Technology to understand the taste and nutrition of the future

Project to transfer scientific and technological knowledge to the agri-food and health sectors through innovative technology based on artificial saliva to objectively, reproducibly and predictively evaluate the sensory and nutritional properties of food.

One of the main objectives of this project is to validate the SensePredict prototype, developed in the Oral Biology and Salivary Proteomics laboratory at the MED, University of Évora.

Texture
Flavor
Aroma

What is ALTfoodSense?

ALTfoodSense is a scientific and technological knowledge transfer project, directed to the agri-food and health sectors, starting in the Alentejo region, with national and international applications.

Our goal is to develop SensePredict technology, based on the use of artificial saliva for "out-of-the-mouth" evaluation of the sensory (taste, aroma, texture) and nutritional properties of food (e.g. bioavailability). All this in an precise and reproducible way that can help to predict the acceptance and biological effect of food.

Mission

To transfer scientific and technological knowledge to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector in the Alentejo, facilitating the development of healthier and more personalized products.

Vision

Combining the study of oral processes with objective and predictive evaluation of sensory and nutritional properties, democratizing access to cutting-edge technology for companies of different types and sizes.

Target audience

Agri-food companies (wine, olive oil, dairy products, juices, functional foods, etc.), entities and health professionals (e.g. nutritionists, pharmaceutical industry), consumers, scientific and academic community.

Technological innovation

Based on the know-how we have acquired over more than 20 years, we have developed technology knowledge-based

 

SensePredict

Artificial saliva technology to evaluate the sensory and nutritional properties of food.

In Vitro Digestion

Laboratory simulation of the oral phase of human digestion to predict nutritional properties.

Predictive models

We combine artificial intelligence to predict sensory acceptance and consumer effects.

Personalization

Personalized artificial saliva for different consumer profiles.

Analytical Methodology

Standardized methods for consistently evaluating sensory and nutritional properties.

Knowledge Transfer

Training and technological demonstration for companies in the agri-food sector.

Applications

SensePredict technology has practical applications in various sectors of industry

Vino del Alentejo - Evaluación sensorial
Viticulture

Wine

Objective evaluation of the sensory properties and aromatic profiles of Alentejo wines.

Quesos artesanales del Alentejo
Dairy products

Dairy and Cheese

Quality control and nutritional properties of artisan cheeses and yogurts.

Café y análisis sensorial
Drinks

Coffee and juices

Sensory analysis of coffee and natural juices for product optimization.

Productos cárnicos y charcutería del Alentejo
Carnic

Carnic Products

Evaluation of the texture, juiciness and sensory properties of meats and sausages.

Alimentos funcionales saludables
Healthy

Functional foods

Development of healthy products with improved nutritional properties.

Aceite de oliva virgen extra del Alentejo
AOVE

Olive oil

Prediction of acceptance and in-mouth aroma of olive oils through sensory evaluation.

Interested in applying these technologies?

We are available to collaborate with companies and professionals in the agri-food or health sector to implement SensePredict technology adapted to their specific needs

Research Team

Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in sensory and consumer sciences, salivary biochemistry, bromatology and pharmaceutical sciences

María Pérez Jiménez

PhD in Food Sciences from the Autonomous University of Madrid (2022)

Postdoctoral researcher (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions)] at MED
(Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture Environment and Development) &
CHANGE Associated Laboratory, University of Évora.

His research focuses on the impact of oral physiology on oral perception
taste, and in particular in the interactions between saliva and the compounds
responsible for the aroma of food.

Elsa Lamy

PhD in Animal Science (Zootechnics) from the University of Évora (2009)

Auxiliary Researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture Environment and
Development) & Associated Laboratory CHANGE, University of Évora

Head of the Oral Biology and Salivary Proteomics Laboratory, he dedicates his time to
research into the biochemical composition of saliva and its relationship with the behavior of
ingestion.

Cátia Moreira de Sousa

Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in Pharmacology and
Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra

Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical and Health Sciences,
School of Health and Human Development, University of Évora

Fernando Capela e Silva

PhD in Biology (2004)

Associate Professor in the Department of Medical and Health Sciences,
School of Health and Human Development, University of Évora.

Researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture)
Environment and Development) & CHANGE Associated Laboratory,
University of Évora

Research centered on histology, with a focus on oral biology and the
effects of external and internal factors on the morphophysiological adaptations of
oral tissues.

Maria Raquel Lucas

PhD in Business Management (1995)

Researcher at MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture Environment
e Desenvolvimento) & Associated Laboratory CHANGE, University of Évora,
where he conducts research focused on management, marketing, customer behavior and
consumer and sustainability, with a focus on agribusiness, food choices
and valorization of local products.

Maria da Graça Machado

Zootechnical Engineer (1997)

Senior technician at the University of Évora, with extensive experience in the management and
organization of animal technology, quality and nutrition laboratories, as well as
coordination and execution of research projects and
development in the agri-food sector. It actively participates in
innovation, certification and valorization of regional products, contributing to the
scientific and technical progress in the fields of Animal Science and Food Sciences.

News and Results

Keep up to date with our latest developments, scientific publications and collaborations with the agri-food sector.

Análise sensorial de alimentos em laboratório

Publicação

8 Apr 2026

The importance of sensory analysis in foods.

A análise sensorial é uma ferramenta fundamental para compreender como os consumidores percebem os alimentos. Através do estudo de atributos como sabor, aroma e textura,

Laboratório de biologia oral e proteómica salivar em investigação científica

Publicação

25 Mar 2026

The laboratory of oral biology and salivary proteomics of the university of évora

O Laboratory of Oral Biology and Salivary Proteomics da Universidade de Évora é uma unidade de investigação centrada no estudo da saliva e do seu

Projeto ALTfoodsense no setor agroalimentar do Alentejo

Publicação

11 Mar 2026

Welcome to the ALTfoodsense blog: a platform still under development

Bem-vindos ao blog do projeto ALTfoodsense, um espaço criado para partilhar informação, avanços e conteúdos relacionados com o projeto e o seu trabalho no âmbito

Contact

Interessado em colaborar ou saber mais sobre o nosso trabalho? Entre em contato.

Contact form

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Contact Information

Telephone
+351 266 XXX XXX
Address
University of Évora
Luís Verney College
Rua Romão Ramalho, 59
7000-671 Évora, Portugal

Collaboration opportunities

We are open to collaborations with:

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Asistente ALTfoodsense