Growing Kent & Medway

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The Biotech Hub at the University of Kent

Supporting horticultural and plant-based food and drink businesses

The Biotechnology Hub for Sustainable Food and Drink applies high-tech approaches to production and processing of high-value foods and plant-based compounds from plant material and waste, pathogen identification and control, and maintenance of healthy soil.

Areas of expertise

The research team based at the University of Kent Biotech Hub can support businesses to trial new research, enhance their products or services, and solve a wide range of challenges in plant biology and post-harvesting; 

Strawberries with pathogens

Disease resistance

Identification of bacterial, fungal or viral pathogens, and tests on the ability of extracts to modulate pathogen infections
A bio compostable bag for loose fruit and vegetables

Sustainable Packaging

Research that promotes sustainable packaging adoption and contribute to a resilient food supply for consumers in the UK and beyond.

Improving Quality

Identification and measurement of key compounds in products – it could be a flavour that you want to enhance, or a Vitamin that you want to show present

Biofuels

Bioethanol and biofuels from biomass and waste

Production of high-value molecules from plant samples or waste extracts

Creating new sources of proteins for food

Maintaining healthy soils

Optimising plant growth conditions

These are integrated with the cutting edge facilities and research capabilities of the School of Bioscience at the University of Kent, including; 

  • Cell Image Analysis Facility 
  • Biomolecular Science Facility 
  • Biological Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility 
  • Biosensor development 
  • Animal cell and bacterial fermentation 

The Hub will actively engage with key business partners to deliver impactful and translational research (Contact: growingbiotech@kent.ac.uk)