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EXCEL4MED’s research on citrus waste-valorisation at the 38th EFFoST International Conference 2024

EXCEL4MED

The EXCEL4MED project recently took part in the 38th EFFoST International Conference, held in Bruges (Belgium) from 12-14 November 2024.

The conference, focused on “Future Food Systems: Innovation through Progress at Scientific Interfaces”, brought together world-renowned researchers, scientists, policymakers and professionals from diverse food-related fields.

EXCEL4MED’s groundbreaking citrus waste-valorisation research

EXCEL4MED was represented by key partners and collaborators from the University of Malta (UM), the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

Our project presented its research article “Exploring hydrodynamic-cavitation for citrus waste-valorisation in Malta: from beverage enhancement to potato sprouting-suppression and water remediation“, published in the journal Frontiers in Chemistry and written by:

  • Dr. Georgios Psakis (University of Malta)
  • Dr. Frederick Lia (MCAST)
  • EXCEL4MED coordinator, Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, NKUA)
  • Prof. Ruben Gatt (University of Malta)

EXCEL4MED research explores the application of hydrodynamic cavitation, an advanced technology that generates high-energy bubbles in a liquid, for multiple purposes, from enhancing beverages to suppressing potato sprouting and even remediating water.

This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution to some of the challenges posed by food systems and waste management by harnessing the natural properties of citrus waste.

Highlights from the 38th EFFoST International Conference

The 38th EFFoST International Conference offered an exceptional platform to discuss interdisciplinary food technology challenges. Key themes of the conference included:

  1. Human interface: exploring food, nutrition, health, and sensory science, with a focus on food for specific target groups.
  2. Raw material interface: innovative food sources and processing strategies from farm to factory.
  3. Micro-organism interface: addressing microbial safety, spoilage, and food fermentations.
  4. Sustainability interface: emphasising water and energy use, reducing food loss and waste, and side-stream valorisation.
  5. Computer Science interface: the role of sensors, AI, and big data in food technology.

The EXCEL4MED presentation aligned with the conference’s sustainability sub-theme, particularly with its focus on side-stream valorisation and reducing food waste.



EXCEL4MED’s participation in the EFFoST International Conference opened up new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices in food technology.

Our research team’s work on hydrodynamic cavitation is expected to pave the way for further innovations in the valorisation of food waste, not just in Malta but across the Mediterranean region!