Fines-controlled psyllium co-agglomerates for delayed gelation
A two-step powder-engineering strategy to control psyllium gelation, reducing clumping and ensuring homogeneous wetting by managing the superfine fraction and co-agglomerating with food-compatible materials. This enhances product performance by delaying gelation while maintaining hydration.
Overview
This solution introduces a novel two-step powder-engineering strategy aimed at controlling psyllium gelation. By managing the superfine fraction of psyllium, the approach reduces clumping and ensures more homogeneous wetting. The solution involves physically controlling superfine particles through sieving or air classification and, if necessary, reintegrating these particles into open co-agglomerates using gum arabic, maltodextrin, and modified starch or resistant dextrin. This method helps delay the gelation process while preserving the hydration properties of psyllium.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Physical control of superfine particles through sieving or air classification
- Reincorporation of superfine particles into co-agglomerates using gum arabic, maltodextrin, and resistant dextrin
- Delayed gelation and reduced clumping, achieving lower viscosity during initial hydration
- Utilizes food-compatible materials ensuring safety and compliance
- Application of vane-rheometry for quantifying hydration kinetics
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been proven in a laboratory environment. Further validation phases are planned to refine the technology and assess scalability, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of its performance in various applications.
About York University
York University is a comprehensive public research university in Toronto serving a large, diverse student body across multiple campuses. Industry engages through co‑op and other work‑integrated learning, corporate partnership teams, and collaboration labs that enable prototyping and sponsored research. The new Markham campus places faculty and students in the Greater Toronto Area’s technology corridor, while incubators and accelerators provide venture support and access to mentors and early customers. Research is supported by competitive federal and provincial funding, including Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. A centralized technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation and streamlines agreements for industry‑sponsored research.
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