Analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of new filtration membranes with a controlled zeta potential and study of their impacts on peptide separation from a model hydrolysate by electrodialysis with filtration membrane

Description

The use of different membranes in the food industry is increasingly common. The filtration membranes produced by Abraca BioSystems (Luxembourg) have recently been modified to control their surface charge in order to increase the migration selectivity of bioactive peptides. Hence, this project is part of a vast research project aiming a valuation of bio-food co-products and the development of eco-efficient processes (VITALE Consortium), through innovative and sustainable approaches based on electromembrane processes.

The objectives of this project are:
1) Characterize the physicochemical properties of new filtration membranes (FMs) designed to have a controlled zeta potential;
2) Test these new membrane formulations during peptide separation of a model hydrolysate by electrodialysis with filtration membrane (EDFM);
3) Characterize the resulting fractions and validate their in-vitro bioactivities (antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant).

Research Field

- Electrodialysis with filtration membrane
- Filtration membrane with controlled zeta potential
- Peptide separation
- In-vitro bioactivities

Research Supervisor

Laurent Bazinet

Research Environment

Food processing and electromembrane processes laboratory

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Master's Degree in Food Science with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$20000 per year for 2 years.

The position is full-time (100%) and placed at the department of Food Sciences, Laval University (Quebec, Canada), under the supervision of Dr Laurent Bazinet, for a fixed term of two years. Salary of 20 000$ /year (CAD) including social benefits.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Submission of research proposal AND project outline	$500
First submission of thesis	$1,000
Total	$1,500

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Food Science and Technology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Food Engineering

Requirements and Conditions

- Obtaining a bachelor's degree in food engineering, biotechnology or food science.
- Great interest in a career in applied research and technology development.
- Demonstrated written and spoken English skills.
- Speaking French is an advantage.

Required Documentation

- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Applications are due by January 5th, 2026. The selected candidate will start in Winter 2026 or according to his/her availability. In order to be considered, applicants are requested to submit the followings:
- Current resume or CV
- Summary statement of research and career interests
- Transcripts

Application Deadline

January 5, 2026

Find Out More

Véronique Perreault
Professionnelle de recherche
Département des sciences des aliments
veronique.perreault.5@ulaval.ca