The ABIPO project aimed to enhance the utilisation and value of the unique phenolic antioxidants and oil found in UK oats, thereby opening up new, non-food markets for oat growers.
ABIPO Project
Project Overview
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- Optimise Biosynthesis: Produce existing oat varieties in a manner that maximises the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and minimises the need for post-harvest modification.
- Identify Desired Traits: Probe a unique oat gene pool to identify oat lines possessing the desired characteristics for these applications.
- Develop Extraction Technologies: Study both conventional and novel extraction technologies to yield fractions containing specific active compounds.
- Assess Personal Care Potential: Evaluate the potential of these fractions for use in a diverse range of personal care products.
- Deliver Commercial Products: Provide commercially viable products through an innovative blend of chemistry, biotechnology, and process engineering, creating a new market for UK cereal growers.
More Information
Oats are highly regarded by consumers and have a well-established history of safe use in food applications. Previous research on oats primarily focused on the dietary health benefits of their beta-glucan fraction. However, there is less scientific and commercial understanding regarding the performance of both oat oil and its constituent oat antioxidants in personal care and health products.
The Oatec project (Phase 1: 1995-1997; Phase 2: 1999-2001) was tasked with providing a clear indication of the market potential, technological requirements, and financial viability of an oat fractionation plant in the Marches area. This project significantly helped the UK develop unparalleled knowledge and expertise in advanced oat fractionation across Europe and the US. However, it did not delve into the technical aspects of processing oat antioxidants in detail.
ABIPO is under the Competitive Industrial Material from Non-Food Crops LINK programme. This project brings together academic and industrial partners who have developed good relations over recent years. Links were forged during the HGCA funded INNOVATION project.