Contact Dr Marta Sanzo-Miró
- Email: Marta.Sanzo@cranfield.ac.uk
- Twitter:
- Blog:
Areas of expertise
- Food Quality
- Food Safety
Background
Marta Sanzo-Miró graduated from Universitat de Lleida (UDL, Spain) as Food Scientist and Technologist in 2018. Her undergrad dissertation was conducted in IRTA - Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology where Marta optimised postharvest cold storage conditions for nectarines. Afterwards, she studied a double MSc degree: MSc in Management and Innovation in the Food Industry (UDL) and MSc in Food Systems in Management (Â鶹´«Ã½AV), supported by an Erasmus scholarship. At Cranfield, Marta investigated the mechanisms behind ethylene-induced dormancy delay in onion bulbs. She recently completed her PhD in the Postharvest Research Group at Â鶹´«Ã½AV. The project aimed at understanding pre- and postharvest factors affecting the soil-borne pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes, the causal agent of potato black dot disease. Dr Sanzo-Miró is now a Research Fellow in Postharvest Bioscience in the Postharvest Research Group at Â鶹´«Ã½AV.
Current activities
Her research focuses on plant pathology with the aim of developing innovative strategies for extending shelf life, maintaining the quality of food products, and managing postharvest diseases during storage. Her knowledge covers fundamental biology of fresh produce and its industrial application. She has experience in postharvest treatments (e.g., cold storage, ethylene supplementation), postharvest physiology evaluation (e.g. real-time respiration) and biochemical analysis (e.g. non-structural carbohydrates). Marta is currently involved in a European-funded project called ‘PataFEST,’ which focuses on sustainable preharvest treatments to control soil-borne pathogens such as Colletotrichum coccodes. The project leverages advanced technologies like mobile app image analysis and AI predictive models. Additionally, it aims to develop innovative postharvest solutions, including biocontrol coatings, controlled atmosphere storage, and VOC sensors to maintain potato tuber quality during long-term storage. By understanding both pre- and postharvest factors affecting fungal pathogens, she aims to develop an integrated approach to disease management in staple crops such as potatoes. This helps to reduce food loss and waste, thereby ensuring food security.
Clients
- Albert Bartlett & Sons (Airdrie) Ltd
