Leire Goñi Ciáurriz, graduated in Chemistry by the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra, has obtained the first award to the best communication in poster in the fourth edition of the congress International Supramolecular Chemistry (Cyclodextrin International Summer School), held at the Politecnico di Milano.

The project of Leire Goñi, a native of Orkoien (Navarra), deals with the manufacture of packaging for the food industry to protect the surface of packaged foods from the growth of bacteria, yeasts and fungi.

"Food films are manufactured with a base of nanoparticles that incorporate preservatives. Both compounds are antimicrobial, so the aim is to obtain films that help to extend the expiration date of food," explains Leire Goñi.

The doctoral student from Navarra intends to follow this line of research in her doctoral thesis studying the effectiveness of these films, the "degradation of materials over time in different conditions of temperature, light and humidity", as well as biodegradable materials "based on starch and other vegetable fibers".

The study of this young researcher from Navarra can contribute to extend the "stability and durability of perishable foods" and therefore promote food safety through its packaging.

The Cyclodextrin International Summer School is held every three years and is attended by researchers from all over the world. In this fourth edition, held in Milan, 60 people participated in the congress and 25 posters were exhibited.