Alireza Abbaspourrad

Alireza Abbaspourrad is the Yongkeun Joh Associate Professor of Food Chemistry and Ingredient Technology at Cornell University. His research advances bio-derived materials addressing challenges at the food-environment-health nexus through innovations in encapsulation, sustainable materials, and ingredient functionality.

The Abbaspourrad Lab develops hierarchical porous materials, micro/nano encapsulation systems, and functional ingredients with controlled release properties. Research focuses on improving nutrient stability, bioavailability, and delivery systems, particularly for iron and zinc fortification.

Recent publications demonstrate innovations in emulsion stabilization, starch modification, phytase protection, and covalent organic frameworks for environmental applications. Projects include converting e-waste into catalysts and developing microfluidic platforms for antimicrobial testing.

Abbaspourrad leads interdisciplinary collaborations including Gates Foundation-funded research on iron nutrition enhancement. His team utilizes electrospinning, microfluidics, and complex coacervation techniques to engineer functional food materials.