Food Science

Optimising Resistant Starch Formation in Different Rice Varieties Under Various Processing Conditions

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Co-Supervisors: Dr Nidhish Francis & Prof. Chris Blanchard
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: functional foods, nutrition, food science, glycaemic index, diabetes
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:
Resistant starch (RS) is a form of starch that escapes digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon, where it is fermented by gut microbiota into beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate. Increased RS intake is associated with improved glycaemic control, enhanced gut health, and potential protection against metabolic disorders. Rice is a staple food globally, including in Australia, but its high glycaemic index makes it less suitable for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Evidence shows that cooking, cooling, and reheating rice can increase RS content, yet the optimal processing conditions for different rice varieties (e.g., white, brown, basmati, jasmine) remain poorly understood.

Project Aim:This study aims to investigate how different cooking, cooling, and reheating conditions affect the resistant starch content of various rice varieties. The findings could inform dietary strategies to reduce postprandial glycaemic responses and promote healthier carbohydrate choices.

Project Objectives:

Compare the RS content of freshly cooked, cooled, and cooled–reheated rice across multiple rice varieties.
Test different cooling durations (e.g., 4 h, overnight, 24 h) and reheating methods (microwave, stovetop) to identify the most effective strategies for RS enhancement.
Analyse the impact of these conditions on predicted glycaemic index using in vitro starch digestibility assays.

Methods Overview: Students will cook standardised portions of different rice varieties under controlled conditions, then subject them to various cooling and reheating treatments. RS content will be measured using AOAC-approved enzymatic assays. Optionally, samples may also undergo simulated in vitro digestion to assess glucose release rates. Results will be statistically analysed to determine which combinations of rice variety and processing condition yield the highest RS levels.

Expected Outcomes: This project will generate practical recommendations for preparing rice with improved nutritional profiles. The results could support future public health messaging or functional food development aimed at lowering dietary glycaemic load and improving metabolic health

URL link to relevant journal articles or website: https://www.csu.edu.au/research/fgc

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

The impact of sorghum phenolic compounds on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono & A/Prof Abishek Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, ischaemia reperfusion injury, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidants, polyphenols
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, largely driven by modifiable factors such as diet and exercise. Integrating bioactive-rich cereal grains into the diet is an emerging strategy to support cardiovascular health.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a climate-resilient staple in Africa and Asia that promotes food security. While its general health benefits are well documented, its role in reducing CVD risk—especially in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury, preserving cardiac mitochondrial function, and maintaining endothelial integrity—remains underexplored. Moreover, the influence of sorghum on neutrophil extracellular traps, key mediators in CVD progression, is not yet fully understood.

This study will fill these gaps by examining how sorghum-derived phenolic compounds impact CVD risk factors. Polyphenols will be extracted from whole grain sorghum and identified using UHPLC-Online ABTS and LC-MS/QTOF. In vitro models will assess their effects on molecular pathways linked to cardiovascular health using transcriptomic and proteomic techniques.

Findings will support the therapeutic potential of sorghum, expand its agricultural value, and drive innovation in heart-protective functional foods.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

Innovative nutraceutical strategies for the management of diabetes

Primary Supervisor: Dr. Nidhish Francis
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: diabetes, polyphenols, cell culture, oxidative stress
Research Group: Food As Medicine (FAM) research group

Synopsis: This research project focuses on investigating plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, as potential therapeutic agents for diabetes management. Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, affects millions worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments primarily manage symptoms but fail to address underlying mechanisms or prevent disease progression. This project aims to explore the potential of plant-derived polyphenols to regulate key pathways involved in diabetes development and progression.

Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance—key contributors to diabetes pathology. This study will utilise advanced in vitro cell culture models to evaluate the effects of polyphenols on glucose uptake, insulin signalling, and oxidative stress markers. Molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and Western blot analysis will be employed to investigate the modulation of genes and proteins involved in glucose metabolism and inflammatory pathways. The findings aim to contribute to the development of natural, plant-based strategies for diabetes management, offering a complementary approach to conventional therapies. This project is ideal for candidates passionate about medical science, clinical nutrition, and exploring innovative solutions for diabetes care.

URL link to relevant journal articles or website: https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=o6d7fCMAAAAJ

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr. Nidhish Francis

Nutraceuticals for protection against neurodegenerative diseases

Primary Supervisor: Dr Doaa Hanafy
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, aging, cell culture, gene expression, neuroprotective, neurodegeneration, protein expression
Research Group: Food as Medicine Research Group

Synopsis:
Neurodegeneration is a major pathological feature of many disorders collectively known as neurodegenerative disorders that include, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. Millions of people are affected by neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. AD is a multifactorial progressive disease characterised by cholinergic neuronal apoptotic death in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the brain responsible for memory, learning and cognition. Hence, a declining capacity to recall new information is one of the early signs of AD. Current pharmacotherapeutics are only palliative.

Plants and their secondary metabolites are a promising source for drug discovery for improving memory and cognitive performance. Hence, the search for natural neuroprotective agents targeting the factors that lead to AD development, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, accumulation of abnormal proteins, is essential. A number of cell-free and enzyme inhibition assays along with cell culture-based assays are utilised. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis are carried out to determine the effect on the gene and protein expressions of the signalling pathways implicated in the disease.

Relevant publications

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Doaa Hanafy

The protective effects of dietary polyphenols in human health and disease

Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Abi Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: polyphenols, haematology, antioxidants, food, nutrition, phenolic extracts, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:
This research project explores the role of dietary polyphenols in promoting human health and preventing disease. Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This study will investigate their protective effects on key health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, using a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental approaches.

Under the supervision of A/Prof Abi Santhakumar, this research aligns with the Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, haematology, and chronic disease prevention. The project will assess the bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich foods and phenolic extracts.

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities across Wagga Wagga and all campuses to conduct multidisciplinary investigations. This project is ideal for candidates interested in antioxidants, haematology, medical laboratory science, and clinical nutrition.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting A/Prof Abi Santhakumar

Evaluating Natural Product-Based Modulators for Cancer Therapy Using the Tumour-Induced Chicken-Egg Model

Primary Supervisor: Dr Ken Chinkwo
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cancer, chicken-egg, CAM assay, sorghum, antioxidants
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:

This project, led by Dr. Kenneth Chinkwo at Charles Sturt University, aims to revolutionize cancer study by developing a novel, cost-effective preclinical model using the Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay. By engrafting cancer cells such as colon, prostate, as well as canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines onto the CAM, the research seeks to evaluate the therapeutic potential of polyphenolic compounds derived from sorghum and chickpeas, known for their potent antioxidant and anticancer properties.

This innovative approach addresses significant gaps in most cancers, including OSA treatments, but also offers a translational bridge to human oncology, as canine osteosarcoma closely mirrors its human counterpart. The project promises to provide foundational insights into tumor biology, angiogenesis, and metastasis while exploring natural therapeutic solutions with minimal toxicity. With a focus on reproducibility, ethical considerations, and real-time monitoring, this research has the potential to significantly advance both veterinary and human cancer treatment strategies, making it an exciting opportunity for students interested in cutting-edge cancer research and translational medicine.

ASBMB Biomolecular Horizon 2024 Poster

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Kenneth Chinkwo

Exploring the anticancer potential of cereal and pulse phenolic extracts

Primary Supervisor: Dr Ken Chinkwo
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cancer, chicken-egg, CAM assay, sorghum, antioxidants
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:

Our study examines the anticancer properties of cereals and pulses, particularly focusing on the effects of phenolic extracts from sorghum, rice,
barley, oats, and chickpeas on SW480 and HT29 cancer cell lines. It highlights significant findings, such as the ability of these extracts to reduce cancer cellproliferation and promote apoptosis through the modulation of tumour suppressors and other genes. Additionally, it showcases the potential of these dietary compounds to inhibit cancer cell migration, indicating their broader health-promoting properties.

The research also outlines ongoing work, including a pilot project employing an in ovo tumor model to further explore the extract’s anticancer mechanisms, signalling a promising direction for future investigations into cereal and pulse bioactivity as potential therapeutic agents against cancer.

Link to research poster.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Kenneth Chinkwo