Electrostatic spray-dried lignin-polysaccharide composite microspheres
A novel lignin-polysaccharide matrix fertilizer produced via electrostatic spray drying (ESD) offers a sustainable, scalable alternative to conventional coating methods. This method creates dense composite microspheres with controlled nutrient release, suitable for diverse agricultural applications.
Overview
The electrostatic spray-dried lignin-polysaccharide composite microspheres represent an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. This technology provides a non-coating route for fertilizer production by integrating nutrients directly into a lignin-polysaccharide matrix. Utilizing electrostatic spray drying (ESD), this process forms dense microspheres that control nutrient release through internal phase separation and ionic binding sites. This method avoids traditional solvent-intensive coating processes, offering a scalable and environmentally friendly solution.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Single-step production: Combines lignin derivatives and chitosan/alginate fragments with nutrients under mild electric fields to form composite microspheres.
- Controlled release: The internal structure of the microspheres creates tortuous pathways and binding sites, tuning nutrient release rates without external coatings.
- Versatile application: Compatible with various nutrient sources and additives like clay or biochar to adjust release properties.
- Sustainable process: Operates at mild temperatures using bio-based inputs, avoiding hazardous chemicals.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated at the bench scale with ongoing efforts to optimize and characterize the process. Future plans include further validation in soil simulants, performance comparisons with commercial products, and scaling up to pilot-scale manufacture.
About Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven)
KU Leuven is a large comprehensive public research university in Leuven, Belgium, anchored by a major academic medical center and a broad multidisciplinary profile. Industry engages through co-located facilities and shared labs, including access to advanced cleanrooms and prototyping via imec’s Leuven campus. Integration with UZ Leuven supports clinical partnerships and data-rich trials, while research and technology parks around the city connect companies with faculty and student talent. Research is backed by competitive European and Belgian funding, including the European Commission and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). KU Leuven Research & Development manages IP, licensing, and spin-off formation, offering standardized agreements and dedicated partnership managers.
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