Ensuring a sustainable supply of protein is the basis for innovations based on research activities in the materials science field and the development of new technologies for raw materials processing. The Protein Technology research platform combines these skills.
When the Bio-Economy division was founded in 2012, it was accompanied by an extensive realignment and expansion of the research platforms. Since the realignment the DIL focuses on development in the fields of Petfood, Feed and Meat Technology. Together, these three areas comprise the Protein Technology research division.
These newly created capacities are the key to an integrated approach to global problems in the area of Bio-Economy.
The Petfood Technology division is primarily focused on the development of new product concepts based on alternative protein sources in light of the availability of resources. Research projects are currently testing the extrusion-supported substitution of plant-based raw material sources with insect meal. This could soon be a sustainable solution in the animal nutrition field due to the efficient farming options.
This way, the specialist division combines the process-technical expertise available at the institute with the know-how in the field of raw materials functionality and the possibilities of analysis. Over time, it will be possible to implement new equipment concepts in the DIL’s in-house mechanical engineering division. Activities in the Petfood field are to be intensified so that appropriate solutions can be implemented in cooperation with industry.
The activities of the Feed Technology division are divided into an analytical division related to food safety and a division in which process engineering solutions are developed. In addition to the grinding, mixing and dosing of the various components, structure-giving processes serve as an important tool for optimally adapting the use of energy, protein and fat to meet the animal’s needs.
Through the supervisory audit by the German Accreditation Body (DAKKS), new methods could be included in the testing range. The certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 now provides the DIL with greater flexibility and efficiency in the application of its analysis methods.
In close cooperation with the DIL research platforms, innovative techniques for the preparation, enrichment and stabilization of agricultural raw materials are developed. In particular, research is carried out into methods for encapsulating liquids and solids to improve the efficiency of the raw materials used.
The research platform draws on solid expertise in the different areas of feed science. New findings are prepared and shared in a user-oriented way in collaboration with companies and through industry seminars on compound feed production hosted at DIL.
The research platform’s range of expertise extends from the development and application of new technologies – such as high pressure, ohmic heating and pulsed electric fields – through product development and comprehensive analysis. Particularly through the use of innovative technologies, various concepts were established which significantly increase the efficiency and quality of the meat production processes. Drawing on experience with the processes of structure formation, packing and preservation, new ways to streamline the production of meat products are identified and implemented with a focus on quality, efficiency and sustainability.
An example of this is the completion of a prototype system for continuous shock wave treatment of cuts of meat. The technology enables the tenderization of meat pieces within seconds, thus saving energy and money, and is on the verge of market readiness. In addition to the direct activities in research and development (R&D), cooperation with DIL partners was significantly intensified last year.
At the DIL many seminars, demonstrations and workshops with regional and international companies from the meat industry are organized. These activities aim to strengthen the direct dialog between developers and users and, on this basis, to enable effective transfer of this know-how to the industry. The response shows that the DIL has established itself beyond regional boundaries as a center of excellence in the Meat Technology division.