Nanotechnology and Functional Foods: Effective Delivery of Bioactive Ingredients

Cristina Sabliov, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at Louisiana State University. Dr. Sabliov is leading an international renowned research program in the field of nanotechnology, specifically focused on polymeric nanoparticles designed for delivery of bioactive components for improved food quality and human health. Projects pursued in her laboratory range from design and synthesis of multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles of controlled properties (size, surface charge, controlled-release profile and targeting properties) for delivery of bioactives, to in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of the nanoparticle functionality, and biodistribution and toxicity under the conditions of use. She collaborates extensively with others outside her field and hires undergraduate and graduate students of diverse educational backgrounds (biological engineering, food science, chemistry, biology, and biochemical engineering) to pursue these projects. Dr. Sabliov’s research been published in reputable journals such as ACS Nano, Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, Journal of Food Engineering, Journal of Biomaterial Science-Polymer Edition, Annual Review of Food Science and Technology and Journal of Physical Chemistry. Dr. Sabliov is a recognized national and international leader in food nanotechnology as indicated by her funding record and by her presence at major events sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Sabliov is currently serving on the Institute of Food Techologists (IFT) Food Nanoscience Advisory Panel and as a co-chair for the Gordon Conference on Nanoscience and Engineering for Agriculture and Food Systems for 2016. She is the chair of the International Society of Food Applications of Nanoscale Sciences (ISFANS) for 2014-2015. For her significant contribution to research and teaching, Dr. Sabliov has received numerous awards such as the LSU AgCenter Tipton (Nanotechnology) Team Research Award (2013), ASABE New Holland Research Award (2011), LSU Ag Center G. H Seed Research Excellence Award (2010), and the Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award (2007, 2013). Through her research and teaching, Dr. Sabliov is determined to address the multiple challenges and many opportunities at the interface of engineering, food, health and nanotechnology, and to contribute significantly to the safe application of nanotechnology in foods, medicine and agriculture.