Native casein micelle-based creatine delivery platform

Overview

The native casein micelle-based creatine delivery platform offers a novel solution for enhancing the stability and delivery efficiency of creatine in food systems. By utilizing native casein micelles derived from skim milk, this platform provides a food-grade, scalable method to improve creatine retention, dispersion, and functionality. The approach addresses the challenges of diffusion losses, processing stresses, and gastrointestinal degradation that typically affect creatine in conventional food systems. This delivery platform is particularly suited for incorporation into dairy products, such as yogurt, providing controlled release and improved bio-accessibility.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Utilizes native casein micelles as a natural nano-carrier for creatine.
• Enhances creatine retention and protects it during storage and fermentation.
• Enables controlled gastrointestinal release for improved bio-accessibility.
• Maintains high encapsulation efficiency (>98%) and physicochemical stability.
• Minimal sensory impact, making it suitable for use in food products like yogurt.
• Compatible with existing dairy processing infrastructure, facilitating scalability and manufacturability.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at TRL 3, with initial experimental proof of concept established. The development and validation process is planned in four phases over 24 months, covering isolation and optimization of micelles, characterisation, incorporation into yogurt, and in vitro digestion studies. Partner support is sought for pilot-scale validation and commercialisation pathways.