AAU and University of Petra Successfully Complete the First Industrial Production Run of an Innovative Functional Food to Support Digestive Health

In a distinguished research partnership between Al-Ahliyya Amman University and University of Petra, the joint research team successfully completed the first phase of a pioneering project aimed at producing an innovative functional food to support digestive health, reflecting the integration of scientific research with industrial application. The project has received strong support and attention from Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Ahliyya Amman University, and is being closely followed by the University President, Professor Sari Hamdan, as part of the university’s commitment to supporting applied research and entrepreneurial projects that transform scientific knowledge into products with health, economic, and societal impact. The first phase included the implementation of the first industrial production run on manufacturing lines. In cooperation with Jordan Dairy Company (Al Maha), the research team produced the first industrial batch of a “functional shaneeneh” product fortified with probiotic microcapsules, in addition to nutritional compounds designed to support digestive health. The first industrial production trial achieved successful application on production lines, demonstrating the product’s readiness to move toward more advanced stages of evaluation and development and supporting the possibility of transforming it into a marketable functional food product suitable for industrial production in the future. The project is based on Microencapsulation technology, which is used to protect beneficial bacteria and enhance their ability to efficiently reach the digestive system. This contributes to improving the microbial balance of the intestines, supporting digestive functions, and enhancing the health value of the developed food product. The team from Al-Ahliyya Amman University included Professor Ghaleb Urikat and Dr. Mohammad Malkawi, while the team from University of Petra included Professor Rami Abdulrahim, Professor Mayyas Al-Rimawi, Ms. Hanaa Khalaf, and Ms. Nour Al-Baz. Representing Jordan Dairy Company (Al Maha) were General Manager Engineer Ghazi Jaber, Deputy General Manager Engineer Ahmad Al-Hourani, Production and Development Manager Engineer Amjad Arayes, and Quality Manager Engineer Huda Al-Shami, all of whom contributed to the successful execution of the first industrial trial. The project aligns with the national research priorities of the Higher Council for Science and Technology and the Industry Support Fund, both of which focus on supporting applied research and transforming scientific outputs into high-value products that are suitable for industrial application and commercialization, thereby contributing to the national economy and fostering innovation in the food and health industries. This project comes within the ongoing efforts of Al-Ahliyya Amman University and University of Petra to strengthen applied scientific research and transform its outcomes into commercially viable and industrially applicable products that serve the local community and support the advancement of functional food industries in Jordan. It also represents a successful model of integration between academic institutions and the industrial sector.