFORM: Plant-based meat
TECHNOLOGY SECTOR: End product formulation and manufacturing
Project aims
This project will use electrospinning to produce 3D alternative meat products, which would provide an alternative to conventional methods of structuring plant-based meat like extrusion. This work includes assessing the mechanical properties and microstructures present in electrospun products.
The resulting improvements will create better production methods for structuring thick cuts of plant-based meat.
Principal researcher
Dr. Fabiana Perrechil Bonsanto
Professor, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil
Dr. Perrechil Bonsanto’s expertise lies in the interactions between proteins and polysaccharides, including plant proteins, and their application in the development of gelled structures and emulsions. She is also experienced with both microemulsions and encapsulation systems for bioactive compounds.
GFI Brazil’s plant-based meat resources
GFI Brazil has produced several resources to better understand the alternative protein industry in Brazil.
Related research
Connective tissue from plant fibers
Learn about Dr. Xiaonan Sui’s research to engineer connective tissues from plants at the Northeast Agricultural University in China.
Creating fiber-like structures
Learn how GFI grantee Dr. David Julian McClements is developing an alternative to extrusion for producing plant-based meat at the University of Massachusetts.
Muscle-like structures from pulse proteins
Learn about Dr. Zata Vickers’s research to develop muscle-like structures from pulse proteins to improve the texture of plant-based meat.
Explore research opportunities
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Check out related resources
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Learn about the science of plant-based meat. Discover resources and research on the latest technological developments and key scientific questions.
Research Labs Database
Use GFI’s Research Labs Database to find laboratories where public alternative protein science is being conducted today.
Advancing solutions for alternative proteins
Explore commercial whitespaces, research gaps, technological needs, and investment priorities at each stage of the alternative protein value chain.
