AGRO-FOOD VALUE CHAIN

The approach adopted is multidisciplinary and is based on the characterization and exploitation of the national phytogenetic heritage with biotechnological processes to:
(i) identify new species and varieties adapted to biotic and abiotic constraints, particularly fungal attacks, salinity and drought;
(ii) elucidate the mechanisms that confer adaptation to environmental constraints in order to put in place tools that can be used in improvement programs;
(iii) characterize and exploit the microbial flora of the soil to improve the nutrition and adaptation of plants as well as for the rehabilitation of marginal and contaminated soils;
(iv) research, identify, establish the functional properties and determine the fields of application of molecules of interest derived from plants or microorganisms;
(v) establish and strengthen within the Center, technological expertise in the field of plant biotechnology to improve its positioning on the national and international scene and promote its openness to the socio-economic environment (projects, actions and services in food safety, human health and environmental protection).

Working on the development of "green" methods for the extraction of bioactive molecules from tunisian aromatic and medicinal plants, on the chemical characterization of the obtrained extracts, on their biological activity evaluation (antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer) and on the identification of ways of their valorization (processes of encapsulation, compression and coating in biofilms), we are looking for partners to promote Tunisian aromatic and medicinal plants as sources of bioactive molecules that can be integrated into biofilms in order to improve the antimicrobial stability of foods.

Eco-extraction; Tunisian aromatic and medicinal plants; anti-microbial activity; bioguided fractionation; Micro-encapsulation; biofilm formulation

We hope to participate as a partner