DBA PRESENTATION
The DBA center brings together a group of researchers from different scientific areas such as: chemistry, biology, pharmacy, agricultural engineering and science and food technology.
The activity of the group has different aspects that include the recovery of waste and materials of little commercial value coming from agribusiness, biodiesel manufacturing process, the study of chemical synthesis processes eco friendly, analysis of residues and contaminants in food, the tuning and validation of advanced instrumental analysis techniques or the use of biocatalysts for several processes.
OBJECTIVES
We put our research experience available for companies in order to achieve processes where, using the tools provided by the industrial biotechnology and sustainable chemistry, we can transform low-value products from agribusiness into products with industrial interest using eco-friendly processes.
Our activities focus on the following aspects:
- Revaluation of low value products and materials with agricultural origin.
- Development of biocatalysts.
- Development of methods of advanced chemical analysis.
- Advice in areas of expertise of the center.
- Advice on microbiological issues.
- Synthesis methods that respect the environment.
- Production of biodiesel.
- Glycerol use.
- Continued training.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Research
Applied research
Adding value to agricultural subproducts
In our group we work to develop new biotechnological and chemical processes to revalue these subproducts, giving them an industrial application.
Biocatalysts
Use of biomass for obtaining additives
SERVICES
We have many instruments, techniques and resolution capacity of new challenges to solve analytical problems related to quality control and industrial processing.
The quality control of products requires reliable analytical processes where accuracy and repeatability are essential, especially when studying minority compounds (pollutants, pesticide residues…). In our group we have studied new techniques of chromatographic analysis based on the use of internal standards. These are methods that are not currently available to companies which serve the industry.
Agribusiness companies must guarantee the quality of the product they sell. Within the concept of quality it is evident that the microbiological aspects play a fundamental role. Our group has the capacity to advise companies in the field of food microbiological control in order to avoid compromising the quality of the product and, at the same time, avoid public health problems. Also in front of specific problems of microbial alteration we have the ability and experience to do studies to determine both, the causative agent and a way to avoid further contamination by this agent.
The knowledge that our society is able to generate requires a continuous learning throughout their professional lives. Our group offers specialization courses which are arranged regularly on topics related to the agrifood industry, concerning analytical issues and matters of the process or the ingredients.
At our center we are open and willing to study those issues that may arise in companies, where our research experience can serve to find solutions.
HOW DO WE WORK?
We appreciate the partnership with the companies. For this reason we guarantee:
ADAPTATION TO THE NEEDS OF THE CLIENT
We take the necessary steps to provide our customers exactly what they seek.
FLEXIBILITY AND REORIENTATION CAPACITY
We understand the dynamics of the company and assume any mishaps that may require changes in project management.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE PROJECTS
All DBA members and anyone who can get to work in the lab signs a Confidentiallity Commitment, pledging not to disseminate any information about projects being developed at our center.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUDGETS AND TERMS
The preliminary and detailed study of the project allows us to take rigorous points described in the agreement.
CONTROL AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Our Quality Management System is based on the principles described in the UNE-EN-ISO 9001 (2000) and EFQM, and is a quality system specially designed for ACC1Ó, fact that is required to join the network TECNIO centers.
TECNIO is the network that brings together key centers and technology transfer agents in Catalonia with the aim of bringing them to the company. It also promotes the competitiveness and international projection of Catalan business.
DBA is a member of TECNIO since mid-2008, taking part of the technology offer in this network that has about 5,000 experts and an annual budget of 120 million euros.
QUALIFIED STAFF
The DBA staff has a high training level where more than half of them are doctors.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The DBA center is located at the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry at the College of Agricultural Engineering, at the University of Lleida. It is equipped with the proper instrumentation and access to the necessary techniques to develop the different processes provided by the center.