Point of contact at UniTrento
prof. Federica Camin (coordinator)
Point of contact at FEM
dr. Luana Bontempo
The cluster develops and applies advanced analytical approaches based on stable isotope ratio analysis and NMR profiling to ensure product traceability, authenticity and quality. The goal is to provide objective, science-based tools to verify the geographical origin and authenticity of agri-food products, protecting products with geographical indications in an increasingly globalized market.
Beyond agri-food applications, the cluster’s expertise extends to ecology, hydrology, plant and animal physiology and paleoclimatology, where isotope-based approaches are used to trace biological and environmental processes, including the movement of animals and insects.
Methodologically analytical chemistry, statistical modelling and spatial analysis are combined to develop robust, cost-effective traceability systems.
The outputs include validated analytical methods, predictive traceability models and practical tools supporting producers, consortia and certification bodies.
Research lines:
- Support to producer consortia for PDO/PGI protection and for authentication of nutraceutical compounds.
- Develop new compound-specific isotope and NMR methods for origin and authenticity markers.
- Develop traceability models based on the combination of NMR and isotope profiling.
- Develop systems for the creation of predictive maps (isoscapes) of isotopic values to be taken as a reference, as a less expensive alternative, both in terms of time and costs, to the creation of specific databases for the different matrices.