Emulsion-templated oleogel formation for solid fat applications
A novel method for forming oleogels from oil-in-water emulsions by drying, maintaining oil encapsulation with a strong interfacial layer. Ideal for applications requiring solid fats without increasing oil melting points.
Overview
This innovative approach leverages the drying of oil-in-water emulsions to create oleogels, which are crucial in applications where solid fats are preferred. The key to this process is maintaining a robust interfacial layer that ensures oil encapsulation during drying. The resulting oleogels do not exhibit an increased melting point, making them suitable for food and cosmetic industries seeking alternatives to traditional solid fats.
Technical specifications
- Emulsion Formation: Utilizes high-internal phase oil-in-water emulsions, stabilized by protein-polysaccharide particles sourced from animal, marine, and plant origins.
- Interfacial Layer Reinforcement: Employs biosafe, cost-effective, and food-grade agents to fortify the interfacial layer, ensuring stability during mechanical stress.
- Drying Methods: Investigates various drying techniques, including oven, vacuum, freeze, and spray-freeze drying, to optimize oleogel formation.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 2, indicating that the concept has been formulated and initial experimental proof of concept has been achieved. Further development and validation are planned through structured work packages.
About University College Cork
University College Cork is a comprehensive public research university in the south of Ireland with a global research profile. Industry partners engage through co-located national research institutes and labs, integrated teaching hospitals enabling clinical translation, and pilot facilities that de-risk scale-up. A structured placement pipeline and executive education connect companies with talent year-round, while proximity to Cork’s advanced manufacturing and life-sciences cluster streamlines collaboration. Research activity is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programs, and other competitive funders. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing and spin-out formation, with on-campus incubator space for corporate and startup teams.
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