Starch represents the major source of energy for humans and animal world-wide. This carbohydrate is mostly produced by cereal crops like wheat, corn, rice and barley. Starch, after purification, becomes a white powder widely used as a natural and renewable polymer in a variety of industrial processes (e.g. brewery, plastic and textile sectors). Normally, the structural properties of starch are modified industrially to be more suitable for specific end-uses. However, these post-harvest modifications are energy consuming and environmentally hazardous.

During his PhD studies, Massimiliano Carciofi focused on alternative strategies to modify the structure of starch directly in cereal grains. He used the genetic engineer technology to influence the genes controlling starch synthesis in the grains and obtain new polysaccharides with improved properties. At the end of this work two novel starches were obtained in barley grains. The first type was modified for production of biodegradable plastic. Whereas the second was enriched of healthy dietary fibres that could be beneficial to prevent life-style related disorders like obesity and diabetes.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Time: Friday 12 October 2012 at 13.00
Place: Auditorium, Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse
Title of dissertation: Bioengineering of Cereal Starch
Contact information: Massimiliano Carciofi, e-mail: massimiliano.carciofi@agrsci.dk, tel.: +45 8715 8274
Members of the assessment committee:
Assistant Professor Paul Scott, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, USA
Professor Roger Andersson, Department of Food Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
Associate Professor Søren Borg (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Professor Preben Bach Holm, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Postdoc Kim Henrik Hebelstrup, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English.

The defence is public.
The dissertation is available for reading at the Graduate School of Science and Technology/GSST, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.