Glyn O. Phillips Hydrocolloids Research Centre

The International Forum is one of the instruments of the Centre, being implemented jointly by Phillips Hydrocolloids Research Ltd (PHRLtd) and San-Ei Gen FFI Inc to explore the boundaries of scientific areas related to our commercial interests.

The Forum is open to all contracting companies, collaborators and invited experts.

Arabinogalactan proteins was the subject selected for the Forum when 52 associates attended for 2 days in Llangollen, a lovely location in Wales. These are a large family of glycoprotein found in plants membranes, cell walls and plant secretions, and are ubiquitous throughout the plant kingdom.

The Forum brought together experts in the various aspects of these fascinating materials, which span all the way from controlling plant development to providing important industrial commodities and technical products.

Chemical botanists, plant biologists, genetic manipulators, medical doctors, cell biologists and microbiologists have joined chemical and industrial research scientists in the quest to understand these incredibly diverse yet related materials.

The Proceedings have now been published (Japan Journal of Food and Food Ingredients, 2006).