SPIDER CORK
Technical-scientific proposal for the development of cork stoppers active in the degradation of TCA by nanotechnology
The general objective of the proposed research is to develop cork stoppers functionalized with suitable material identified as capable of degrading TCA in the form of nanoparticles (NP) suitably fixed to cork capable of degrading TCA to values up to 0.01ng / l, equal to 10ppt. This procedure would allow the cork, not only to maintain the extraordinary natural properties, micro-oxygenation, insulating properties, etc., but also to acquire a new active TCA degradation function. In this way, not only is the cap TCA-free, but it can also degrade TCA generated by wine.
Faced with these general objectives, in the activity foreseen in the first 12 months of activity of this project, there are two objectives: 1) to identify the material and in what form (NP, defined by size, composition and functionalization) capable of degrading the TCA. 2) find an optimal strategy to tie the degrading TCA material to the cork in a stable manner over time and in compliance with the regulations on the protection and safety of food and beverages through electrospinning technique.