Habilitation thesis Fatou-Toutie Ndoye the 10th of April at 14h

When : 10/04/2025 à 14 h

Where : Salle Galilée, Inrae, 1 rue Pierre Gilles de Gennes, 92160 Antony

Title : « « Study of Crystallization and Recrystallization Phenomena in the Cold Chain – A Microstructural Approach to Understanding the Interactions Between Processes and the Quality of Frozen Products»

Abstract : This habilitation thesis presents my research on crystallization and recrystallization in the cold chain, highlighting the impact of freezing and storage processes on the microstructure and quality of frozen food products. Through an integrated approach combining multi-scale experimental analyses (from microstructure to macroscopic food properties) and advanced modeling tools, my research has deepened the understanding of ice crystal formation and evolution mechanisms, as well as their effects on the organoleptic, nutritional, and sanitary properties of food.
The methodologies developed have contributed to identifying the factors influencing the stability of frozen products and to proposing optimized freezing and storage conditions to preserve their quality. A    specific focus has been placed on the persistence of viruses in frozen products, demonstrating the influence of storage conditions on pathogen survival.
Moving forward, my work is shifting towards a more systemic approach that integrates the energy and environmental challenges of the cold chain. The exploration of innovative processes, such as superchilling and hybrid freezing, opens new perspectives for a more sustainable cold chain, combining food quality, food safety, and energy efficiency. This research is conducted in collaboration with academic and industrial partners, aiming to reconcile technological performance with societal expectations.

Jury :

• Olivier Bals, Professeur, UTC Compiègne
• Claudia Cogné, Maître de conférences HDR, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon
• Olivier Rouaud, Professeur, Oniris, Nantes
• Stéphanie Passot, Professeure, AgroParisTech, Palaiseau
• Graciela Alvarez, Directrice de Recherche, INRAE, Antony