Super-oil-absorbent biopolymer gel particles for enhanced oil extraction
Millimeter-scale gel particles made from food-grade biopolymers (cellulose, chitosan, guar gum, alginate) that strongly absorb oil. Designed to be mixed with food chips, the soft yet tough gels conform to chip geometries without damaging them. Particle size can be tuned for straightforward separation after extraction, supporting cost-effective, scalable oil recovery in food processing.
Overview
This technology provides a novel approach to oil extraction using super-oil-absorbent gel particles made from food-grade biopolymers. The gels are engineered as millimeter-scale particles that can be mixed with food chips to absorb oil efficiently. Their soft yet tough mechanical properties allow the gels to conform to chip geometries without breaking the chips. Particle sizes are tunable, enabling straightforward separation from chips after oil extraction. Because the gels are composed of food-grade biopolymers, they are intended for use in food processing applications. The approach targets cost-effective, scalable oil extraction methods.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Biopolymer-based organogels designed for oil absorption rather than water absorption
- Formed from nanocellulose, chitin, chitosan, guar gum, and alginate
- Synthesized through solvent exchange to create organogels (gels swollen with organic solvents such as glycerol and ionic liquids)
Key features:
- Super-oil-absorbent capability through rational polymer design
- Millimeter-scale particle size, tunable for easy post-extraction separation
- Soft yet tough mechanical properties that accommodate chip geometries without damage
- Food-grade composition using cellulose, chitosan, guar gum, and similar biopolymers
- Cost-effective raw materials compared to synthetic alternatives
Technology readiness level
This technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The principal investigator has established a foundation through published work on large deformation theory of gels and prior successful synthesis of biopolymer gels and organogels. A one-year research plan is underway in the Bai Group wet lab at Northeastern University, including synthesis of oilphilic organogels, measurement of oil-absorbent properties at varying temperatures, particle manufacturing and mixing trials with food materials, and optimization of composition and geometry. Scale-up efforts are planned with relevant scientists and engineers.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, comprehensive R1 research university based in Boston with a global campus network. Its century-old cooperative education model integrates full-time, paid placements with academic study, enabling companies to access vetted talent and long-term pipelines worldwide. Industry collaboration is supported by a suburban innovation campus offering test beds, secure labs, and fee-for-use core facilities, alongside co-located partner spaces. The university attracts competitive federal research funding from agencies such as the NSF and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation for corporate partnerships.
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