Projects per year
Organisation profile
Organisation Profile
Food quality of safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
Food components and reactions affecting nutritional and sensory quality and safety of foods are investigated. We investigate bioactive compounds of the dietary fibre complex and natural enhancement of vitamins in foods. The special focus lies on vitamin B12 and folate production by bioprocessing. We also study lipids and their chemical and enzymatic reactions, utilization of micro algae and flavor-active compounds and antinutrients in legumes and other plant-protein sources.
Vitamins
Research on vitamins has been one of our major expertise from the beginning of 1980s. We have studied both lipid- and water-soluble vitamins: occurrence in foods, chemical and nutritional properties, importance in foods and diets and factors influencing the levels. In addition, development of analytical methods for different vitamers as well as validation and harmonization of the methods through international collaboration are among our priorities. Recent collaboration projects have focused on enhancing vitamin contents in cereal and legume-based foods by plant breeding, fractionation of the materials and bioprocessing. Currently the research focus lies on investigating microbial in situ synthesis of vitamin B12, folate and other B vitamins in cereal and legume matrices to improve their nutritional quality and develop new food applications.
Recent major projects:
- Natural fortification of foods: microbial in situ synthesis of vitamin B12 and folate in cereal matrix (2012–2016; the Academy of Finland; PI Vieno Piironen).
- Enhancement of folate in gluten free cereal-based products (post doc project/Susanna Kariluoto; 2011–2014; the Academy of Finland)
- Contribution of cereal-based fermented foods to folate intake in European and African countries FolEA (2014-2018; the Academy of Finland and Finnish Cultural Foundation. Coordinated by Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)/France; collaboration with three African partners; PI at UH Susanna Kariluoto)
- Utilization of algal components and biomass as food, feed, and fuel (LEVARBIO) (Coordinator professor Martin Romantschuk, collaboration of the UH, Häme University of Applied Science HAMK and the Finnish Environmental Institute SYKE; 2016-2017; European Regional Development Fund)
- Bio-enriched bran ingredients - in situ synthesis of vitamin B12 and folate with propionibacteria and lactic acid bacteria – BIOFORCE (2017-2018; Lantmännen Research Foundation; PI Vieno Piironen)
- Vitamin B12-bioenriched wheat bran ingredients for food applications - BIOB12 (2018-2019; Lantmännen Research Foundation; PI Vieno Piironen)
- Molecular basis for natural vitamin B12 fortification of emerging new foods by utilization of Propionibacterium freudenreichii (2019-2023; Academy of Finland; PI Pekka Varmanen UH)
- Molecular basis for natural vitamin B12 fortification of emerging new foods by utilization of Propionobacterium freudenreichii - B12WEGAIN (2021-2023; NovoNordisk; PI Pekka Varmanen, UH)
- In the Leg4Life project (below) we study formation of B12 in legume matrices.
Lipids and their reactions
We study different lipid classes and lipid profiles in food matrices as well as chemical and enzymatic reactions of lipids. Phytosterols and their conjugates have been studied as natural food components belonging to the dietary fibre complex. On the other hand, questions related to sterol enrichment, especially oxidative stability, have also been on our focus. Controlling lipid oxidation is essential while developing new food technologies and compositions. We use diverse methods to study proceeding of oxidation from primary products to monomeric oxides, volatiles and polymerization products. Thus, valuable information on factors influencing oxidation and consequences of oxidation reactions is obtained. Controlling enzymatic reactions leading to volatile and non-volatile off-flavors in cereal and legume matrices is also among our interests. In addition, utilization of valuable lipids, such as long-chain omega-3-fatty acids and pigments, from microalgae has been investigated
Recent major projects:
- Tools for healthy foods with appealing texture and high stability (Hybridi) (collaboration project with VTT; 2011–2014; Tekes – the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation; Coordination VTT; PI at UH Vieno Piironen).
- Health promoting food and feed from micro-algal omega-3 fatty acids, pigments and bioactive peptides produced on food industry side streams (Algomeg) (collaboration with the UH/Department of Environmental Sciences, VTT and Indian partners; 2014-2016; Tekes-DBT funding for Indo-Finnish collaboration. Coordinator: Professor Martin Romantschuk)
- Utilization of algal components and biomass as food, feed, and fuel (LEVARBIO) (collaboration of UH, Häme University of Applied Science (HAMK) and the Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE); 2016-2017; European Regional Development Fund; Coordinator professor Martin Romantschuk)
- PhD project on oxidative stability of lipids in plant-derived foods: flavor deterioration by enzymatic and chemical reactions (Zhen Yang; CSC, China, The Finnish Cultural Foundation, 2014-2019)
- In the Leg4Life and Expro projects (below) one of our main contributions is to study lipid-related off-flavor formation and its prevention.
Plant constituents as antinutrients and bitter-tasting compounds
Certain antinutrients, e.g., raffinose oligosaccharides and secondary plant metabolites, may limit the use of plant protein sources, e.g. legumes, in foods. On the other hand, many bioactive compounds, such as saponins, avenantramides and many other phenolics, may have bitter taste. We study these components as part of broad collaboration projects aiming to enhance wider utilization of plant-based protein sources.
Recent major project:
- Fababean – legume-based new foods and food ingredients (2012–2014; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; coordinator professor Hannu Salovaara, UH)
- PhD project on reactivity and elimination of vicine and convicine in faba bean (Marjo Pulkkinen, the Doctoral Program of Food Chain and Health, The Finnish Cultural Foundation; 2016-2018).
- PROVE - Functionalisation and valorisation of proteins of vegetable sources (2018; EIT Food; Coordination VTT; PI at UH Associate Professor Kati Katina)
- In the Leg4Life, Expro and Taste2Meats projects (below) our main contribution largely focuses on these components.
Utilization of microalgae
We study in collaboration projects potential of micro algae as sources of high value bioactive compounds as well as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Microalgae can be used as food and feed applications as well as for pharmaceutical purposes.
Recent major projects
- Health promoting food and feed from micro-algal omega-3 fatty acids, pigments and bioactive peptides produced on food industry side streams (Algomeg) (collaboration with the UH/Department of Environmental Sciences, VTT and Indian partners; 2014-2016; Tekes-DBT funding for Indo-Finnish collaboration. Coordinator: Professor Martin Romantschuk)
- Utilization of algal components and biomass as food, feed, and fuel (LEVARBIO) (collaboration of UH, Häme University of Applied Science (HAMK) and the Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE); 2016-2017; European Regional Development Fund; Coordinator professor Martin Romantschuk)
- Algae factory (Business Finland; 2018-2019; PI Dr Elina Peltomaa, UH)
- Building students skills in micro-algae processing, component characterization and innovative product development (EIT Food; 2018; PI at UH Docent Anna-Maija Lampi)
Other recent major collaboration projects
We have participated or are currently paticipating in the following projects:
BACCHUS beneficial effects of dietary bioactive peptides and polyphenols on cardiovascular health in humans (2012-2016; European Commission; PI at UH professor Marina Heinonen).
Chemical oxidation of mixed linked beta-glucans; oxidation pathways, oxidation products and product functionality (2012–2016; the Academy of Finland; PI at UH Dr Tuula Sontag-Strohm).
EuroFIR NEXUS (2011–2013; European Commission; PI at UH professor Vieno Piironen).
OATyourGUT: Oat-derived Wellbeing by Clinical and Perceived Assessment (2017-2019; Business Finland; Coordination University of Turku; PI at UH Dr Tuula Sontag-Strohm)
OatHow: Novel indicators and technologies for oat quality and applicability (2019-2020; Business Finland; Coordination VTT; PI at UH Dr Tuula Sontag-Strohm)
3TexVegS+H: Tasty Texture-Tailored fibre/protein rich vegetarian Health Power food & novel extrusion technology platform for the manufacture of such (2019-2020; EIT Food; Coordinator Beatrice Bonde-Petit, Buhler Group; PI at UH Vieno Piironen)
Legumes For Sustainable Food System and Healthy Life (Leg4Life) (2019-2021; STN; Director Anne-Maria Pajari UH, Vice Director Vieno Piironen UH)
Globally Competitive Processing Technologies for Meat Alternatives (EXPRO)(2020-2022; Business Finland; Coordination VTT; PI at UH Associate Professor Kati Katina)
From Side-Streams to Tasty Meat Alternatives and Hybrides (Taste2Meat)(2021; EIT Food; Coordination VTT; PI at UH Docent Rossana Coda)
PhD theses
Mari Lehtonen: Oxidation of steryl esters. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-10-7943-6
Tanja Nurmi: Variation of phytosterols and steryl ferulates in wheat grains and fractions.http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-10-8347-1
Minnamari Edelmann: Occurrence and natural enhancement of folate in oats and barley. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-10-9752-2.
Annelie Damerau: Oxidative stability of solid foods with dispersed lipids. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-51-0874-6
Bhawani Chamlagain: Fermentation fortification of active vitamin B12 in food matrices using Propionibacterium freudenreichii: Analysis, production and stability http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-51-2753-2
Zhen Yang: Role of lipid-modifying enzymes in oat and faba bean: synthesis of off-flavour compounds. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-51-5545-0
International and National Collaboration
Profiles
-
Minnamari Edelmann
- Department of Food and Nutrition - Title of Docent, University Lecturer
- Food quality and safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
- Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources - Supervisor for doctoral programme
- Doctoral Programme in Food Chain and Health - Supervisor for doctoral programme
Person: U3 Research and teaching staff, UH , Teaching and research personnel
-
Susanna Kariluoto
- Department of Food and Nutrition - Senior University Lecturer, Title of Docent
- Food quality and safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
- Doctoral Programme in Food Chain and Health - Supervisor for doctoral programme
Person: U3 Research and teaching staff, UH
-
Anna-Maija Lampi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences - Docent Contract
- Department of Food and Nutrition - Docent Contract, Title of Docent
- Food quality and safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
- Doctoral Programme in Food Chain and Health - Supervisor for doctoral programme
Person: UH
-
Velimatti Ollilainen
- Department of Food and Nutrition - Docent Contract, Title of Docent
- Food quality and safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
- Doctoral Programme in Food Chain and Health - Supervisor for doctoral programme
Person: UH
-
Vieno Piironen
- Department of Food and Nutrition - Prof. emer.
- Helsinki One Health (HOH)
- Food quality and safety: lipids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds
- Doctoral Programme in Food Chain and Health - Supervisor for doctoral programme
Person: UH , Teaching and research personnel
-
Green Nitrogen Transition
Mäkelä, P. (Project manager), Edelmann, M. (Participant) & Simojoki, A. (Participant)
01/10/2024 → 30/09/2028
Project: Research project
-
Luomumaidon ja tavanomaisesti tuotetun maidon B12-vitamiinipitoisuus ja typen isotooppisuhteet Etelä-Pohjanmaan maitotiloilla
Honkanen, A. (Project manager), Kiander, E. K. (Participant), Edelmann, M. (Participant), Rinne-Garmston, K. (Participant) & Vanhatalo, A. (Principal Investigator)
01/01/2024 → 31/12/2025
Project: Research project
-
Bataatin viljelytekniikka ja ravitsemuksellinen laatu Suomessa
Edelmann, M. (Participant), Uusitupa, J. V. E. (Participant), Jokinen, K. (Participant), Alakukku, L. (Participant) & Mäkelä, P. (Principal Investigator)
01/01/2024 → 31/12/2025
Project: Research project
-
Leg4Life: Legumes for sustainable food system and healthy life
Pajari, A.-M. (Principal Investigator), Piironen, V. (Co-Principal Investigator), Vanhatalo, A. (Participant), Simojoki, A. (Participant), Jouppila, K. (Participant), Kariluoto, S. (Participant), Päivärinta, E. (Participant), Konttinen, H. (Participant), Hyytiäinen, K. (Participant), Lombardini (former Lombardini-Riipinen), C. (Participant), Lamminen, M. (Participant), Alakukku, L. (Participant), Chamlagain, B. (Participant), Coda, R. (Participant), Ertbjerg, P. (Participant), Edelmann, M. (Participant), Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau, A. (Participant), Itkonen, S. (Participant), Katina, K. (Participant), Knaapila, A. (Participant), Kokkonen, T. (Participant), Kuoppala, K. (Participant), Lampi, A.-M. (Participant), Mäkelä, P. (Participant), Nurmi, V. (Participant), Ramos-Diaz, J. M. (Participant), Salonen, A. (Participant), Sandell, M. (Participant), Sihvonen, M. (Participant), Sontag-Strohm, T. (Participant), Stoddard, F. (Participant), Tenkanen, M. (Participant) & Varmanen, P. (Project manager)
01/06/2019 → 31/08/2025
Project: Research project
-
Strategies to improve caraway (Carum carvi L.) oil quality and quantity
Lizarazo , C. (Project manager), Lampi, A.-M. (Principal Investigator), Mäkelä, P. (Principal Investigator) & Lindfors, A. (Participant)
01/05/2017 → …
Project: Research project
-
Metabolite variations in faba bean ingredients: Unraveling the links between off-flavors and chemical compounds
Tuccillo, F., Kårlund, A., Koistinen, V., Saini, S., Ahmed, H., Hanhineva, K., Sandell, M., Katina, K. & Lampi, A. M., 1 Jul 2025, In: Food Chemistry. 479, 19 p., 143753.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Sea lettuce (Ulva fenestrata) as a rich source of cobalamin (vitamin B12) – both as processed whole biomass and as an extracted protein ingredient
Trigo, J. P., Chamlagain, B., Thóren, J., Strand, R., Vall-llosera Juanola, M., Steinhagen, S., Kinnby, A., Toth, G., Kariluoto, S. & Undeland, I., 9 Apr 2025, In: Food Chemistry. 483, 7 p., 144302.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Two-step fermentation to produce vitamin B12 containing beer using Propionibacterium freudenreichii and yeast
Loivamaa, I., Greis, M., Nikander, V., Edelmann, M., Pöysä, M., Varmanen, P. & Saris, P., 1 Jan 2025, In: Food Bioscience. 63, 10 p., 105807.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Aerobic adaptation and metabolic dynamics of Propionibacterium freudenreichii DSM 20271: insights from comparative transcriptomics and surfaceome analysis
Loivamaa, I., Sillanpää, L. A., Deptula, P., Chamlagain, B., Edelmann, M., Auvinen, P., Nyman, T. A., Savijoki, K., Piironen, V. & Varmanen, P., Oct 2024, In: mSystems. 9, 10, 26 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
B Vitamins in Legume Ingredients and Their Retention in High Moisture Extrusion
Siitonen, A., Nieminen, F. H., Kallio, V., Tuccillo, F., Kantanen, K. A., Ramos-Diaz, J. M., Jouppila, K., Piironen, V., Kariluoto, S. & Edelmann, M., 20 Feb 2024, In: Foods. 13, 5, 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
Open AccessFile
Activities
-
EuroFoodChem 2023
Piironen, V. (Attendee)
14 Jun 2023 → 16 Jun 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars
-
Development of saliva model for Foodmics approach
Lehtonen, M. (Supervisor) & Lampi, A.-M. (Supervisor)
Apr 2023 → …Activity: Examination types › Supervision of other thesis (Master's, Licentiate)
-
Analysis of Vitamin B12 in foods – development and application of stable isotope dilution assays for naturally occurring cobalamin
Piironen, V. (Opponent)
12 Feb 2023Activity: Examination types › Opponent of doctoral dissertation
-
Vitamins – food chemistry research vs information needed in nutrition research
Piironen, V. (Speaker)
14 Jun 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
-
The 7th International Vitamin Congress
Piironen, V. (Attendee)
20 Sept 2023 → 23 Sept 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars
Prizes
-
The best doctoral thesis of the year 2012 in the ABS Graduate School
Lehtonen, M. (Recipient), 29 Aug 2013
Prize: Prizes and awards
Press/Media
-
Irtokarkki sisältää enemmän proteiinia kuin maito? Ravintopitoisuuksien mittaamiseen liittyy monia sudenkuoppia
31/01/2029
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
-
Kannattaako ruoka paistaa vai keittää? – Tätä hellävaraista kypsennystapaa vierastetaan aivan suotta
05/11/2023
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
-
-
A novel bacterial species named after the Finnish Nobelist A.I. Virtanen
Deptula, P., Varmanen, P., Auvinen, P. O. V. & Piironen, V. I.
30/08/2018
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
-
Fermentointi tuottaa leipään B-vitamiinia
Piironen, V. & Varmanen, P. K.
12/01/2017
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media