Functional Particles and Powders

Microfluidic spray drying is a versatile route to engineer high quality powders with better functionality and ease of handling. It allows precise control of functional particles, including thermal sensitive / bioactive particles and microencapsulates for controlled release, and is useful for testing new formulations in functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Competitive advantage

Spray drying is already commercially available and used in various manufacturing processes
The microfluidic spray drying method can produce very precise and controllable particle properties for specific applications, for example:
Mesoporous particles for catalytic and bio-adsorption applications (Prov. Patent AU2013904021),
Core-shell particles for controlled release,
Microparticles as carrier of nanoparticle vaccine for pulmonary delivery
Dairy powders with improved functional properties

Impact

Improved functional properties of specialty food and dairy powders
Improved targeting and controlled release for pharmaceutical applications
Improved efficiency in industrial spray-drying processes

Successful applications

Developed knowledge to extend shelf life for specialty dairy powders in collaboration with Bega
Improved the properties of heat-sensitive and high-protein dairy powders in partnership with Dairy Management Inc. and Land O' Lakes
Better understanding of operations of the Bionov spray dryer at INRA (France) and the multi-stage spray dryer at Davis Dairy Plant (US)
Developed formulations for a new product range in collaboration with Nutrition Innovation Singapore

Capabilities and facilities

Microfluidic spray drying to develop new formulations
Pre-treatment facilities for feed emulsions, prior to spray drying
Analytical facilities including an ARES G-2 controlled strain rheometer

Competitive advantage

Impact

Successful applications

Capabilities and facilities

Our partners