Food Science

Yuan Yao named one of Purdue’s very first University Faculty Entrepreneurial Scholars

April 14, 2020

Dr. Yuan Yao was named a University Faculty Entrepreneurial Scholar, a new category of scholar that recognizes the innovative and commercial facets of faculty research. In his lab, Yao combines fundamental research with technological development and breakthroughs. Much of his research is focused on the creation and characterization of novel carbohydrates and their potential applications. He studies the interactions between various food ingredients and develops value-added materials for the food industry. One material recently developed in Yao’s lab is the functional dendrimer-like polysaccharides (DLPs), which can be utilized to protect and deliver bioactive compounds in products ranging from antibacterial peptides, found in pharmaceuticals, to nutrients, found in everyday food products. “This acknowledges the impact of our research and encourages me to bring our work to the next level. I am always inspired by the opportunities of using science to address real-world needs,” Yao said.

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