A functional food is both nutritious and beneficial. For example, fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. A nutraceutical is a product that has medical or health benefits—for example, calcium, which helps to fight osteoporosis.

With health care costs in Canada increasing by approximately 7% annually, the potential savings from using functional foods and nutraceuticals are enormous. A study showed that using a nutraceutical that lowers blood cholesterol instead of a pharmaceutical drug can save over $3 billion a year—or 3% Canada's annual health care budget.

AFMNet is Canada's national food and bio-materials research network. Among the Network's 20 projects, researchers are evaluating the bioactive compounds in human milk to identify antioxidants that will improve infant formulas; determining the benefits of eating fish for people at risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease; characterizing proteins and carbohydrates that will improve the quality and shelf-life of frozen food; and developing a new, cheaper antibiotic from plants.

In 2006, AFMNet introduced the Strategic Transition and Application of Research (STAR) program to address knowledge and technology transfer. The program currently funds five research projects in emerging areas related to foods and bio-materials that have great and imminent potential for commercialization.

One of these projects is looking for an alternative to trans-fats, which have been linked to heart disease. AFMNet researchers have created a patented gel with the same structural and functional properties as trans- and saturated fats. Funding from the STAR program will bridge the gap between research and product development, and fund scientists to fine-tune use of the gel in baked goods. Tasty Selections of Toronto has reformulated its products to include the gel. Soon, tasty, healthier treats will be available in A&P and other grocery stores.

AFMNet encourages the transfer of knowledge of Canadian science into Canadian business and academia through its Research to Business program (R2B). Already, several AFMNet employer have successfully moved on, thanks to the competitive edge the program provides. For example, Michael Nickerson holds a faculty position at University of Saskatchewan, is a Saskatchewan Research Chair, an AFMNet researcher on three projects, chairs the Network's Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) Committee and co-chairs the International Food Research Collaboration's HQP working group. Hina Laeeque, meanwhile, is a Public Involvement and Outreach Officer at Health Canada.

R2B is also at the source of a spin-off company. Based on their AFMNet research on the defensive compounds found in conifers, two researchers launched FloraPure BioSciences Inc. The company is producing and purifying compounds that can be used in agricultural, cosmetic and medical products from a protein found in tobacco plants on a commercially-useful scale. R2B worked with the researchers on the business plan, the patent application and on attracting venture capital.

Sessions at AFMNet's first Annual HQP Winter School focussed on the business side of research and commercialization: professional and career development, grant writing, transitioning into the workforce, media exposure, commercialization and ethics. As keynote speaker for the event and first speaker of the new Signature Series showcasing talent and expertise, Brett Poulis (one of the founders of FloraPure BioSciences Inc. and winner of the 2006 NCE Young Innovator Award) highlighted the positive experience and entrepreneurial success he gained through AFMNet.

More results are in the making. Potential benefits from AFMNet research include faster healing with improved wound dressings; better food quality through texture, flavour and colour; better food safety by controlling bacterial biofilms in foods and processing equipment; and higher public confidence in the food supply by contributing expertise to develop and define regulations and laws.

Advanced Foods and Materials Network - AFMNet (2003 - 2011)
Focus:	To identify strategic foods and bio-materials opportunities and network outstanding researchers to capture and facilitate them.
Funding:	$38.89 million for entire funding period
Strength:	15 researchers and 18 Highly Qualified Personnel
Partnership Power:	121 industry, public service and academic partners
Scientific Director:	Dr. Rickey Yada
Web site:	www.afmnet.ca