Inline thermal-ultrasonic processing platform for suspensible wheat gluten
Revolutionize wheat gluten processing with an inline thermal-ultrasonic platform that enhances wetting, dispersion, and suspension stability. This solution minimizes lump formation and is compatible with industrial processing environments.
Overview
The inline thermal-ultrasonic processing platform is an innovative solution designed to transform vital wheat gluten into a rapidly wettable, non-lumping, and suspensible protein. The process involves an inline, continuous system where gluten slurry is thermally conditioned and then subjected to continuous-flow sonication. This dual-action approach weakens the gluten network and reduces particle size, thereby enhancing water accessibility and minimizing lump formation. The solution is particularly beneficial for industries requiring high-throughput and scalable gluten processing, offering improved dispersion and suspension stability without the complexities of enzymatic hydrolysis.
Technical specifications
- Thermal Conditioning: Utilizes a plate heat exchanger for short-time thermal conditioning to weaken gluten networks.
- Continuous-Flow Sonication: Employs ultrasound-induced cavitation and shear to disrupt protein aggregates, improving water accessibility.
- Industrial Compatibility: Designed for inline operation with short residence times, matching industrial needs for high-throughput processing.
- Avoids Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Reduces processing time and microbial risks without requiring complex pH control.
Technology readiness level
This platform is at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating lab-scale validation has been achieved. Key parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and ultrasound intensity have been optimized. Future phases will focus on process refinement in relevant liquid matrices and larger-scale trials with industry partners.
About Utah State University
Utah State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (Carnegie R1) serving Utah through a flagship Logan campus and a statewide network. Industry connects through the Innovation Campus research park, where companies co‑locate with faculty and access shared facilities. USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, a US Space Force–sponsored University Affiliated Research Center, offers mission‑driven pathways for space and defense collaboration. Statewide Extension offices and field sites enable pilot deployments and real‑world validation across Utah’s diverse settings. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, NASA, and DoD, with Technology Transfer Services managing IP, licensing, and SBIR/STTR support.
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