Improved aqueous dispersion of spirulina using fluid bed agglomeration
VQ Technologies offers an enhanced method for dispersing spirulina and other natural color powders using fluid bed agglomeration, improving their wetting, uniformity, and handling in food and beverage applications.
Overview
VQ Technologies presents a cutting-edge solution for the food and beverage industry with its improved aqueous dispersion of spirulina and other natural color powders. Utilizing fluid bed agglomeration, this technology significantly enhances the wetting and dispersion properties of these ingredients, resulting in powders that exhibit improved uniformity, flowability, and reduced dustiness. This advancement not only facilitates easier handling but also ensures consistency in food and beverage applications.
Technical specifications
The process involves the use of fluid bed agglomeration to "instantize" the powder, making it suitable for diverse food and beverage applications. Key features include:
- Enhanced wetting and dispersion, improving the final product's consistency.
- Improved flowability and reduced dustiness, facilitating easier handling.
- Potential customization with additives such as lecithin or sucrose esters, though trials are ongoing to determine necessity.
This method is backed by over 40 years of experience in processing powder ingredients, ensuring reliability and expertise in production.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 9, indicating it is fully mature and ready for commercial deployment. Initial technical discussions and R&D pilot trials have been planned to refine specifications and further validate the process.
About VQ Technologies LLC
VQ Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary and specialized powder processing facility of Vitaquest International, an industry-leading product development and commercialization partner in the nutraceutical and functional food markets. Acquired in 2023, the facility in Paterson, New Jersey, utilizes advanced fluid bed technology to provide highly specialized capabilities, including granulation, agglomeration, microencapsulation, and liquid and powder blending. This infrastructure allows for application-specific product development and pilot and commercial-scale manufacturing of specialty ingredients, which many companies in the industry otherwise outsource.
By integrating these advanced particle engineering capabilities in-house, VQ Technologies enables Vitaquest to offer its customers enhanced product performance, improved manufacturing efficiency, and faster market entry. The facility supports the development of over 4,000 custom formulas annually for hundreds of brands worldwide, helping partners navigate the entire product lifecycle from concept and formulation to manufacturing and packaging. The acquisition underscores Vitaquest's TotalQ™ commitment to quality and expands its service range, positioning the company as a leader in the dietary supplement and functional food commercialization sector.
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