Fluid-bed agglomeration and encapsulation for enhanced spirulina applications
Advanced fluid-bed agglomeration and encapsulation technology to improve spirulina's wettability, reduce foaming, and maintain pigment stability for confectionery applications.
Overview
The fluid-bed agglomeration and encapsulation technology is designed to enhance the performance of spirulina powder in confectionery applications. This innovative approach addresses common issues such as poor wettability, fish-eye formation, and excessive foaming during industrial mixing processes. By leveraging expertise in fluid-bed techniques and microalgae encapsulation, this technology optimizes the particle structure, surface chemistry, and porosity for improved integration into water-based systems.
Technical specifications
This solution employs fluid-bed agglomeration to transform fine spirulina particles into granules with increased and uniform particle size, optimized porosity, and reduced surface dustiness. Additionally, a thin, food-grade coating is applied to enhance hydrophilicity and water penetration, minimize air entrainment and foam formation, and protect color integrity and pigment stability. The process involves selecting appropriate food-grade wetting agents, binders, and coatings, alongside adjusting fluid-bed parameters such as airflow, temperature, and residence time to ensure optimal granule production.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, with ongoing R&D efforts to optimize formulation and process parameters. Future validation will include comprehensive performance testing under various environmental and processing conditions to assess dispersion efficiency, foam formation, color intensity, and homogeneity.
About Sphera Encapsulation
Sphera Encapsulation is an Italian biotechnology company founded in 2016 that specializes in micro- and nano-encapsulation technologies. Headquartered in Verona, the firm develops protective barriers for sensitive active ingredients, employing various methods such as spray drying, fluid bed, coacervation, and ionic gelation. These technologies are designed to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and handling of substances by protecting them from degradation, heat, moisture, and oxidation. The company is known for proprietary innovations like SpherAQ, which improves the functionality and solubility of lipophilic compounds in aqueous environments.
The company serves diverse industrial sectors, including functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agrochemistry. By providing customized encapsulation solutions, Sphera helps partners improve product performance and address challenges such as targeted delivery, ingredient waste, and environmental impact. Their work is characterized by a commitment to sustainable, ecological formulations and the use of natural substances. The company was established by co-founders Martina Vakarelova and Francesca Zanoni, with support from the University of Verona, and has since expanded its operations to address complex formulation needs across international markets.
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