News

2009-04-30 Poland: Commercialization of BioChip for food industry

Prof. Radecki from Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Science in Olsztyn has initiated cooperation with Poznan Foundation of Academic Incubators of Entrepreneurship for introduction of innovative product to the market.
The invention is a BioChip for analysis and detection of acrylamides in food products.

The product is ready, and now potential customers will be searched– according to Mr Terpilowski from Poznan Foundation of Academic Incubators of Entrepreneurship.

After finding contractors the inventor will receive support from foundation for establishment of company selling the BioChips, as well as help with further search for funds and staff recruitment.

BioChip detects acrylamide (or acrylic amide, 2-propenamide), organic compound belonging to amides, in food products. Acrylamide is a highly toxic substance of cancerogenous properties, applied in plastic industry (polyacrylamid).
Large amounts of acrylamids can be found during esp. extended thermal treatment (frying, roasting) of food containing starch, resulting in e.g. potato chips, French fries. It can be also found in some sorts of bread. Acrylamid is also generated while frying meat at high temperatures.

Magdalena Zychlinska
source: Biotechnologia.pl