Academics announce Sino-British probiotics research centre

By RJ Whitehead

- Last updated on GMT

Academics announce Sino-British probiotics research centre
Chinese academics have collaborated with British counterparts to launch a UK-China Joint-Centre for Probiotic Research.

The Institute of Food Research, one of eight British institutes that receive strategic state funding, will formally collaborate with researchers at Jiangnan University after several years of reciprocal visits to exchange knowledge, training and expertise in probiotics.

Led by Arjan Narbad and Chen Wei, the centre benefits from grants from British-based international research incubator the Newton Fund to the tune of £250,000, with equivalent funding by Jiangnan University. 

It will allow us to strengthen ongoing collaboration and advance our interest in both fundamental and applied research focusing on gut bacteria​,” said Prof. Narbad. 

Prof. Wei added that the centre, which will be based at both the IFR and the planned National Engineering Research Centre for functional foods in Jiangan, will accelerate multidisciplinary efforts on probiotics, and also allow the development of further collaborations in food research.

Researchers at the facility will work together to tackle challenges in probiotics facing both China and Britain, as well as collaborating on research projects with funding from sources in the two countries. 

Already, the partnership has published several joint-papers, with the latest appearing in the journal Applied Microbiology and biotechnology​, which describes the development of a probiotic to alleviate the symptoms of metal toxicity, specifically aluminium. 

Other projects will look at the development of probiotics to help counter antimicrobial resistance, a serious issue in China and the rest of the world.

Related news

Related products

show more

Empowering Women Through the Life Cycle

Empowering Women Through the Life Cycle

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 07-Nov-2023 | Product Brochure

As discussions around female empowerment widen, and advances in women’s health access and provision accelerate, the implications for business, healthcare,...

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Content provided by Agilent Technologies | 06-Nov-2023 | Infographic

Microplastics are any plastic-derived synthetic solid particle or polymeric matrix, ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm and insoluble in water.

Pycnogenol® Supports Cognitive Function

Pycnogenol® Supports Cognitive Function

Content provided by Horphag Research | 18-Sep-2023 | White Paper

Clinical research shows daily supplementation with Pycnogenol® may help support brain function in a variety of age groups with results showing improved...

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 06-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

High growth ahead for protein beverages makes Asia Pacific (ASPAC) the market to watch. Consumer research shows new usage occasions, key consumption barriers,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast