51本色

Dr Ali Rashidinejad staff profile picture

Contact details +6469519428

Dr Ali Rashidinejad PhD

Senior Research Officer

Doctoral Supervisor
Riddet Institute

At the heart of my research lies the conviction in the transformative potential of 'Food as Medicine', particularly through functional food products. My endeavour is to contribute to the evolution of functional food products that not only bolster health but also present sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy food products. With a keen interest in the chemistry, functionality, structure, and application of functional food products, my research delves into the behaviour and release of bioactive compounds in both food matrix and the gastrointestinal tract. This is with a particular emphasis on antioxidant-enriched functional foods and the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds throughout their journey in the gastrointestinal tract.

My research platform also centres on harnessing the potential of indigenous plants of New Zealand for the preservation of various food products. By utilising these plants, my aim is to explore alternatives to harmful synthetic preservatives and conventional preservation methods currently in use in the food industry.

The industrial application of these concepts holds considerable potential for significant environmental and social impacts, particularly through the accessibility of novel food products to the broader community. In this capacity, I am collaborating with various industry partners including M膩ori partners who hold the mana and provide invaluable guidance on matters related to M膩tauranga M膩ori aspects.

My research is centred around the conveyance of bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols and carotenoids), via functional foods. My team and I devise strategies to safeguard and encapsulate these bioactives, paying particular attention to their behaviour within the food matrix and the gastrointestinal tract. The practical application of these principles could result in substantial environmental and societal benefits. We are working in conjunction with industry associates, inclusive of M膩ori partners who possess the mana and offer priceless counsel on issues pertaining to M膩tauranga M膩ori aspects. This endeavour carries significant potential for both scientific progression and the betterment of society.

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Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: +64 6 9519428
    Location: Riddet Institute
    Campus: Manawatu

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Otago (2015)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, 51本色

Research Expertise

Research Interests

  • Functional foods
  • Functional ingredients
  • Food bioactive ingredients (polyphenols, carotenoids, probiotics)
  • Micro and nano delivery methods (e.g., liposomes, emulsions, self-assembly of proteins, co-precipitates, and nanoparticles) for bioactive ingredients
  • Chemistry, structure, functionality, and application of milk and dairy products
  • Food innovation and development (including chemistry, functionality, structure, and consumer perception)
  • Natural food preservatives
  • Bioactive release and bioaccessibility 

Thematics

Health and Well-being, Future Food Systems

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Biological Sciences (060000):
Nanomanufacturing (100707): Nanomaterials (100708): Nanomedicine (100709): Nanoscale Characterisation (100712): Nanotechnology (100700): Nanotechnology not elsewhere classified (100799):
Other Biological Sciences (069900):
Other Technology (109900): Technology (100000): Technology not elsewhere classified (109999)

Keywords

  • Food innovation and development
  • Functional foods and ingredients
  • Food bioactive ingredients
  • Polyphenols and antioxidants
  • Bioactive delivery systems
  • Natural food preservatives
  • In vitro digestion 

Research Projects

Completed Projects

Project Title: Tuhauora: A functional beverage containing the taonga species kawakawa (Piper excelsum) for South Asian markets

Date Range: 2021 - 2024

Funding Body: University of Auckland

Project Team:

Consultancy and Languages

Languages

  • English
    Last used: Currently
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent
  • Persian
    Last used: Currently
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent

Teaching and Supervision

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

 


Dr Ali Rashidinejad is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Kaushala Weerasinghe Weerasinghe - Doctor of Philosophy
    Delivery of bioactivities of Gymnema lactiferum via a functional cheese
  • Faruk Ahmed - Doctor of Philosophy
    Valorisation of the New Zealand macadamia husk and delivery of its bioactive compounds via functional foods
  • Sheba Mathuranayagam Culas - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring age-dependent anti-diabetic activity of encapsulated Cinnamomum Zeylanicum extract in low-fat functional yoghurt
  • Ruwanthi Udaweediye Lekamralalage - Doctor of Philosophy
    Basil seeds gum as a novel delivery vehicle for hydrophobic flavonoids in functional foods
  • Prishanthini Muthulingam - Doctor of Philosophy
    Mining for microbes of tea (Camellia sinensis) with the potential to enhance tea quality.