A world leader in chemical sciences, Dr. Nissim Garti spent a month conducting research in Trent University’s Biomaterials Research Laboratory on the fourth stop of his sabbatical tour, after visiting institutions in Paris, Florence and Zurich.

Professor Garti’s research focuses include emulsion technology, nutraceuticals and interfacial phenomena in dispersed liquids, with various competences in the areas of synthetic organic chemistry of surfactants, physical chemistry, surface and colloid science, emulsion technology, crystallization phenomena and extraction processes to name a few. Renowned in his field, Professor Garti’s drug delivery and surfactant technology is produced in 14 countries around the world.

The professor’s unique blend of expertise and experience made his visit to Trent University’s Biomaterials Research Laboratory especially fruitful. Prof. Garti has been collaborating with Professor Suresh Narine, director of Trent’s Biomaterials Research Program, in research concerning the crystallization of fats and oils. One of many breakthroughs made in research conducted by Profs. Garti and Narine will contribute to the technology that assists oil to behave more like fat, working towards the reduction of the use of trans fats.

Prof. Nissim Garti, a full professor and the Ratner chair of honour in Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, possesses a long list of academic appointments in departments at Universities and research institutes worldwide. Prof. Garti has published more than 400 scientific papers, 80 book chapters, 100 patents, seven books and is currently an editorial board member for nine international scientific journals. His extensive collection of awards includes the Chung Award of the American Oil Chemistry Society for Lifetime Achievement in Lipid Research, the Rockefeller Foundation Award for Best Contribution to Humanity and the Israeli President Award.

"Prof. Garti is one of the world's greatest scientists,” said Professor Suresh Narine. “He is a legend in his own time, with numerous awards and accolades, including nominations for the Nobel Prize. We are flattered and very pleased that he is a major collaborator with the Trent Biomaterials Program and that he chose to spend a month here with us. During this month, we have worked together on four publications which promise to make seminal contributions to the fundamental understanding of lipid crystallization. In addition to being a valued collaborator, he is also a dear, dear friend and mentor and it is always delightful to spend time with him.”

On collaborating with Prof. Suresh Narine and his team of researchers in the Biomaterials Program during late 2010 and early 2011, Professor Garti says, “We have made significant breakthroughs here that will continue to contribute to the overall health of populations worldwide, by offering technology that assists in the reduction of trans fats in food products, for example. We are already seeing a reduction in obesity (BMI) in the United States as a result of this technology. This is my second visit to Trent. The people are fantastic and the work that is being done in the Biomaterials program is, more than anything, good for the future.”

For more information on the Trent Biomaterials Research Program, visit the web site.