Al-Ahliyya Amman University and the University of Petra Achieve First Industrial-Scale Production of an Innovative Functional Food to Support Digestive Health

In a distinguished research partnership between Al-Ahliyya Amman University and the University of Petra, the joint research team successfully completed the first phase of a pioneering project aimed at producing an innovative functional food designed to support digestive health. The project reflects a research-oriented vision that bridges academic innovation with industrial application. The project has received the support and attention of Dr. Maher Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Ahliyya Amman University, and is closely followed by Professor Sari Hamdan, President of the University, as part of the university’s strategic direction toward supporting applied research and entrepreneurial projects that transform scientific knowledge into products with health, economic, and societal impact. The first phase of the project included the implementation of the first industrial-scale production trial on commercial production lines. In collaboration with Jordan Dairy Company (Al Maha), the research team produced the first industrial batch of a functional shanineh beverage fortified with microencapsulated probiotics, in addition to nutritional compounds that support digestive health. The initial industrial production trial was successfully prepared and applied on the production lines, demonstrating the product’s readiness to move toward advanced stages of evaluation and development. The achievement also supports the potential transformation of the product into a commercially viable functional food suitable for industrial-scale production and market distribution. The project is based on Microencapsulation technology, which is used to protect beneficial bacteria and enhance their ability to reach the digestive system efficiently. This contributes to improving gut microbial balance, enhancing digestive functions, and increasing the overall health value of the developed food product. The research team from Al-Ahliyya Amman University included Professor Ghaleb Oweikat and Dr. Mohammad Malkawi. The University of Petra team included Professor Rami Abdulrahim, President of the University, Professor Mayyas Al-Rimawi, Ms. Hanaa Khalaf, and Ms. Noor Al-Baz. Representing Jordan Dairy Company (Al Maha) were Engineer Ghazi Jaber, General Manager of the company; Engineer Ahmad Hourani, Deputy General Manager; Engineer Amjad Arayes, Director of Development and Production; and Engineer Huda Al-Shami, Quality Manager, all of whom contributed to the successful implementation 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 research outcomes into high-value products that are suitable for industrial application and commercialization. Such initiatives contribute to strengthening the national economy and promoting innovation in the food and health industries. This project comes within the ongoing efforts of Al-Ahliyya Amman University and the University of Petra to enhance applied scientific research and transform its outcomes into marketable and industrially applicable products that serve the local community, support the development of Jordan’s food industries, and represent a successful model of integration between academic institutions and the industrial sector.