nRVA monitors starch behaviour

Friday, 11 November, 2011

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr congratulated scientists at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) who worked with manufacturer Perten Instruments to develop the neutron Rapid Visco Analyser (nRVA) which will allow manufacturers to establish the best way to cook and process starches.

“This discovery could mean manufacturers will be able to make food more efficiently, with lower energy input. It also gives manufacturers the power to consistently create starches with known health benefits, like those that have been proven to help counter bowel cancer.

“The nRVA uses neutrons from ANSTO’s OPAL research reactor at Lucas Heights to enable manufacturers to better understand food at the molecular level,” Senator Carr said.

“Scientists employing neutron scattering techniques have been able to see how starches change when they’re cooked.

“This is a great example of collaboration between scientists and industry resulting in a new technology with the potential to benefit Australia.”

Dr Elliot Gilbert, food science project leader at ANSTO explained that the nRVA analyses small samples - often of starch - under controlled test routines.

“This is not a question of irradiating food but of exploring the properties of starch down to the molecular level. The nRVA could radically improve food manufacturing processes like measuring flour and grain quality for breakfast cereals, snack and animal foods,” Dr Gilbert said.

Related News

Electric cup designed to support low-sodium diets

Kirin has launched two products in its Health Science business to address the social issue...

AFGC commits to supporting healthier lifestyles

The Australian Food and Grocery Council has welcomed the release of the ABS's latest National...

Research finds Australian replacement for imported gum

Sap from a tree common in inland areas of Australia has shown promise as a replacement for the...


  • All content Copyright © 2025 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd