Thermally reversible and transparent gel made from plant proteins
Plant-based alternative to gelatin and other animal-based gels. Thermo-reversibility of the gel shown to be stable upon heating and cooling from 800C to 40C, and in the pH range of pH 2.4 to 4.2. Gels exhibit good mechanical properties with compressive stress up to 6.32 ± 1.40 kPa.
Highlights
- Plant-based alternative to gelatin and other animal-based gels.
- Thermo-reversibility of the gel shown to be stable upon heating and cooling from 800C to 40C, and in the pH range of pH 2.4 to 4.2.
- Gels exhibit good mechanical properties with compressive stress up to 6.32 ± 1.40 kPa.
Opportunity
A researcher from the University of Alberta has developed a new thermally reversible and transparent gel technology made from plant proteins. Specifically produced from pea protein, this technology provides a plant- based alternative to conventional thermo-reversible gels made from animal-based products like gelatin. This new gel technology improves the sustainability and nutritional value of food products made with thermo-reversible gels, while increasing the opportunities for these food products to reach vegetarian, halal, and kosher food markets. Thermally reversible gels can be melted and reformed, and are commonly used in food products such as pudding, desserts, yogurt, beverages, and spreads due to their texture properties. They can also be used for drug and health product encapsulation. In additional to providing a plant-based gel with thermo-reversible properties, this technology also provides for gel transparency, a property traditionally only provided by gelatin that is required for many food and pharmaceutical applications.
Competitive advantage
- An alternative to gelatin and other animal-based gels and suitable for new markets
- potential applications can also be extended to pharmaceutical and other industrial sectors
Status
- Patent Pending: WO2023050009 US18/693,449
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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