Dr Nasim Amiralian joins AgriFutures program

Congratulations to our very own Dr Nasim Amiralian for being 1 of 7 incredible innovators from the Research and Development, Startup, and University space chosen to participate in the inaugural AgriFutures Australia and AgriFutures Grow Catalyst program for 2024. The program aims to boost ideas from brilliant female research leaders in the #agriculture or #technology sectors, helping to move ideas from the lab to the real world. Naturally, we can’t think of anyone more deserving than Dr Nasim, who was chosen for her expertise in tackling global issues such as plastic packaging and agricultural waste. Dr Nasim is currently working to produce 100 per cent bio-based single-use packaging materials for the food industry using waste from the sugar production process. “Cane-based materials are biodegradable, compostable, thermally stable and grease- and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for packaging hot or cold food and also for use in automotive, aerospace and healthcare industries,” Dr Amiralian said. “My research seeks to turn agricultural waste into groundbreaking new materials that both tackle plastic pollution and fight against disease transmission. "Using leftovers from farming, like sugarcane, banana, or hemp, we’re creating biodegradable packaging coated with natural antimicrobial substances also derived from agricultural waste, that can kill or repel harmful microbes. "This innovation means the packaging that protects your food can also protect you from bacteria and viruses, reducing health risks in everyday environments." Dr Amiralian said she sees the Catalyst Program as a key step to helping achieve the goal of establishing a national facility dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials using agricultural waste.