Academic Centre
Linards Kļaviņš receives SIA “Mikrotīkls” scholarship for doctoral students of the University of Latvia in the field of natural sciences, medicine and life sciences administered by the LU Foundation. Linards is studying in the doctoral study program "Environmental Science" of the Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences of the University of Latvia.
The topic of the student's dissertation is "Valorisation of food production by-products using a bioeconomy-based biorefining approach to obtain bioactive and functional components". The paper considers the possibilities of obtaining various types of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds from food waste - berry pomace. The aim of the work is to conduct a detailed study of the groups of substances found in these berries, the functions of these substances and their possible use to obtain raw materials with high added value.
One of the directions of the research is the study of the waxes in the berries and on the surface of the berries. Surface waxes protect plants from the negative effects of external factors such as drying, cold, UV radiation and pest attacks. Berry pomace contains berry skins, on which wax is found, by environmentally friendly extraction it is possible to obtain these berry waxes, which can be used in cosmetics or food industry. In addition to practical studies, experiments have been carried out to identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis of waxes, which are responsible for the surface wax composition of blueberries.
Linards says: "The results of berry surface waxes allow us to assess the effects of environmental factors and wax formation. These results show what types of compounds are synthesized in colder, hotter or wetter climates. The morphological structures of the waxes also show the potential use of organic compounds to form hydrophobic surfaces. "
The scholarship recipient says: "I would like to thank SIA “Mikrotīkls” and UL Foundation for the opportunity to continue my research during doctoral studies and I wish other students a productive and successful study process!".
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About UL Foundation
Since 2004, the University of Latvia Foundation has provided an opportunity for patrons and cooperation partners to support both the University of Latvia and other leading Latvian higher education institutions, thus investing in the future of Latvia. The priorities of the LU Foundation are to support the best students and researchers, to promote the creation of a modern study environment, as well as the construction and reconstruction of university buildings.
