INL researcher wins Best Poster at EuroFoodChem

Joana Carvalho, member of INL Food Safety and Quality (FQ&S) Research group was awarded the Best Poster award at the XX EuroFoodChem Conference held 17-19 June 2019 in Porto (Portugal) for her work on “Disposable miniaturized device for DNA purification from complex samples”.

This research group is related to the development and optimization of tailored, miniaturized and automated devices to perform DNA analysis from complex food samples in a modular approach. DNA-based technologies have been rapidly complementing or, in some cases replacing, other analytical methods, is not only applied to food authenticity but also for identification of genetically modified organisms, detection of allergens and foodborne pathogens. Its miniaturization brings additional advantages over conventional methods, such as smaller volumes required, lower cost, portability and improved performance, being faster and more sensitive. INL is currently working on the development and optimization of a miniaturized disposable device for DNA purification from complex samples.

EuroFoodChem Conferences aim to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of innovative ideas between researchers from academia and industry who share a general interest in Food Chemistry in all its aspects and interfaces, including universities, research centres, industry, consumers, policymakers, and control authorities.