Discovery
The key function of this center is the generation of new knowledge that potentially forms the foundation for commercial application. The knowledge gained will be precompetitive and thus available to all membership. It will be up to individual companies to apply that knowledge to their individual needs. Discovery will focus on materials and processes to yield the desired protection and delivery of a broad range of bioactive substances.
Individual problem solving
The Center will be available to work with individual companies in solving encapsulation related problems. This work would be done on a fee basis negotiated after discussions on the challenge to be addressed.
Services
Pilot scale production - the Center has access to excellent pilot plant facilities. This facility was established to provide both equipment and human resources the food industry. This facility offers several primary encapsulation processes including spray drying (tower and rotary driers ranging in capacity from 1 – 40kg/hr drying capacity), freeze-drying (small scale), extrusion, coacervation (simple [e.g. alginates] and complex [e.g. gum acacia and gelatin]), and spray chilling (prilling). Fluidized bed coating (both top and bottom spray), agglomeration and one step spray drying/agglomeration are available on small scale. A microfluidics system (Dolomite) is available for small scale laboratory studies.
The pilot scale equipment can be used for the encapsulation of food grade bioactives including flavorings, colorants, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, pre- and probiotics. A listing of equipment available can be found at: https://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/research-services/pilot-plant
Analytical services - state-of-the-art instrumentation and resources are available to provide characterization of encapsulated materials. The Center has access to the following determinations:
- Particle size measurement (dry materials)
- Emulsion particle size measurement (DLS and Zeta potential)
- Particle core content (volatile oil, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc.)
- Particle density - nitrogen/helium pycnometry
- Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (intermolecular mean void size, Outside service)
- Flow ability (powders) - dynamic testing
- Bulk density
- Microscopy - Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Light microscopy, Confocal microscopy
- Small angle X-ray scattering
- FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy
- Differential Scanning calorimetry
- Thermogravimetric Analysis
- Karl Fischer – moisture analysis
- Water activity
- Viscosity measurement
- And many more – you have access to the resources of the entire University
Training
We offer training in two different formats: short courses/workshops, and individual training.
Short courses/workshops: We will offer 1 short course/workshop annually focused on topics decided to be of priority by the Center membership. This can be related to any aspect where the center has expertise.
Individual training: a company may negotiate for an employee to come and work within the center for a fixed period of time to gain skills in encapsulation, protection or delivery.