Elena Poverenov Ph.D.
Researcher A + equivalent of Full Professor
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences
- Food Sciences
- Soil and Water building, room 110. Volcani Institute, Rishon Letzion
- +972-39683706
Biography
Elena’s agenda is introducing advanced materials chemistry and nanotechnology approaches in the fields of agriculture, food, and environment. Her research lab developed several new concepts that made a high general impact on the material and agricultural sciences worldwide. Elena has published more than 80 articles in leading international journals among them the top scientific journals, presented her research at numerous conferences (40 invited lectures), and organized numerous international and local conferences/sessions. For introducing new research directions, Elena received “The excellent Young Researcher Prize, ARO (2015), “Young Scientist Awardee for Research in Food and Agriculture” International Agropolis and Olam Foundation (2017), Mashov Agriculture Prize (2019), Yigal Alon Prize (2020), Researcher of the Year, ARO (2022), etc. Elena was one of the establishers and currently serves as a Head of the Multidisciplinary Agro-nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Research Center, ARO.
Education
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1998 - 2001 B.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry at Bar Ilan University (summa cum laude) 2001 - 2004 M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry at Weizmann Institute of Science Title of thesis: Synthesis and Reactivity of Complexes Based on PCN-type Ligands Supervision by: Prof. David Milstein 2004 - 2009 Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Weizmann Institute of Science Title of thesis: Reactive Species Stabilized by Complexation to Pt- group Metals. Supervision by: Prof. David Milstein 2009- 2011 Postdoctoral position at Weizmann Institute of Science with Prof. Michael Bendikov Research subject: Conductive Polymers
Research Interests
Our agenda is introducing advanced materials chemistry and nanotechnology approaches in the field of food and agriculture. Modern agriculture is facing serious challenges, such as climate change, agricultural resource deficits and the threat of food crises. New methods that combine high efficacy with health- and eco-safety are necessary to increase crop yields, reduce agriproduct losses and ensure food security.
Our research group has distinguished itself for its expertise in the development of new materials based on nature-sourced compounds. Our primary research expertise is biopolymers that serve as a platform for new advanced materials. Understanding the biopolymers chemistry fundamentals and their rational modifications provide far-reaching and diverse scientific and applicative prospects. Our research is dedicated toward five major directions: (1) biocompatible delivery systems for delivery of active agents in food, medicine and agriculture, (2) new biopolymer materials, (3) edible coatings, (4) utilization of waste toward the formation of valuable products, (5) biodegradable films and packages.
Research Areas
- Biopolymers
- Glycochemistry
- Glycobiology
- Polysaccharides
- Nanotechnology
- Delivery systems
- Materials Science
- Agro-nanotechoology