• Prof. Dr. Eng. Nicoleta Vartolomei, a teacher at the Târgu Ocna Technological High School, managed to obtain the first patent in the history of the institution, an achievement that places the school on the map of applied research in the food field.
The patented product, entitled "Bread with added rosehip powder and process for obtaining it" (RO133910A2), was developed at the "Dunărea de Jos" University in Galați, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Eng. Maria Turtoi. The proposed solution replaces synthetic ascorbic acid – a chemical additive often used in the bakery industry – with natural rosehip powder, obtained from fruits rich in bioactive compounds.
According to the description of the invention, the addition of rosehip powder significantly improves the rheological properties of the dough, ensuring optimal behavior during kneading, rising and baking. At the same time, the final product gains a superior nutritional value, thus aligning with current trends in the food industry that favor natural ingredients and functional products with positive effects on consumer health.
The management of the Târgu Ocna Technological High School welcomed the performance, emphasizing that Prof. Nicoleta Vartolomei is the first teacher in the history of the institution to obtain a patent.
She holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences, specializing in Food Engineering, and is an honorary citizen of Dofteana commune. Between 2006 and 2016, she held the position of university professor at the Department of Chemical and Food Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering of the "Vasile Alecsandri" University of Bacău, where she coordinated bachelor's degree projects and was part of the team of the "Applied Engineering Sciences" Research Center. Since 2021, she has been teaching in the Public Catering specialization at the Târgu Ocna Technological High School.
Throughout her career, the researcher has collected numerous distinctions, including gold medals at international invention salons, including Euroinvent. She has published scientific articles and specialized books, participated in national and international conferences, and initiated multiple educational projects, along with volunteer activities.
The patent author estimates that the invention has real potential for technological transfer to the economic environment. Companies in the agri-food sector could adopt the solution to develop new ranges of bakery products, more natural and with an improved nutritional profile.
Article and photo source: A teacher from Târgu Ocna patented bread with rosehip powder
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
