📋 Tender Overview
* With highly sophisticated Agroindustrial Engineering laboratory equipment.The National Autonomous University of Tarma (UNAAT), through financing from PROCIENCIA, develops an important scientific research project that incorporates specialized equipment and state-of-the-art technology implemented in its laboratories, consolidating itself as a national reference in research and innovation applied to the study of Andean grains.
The project, called Modification of proteins and fibers of quinoa, kiwicha, kaniwa and tarwi using eco-friendly technologies (ohmic heating, high intensity ultrasound, pulsed electric field and high pressure homogenization), is aimed at basic research and seeks to understand the fundamental properties of the proteins and fibers present in these Andean crops of high nutritional and cultural value for Peru.
The research contemplates the use of emerging and low thermal intensity technologies to generate modifications in the macrocomponents of these grains and their agro-industrial waste, allowing the study of their structural and techno-functional characteristics and promoting their sustainable use through the development of products with added value.
Dr. Lizeth Huaman Leandro, doctoral thesis student at the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, who develops part of the studies in the UNAAT laboratories, highlighted the relevance of the equipment available at the university. UNAT participates as an associated entity in this project with pulsed electric field (PEF) technology, a highly sophisticated piece of equipment of which there are very few units in Peru. This equipment is fundamental for the development of research aimed at studying the properties of Andean cereals and their agro-industrial waste, seeking their reuse and future use, he noted.
For his part, Dr. Grimaldo Wilfredo Quispe Santivanez, UNAAT researcher and professor at the Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering, highlighted that the development of experimental research in the agroindustrial area requires specialized equipment that is not easily accessible in other institutions. The objective is to generate scientific knowledge that allows us to better use our raw materials, making them more sustainable and profitable for the development of the region, he said.
The participation of UNAAT as an associated entity and the availability of pulsed electric field (PEF) equipment, considered unique in the country, position the Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering as a pioneer in the development of emerging technologies applied to agroindustry, a line of research led by Dr. Grimaldo Wilfredo Quispe Santivanez.
The project also brings together prominent academic institutions and national and international research groups, including the Center for Research and Innovation in Products Derived from Andean Crops (CIINCA) of the Faculty of Food Industries of the National Agrarian University La Molina; the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria; the Agroindustrial Engineering and Technology Research Group of the Faculty of Agroindustrial Engineering of the National University of San Martin, Tarapoto; and the Food Security 2035 Research Group of the Professional School of Agroindustrial Engineering of the National Autonomous University of Altoandina of Tarma.
With this initiative, the Altoandina National Autonomous University of Tarma reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of science, technology and applied research, strengthening an academic ecosystem aimed at generating cutting-edge knowledge, innovative solutions and sustainable development opportunities for the Junin region and the country.
