PhD Student: Marco Menegon (ORCID n. 0009-0005-6687-1428)
Supervisor: Prof. Laura Piazza – Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)
Co-tutor: Prof. Alessandra Marti – Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Science (DeFENS)
Dean: Prof. Diego Mora
Research area: Food Science and Nutrition
Research topic: 3D printing for food applications.
Project Synopsis
Digitaly assisted design of 3D printed plant-based meat analogues
Nowadays, the market for meat analogues requires an evolution in the texture and consistency of the final products, a challenging task due to the meat structural complexity to be replicated. The project aims to develop 3D-printed plant-based foods with complex textures, using plant-based raw materials, following a physics-driven digital design approach while considering principles of recycling and sustainability. Current technologies used to replicate complex textures present significant limitations. 3D food printing represents, another side, a promising alternative, enabling the layer-by-layer deposition of food inks, including multiphase formulations, with precise control over shape, texture, and sensory qualities. Correct ink formulation and optimization of printing parameters are critical aspects and can be supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. The physics-driven digital design approach allows the creation of 3D-printed foods with complex and customizable textures, adaptable to specifics diets requirements.
Project keywords
3D food printing, veg protein-based meat analogues, imaging, machine learning
Contacts
Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP)
University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan (Tutor affiliation)
Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS)
University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan (Co-tutor affiliation)
Email address: marco.menegon@unimi.it
Collaborations
Politecnico Milano, Italy
Department of food engineering, Ankara University, Turkey
Department of food technology, engineering and science, University of Lleida, Spain
Sponsor
Fellowship sponsor: University of Milan
Publications
Publications with impact factor
Piazza, L., Menegon, M., Girotto, F., & Ascrizzi, G. I. (2025). 3D Layer-by-layer Printing of Protein-based Soft Solid Foods: Challenges and Potential for Dysphagia Foods. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 118, 97-102. https://dx.doi.org/10.3303/cet25118017
Menegon, M., Di Loreto, A., & Piazza, L. (2025). Preliminary Phases of Implementing a Digital Twin Solution in the Food Industry: a Case Study. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 118, 43-48. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET25118008
Bozzini, M. M., Menegon, M., di Loreto, A., Lunari, G., Mariani, S. S., Vallerio, M., … & Manenti, F. (2025). Energy-efficient start-up optimization via digital twin for a vegetable broth sterilization process. Journal of Food Engineering, 112822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2025.112822
Publications without impact factor
Menegon, M., Piazza, L., (2025). Tecnologie digitali per un comparto lattiero competitivo e resiliente. In: “il Latte”, – SSN 0392-6060, no 7/8, (2025 Lug) pp. 28-30
- Nominelli, R. Beghi, M. Menegon, V. Giovenzana (2024). L’analisi del rischio nella filiera enologica – In: IL CORRIERE VINICOLO. – ISSN 1827-5419. – 12:(2024), pp. 44-47
- Menegon, V. Giovenzana, A. Casson, A. Pampuri, A. Tugnolo, R. Beghi, R. Guidetti. (2024). Improving efficiency and sustainability with a new smart device for the olive oil chain / – In: LA RIVISTA ITALIANA DELLE SOSTANZE GRASSE. – ISSN 0035-6808. – 101:(2024 Dec), pp. 245-253.
Oral Communications
Menegon M., Piazza L. (2025). 3D Layer-by-Layer Printing of Protein-Based Soft Solid Foods: Challenges and Potential for Dysphagia Foods (EFF 2025). International Congress in Bologna, 15-17 September 2025
Piazza L., Menegon M. (2024). Tecnologie digitali per una produzione lattiero-casearia competitiva e resiliente. Dairy tech summit. Digitalizzazione, automazione e sostenibilità: opportunità per l’industria lattiero casearia. Piacenza, 5-6 dicembre 2024
Poster Presentations
Menegon M., Di Loreto A., Piazza L. (2025). Preliminary Phases of Implementing a Digital Twin Solution in the Food Industry: A Case Study. (EFF 2025). International congress in Bologna, 15-17 September 2025
Others
Industria 4.0 e Digitalizzazione delle Produzioni Alimentari. Seminar as part of the course “Sustainability of Food Production” for the BSc in Environmental Science and Policy (L-32), University of Milan, Nov. 19, 2025.