Jordan Daily – The University of Petra has signed a research and development agreement with Al-Ahliyya Amman University and Jordan Dairy Company “Maha” to create an innovative probiotic dairy product designed to deliver beneficial bacteria directly to the colon, improving digestive health.
The project, supported by the Industrial Scientific Research and Development Fund (IRDF) under the Higher Council for Science and Technology, aims to overcome challenges in transporting probiotics through the digestive system- such as stomach acidity and digestive enzymes.
Using a novel “alginate microcapsule manufacturing” technique developed by Petra University, the collaboration seeks to produce a dairy product enriched with probiotics that can survive the digestive tract and reach the colon intact.
The agreement was signed by Petra University President Prof. Rami Abdel Rahem, Al-Ahliyya Amman University President Prof. Sari Hamdan, and Jordan Dairy Company General Manager Eng. Ghazi Jaber, in the presence of senior university and industry officials.
“This is a promising project showing how scientific research can positively impact the national economy,” said Prof. Abdel Rahem. Prof. Adnan Badran, Petra’s Chancellor, emphasized the importance of stronger ties between academia and industry, particularly among private universities.
Deputy President of Petra University for Academic Affairs, Prof. Mayyas Al-Rimawi, said the product could be competitive in both local and global markets, as no similar probiotic solution currently exists regionally.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to translate academic research into market-ready products and boost Jordan’s food industry sector.