BioCoLL: Tailor-Made Biocolloids – Intelligent Microbial and Metal-Protein Nanocomposite Systems for the Economy of Tomorrow

Bioactive Milk Proteins and Microorganisms as a Platform for Innovative Solutions in Food, Agriculture, and Medicine

Can milk serve as a source of modern biomedical and biotechnological technologies and address the challenges of contemporary agriculture? Assoc. Prof. Paweł Pomastowski, NCU Professor, is researching the possibilities of using natural milk proteins and functional microorganisms to design innovative solutions for the food industry, medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection. A special place in this research is occupied by lactoferrin-a bioactive milk protein with documented antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and regenerative-supporting properties. An important direction of work is also the design of metal-lactoferrin complexes and metal-protein nanosystems, which can increase the stability, biological activity, and application potential of lactoferrin in health-promoting, veterinary, and biomedical products. Concurrently, the researcher is developing technologies utilizing beneficial microorganisms, in particular lactic acid bacteria, as potential probiotics, feed additives, and components of biological systems supporting food safety and quality.

Thanks to the results of his research work, the scientist became a participant in the PRIME project-a science commercialization support program implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science using funds from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program. The researcher qualified for the first edition of PRIME together with his team: Cezary Odrzygóźdź (Technology Transfer Manager) and Alina Jaworska (Business Leader), to develop competencies in commercializing their research.

The research conducted by Assoc. Prof. Paweł Pomastowski, NCU Professor, covers two complementary areas: bioactive milk proteins-with particular emphasis on lactoferrin-and microorganisms with functional and application potential. The aim of the work is to develop, characterize, and implement biologically active systems based on milk proteins, their complexes with metal ions, and microorganisms that can find applications in the food industry, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and human medicine. As part of this research, Assoc. Prof. Paweł Pomastowski isolates and modifies lactoferrin, designs metal-lactoferrin complexes and metal-protein systems, and develops milk protein-based solutions for use in wound healing materials, food and feed additives, and products targeted at improving human and animal health. The second pillar of the work involves functional microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria, analyzed for their use as natural protective cultures, feed additives, probiotic components, and elements of technologies that limit the growth of undesirable microflora in the food chain.

"Our research shows that science is not detached from reality. What we develop in the laboratory responds to the concrete needs of industry and society. Lactoferrin and beneficial microorganisms can become the key to the future-both in healthcare and in the development of an economy based on natural ingredients," emphasizes Assoc. Prof. Paweł Pomastowski, NCU Professor.

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PRIME is the only "tailor-made" acceleration program for the transfer of knowledge and technology for scientists and their research organizations in Poland, offering support for an individual commercialization path for innovative products. The program provides the opportunity to both develop competencies (e.g., training) and acquire practical skills (e.g., talks with potential recipients). For the authors of the best ideas, individualized support is provided to implement the chosen commercialization path. The PRIME project is financed by the European Funds for a Modern Economy (#FENG) program. The project is implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science (#FNP).