Microencapsulation technology for stabilizing biologics via coco process
Introducing the CoCo process, a patented microencapsulation technology using gelatin-alginate matrices for stabilizing biologics. Ideal for probiotics and plant beneficial bacteria, this scalable spray-drying method retains bioactive viability and shelf stability.
Overview
The CoCo process is a cutting-edge microencapsulation technology designed to stabilize biologics such as human health probiotics and plant beneficial bacteria. Utilizing a patented spray-drying method, the CoCo process involves encapsulating bioactives within a gelatin-alginate complex coacervated matrix. This scalable technology not only enhances the stability of volatile oils and therapeutic peptides but also promises to maintain the viability and shelf-stability of probiotics.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredients
- Cost-effective and scalable one-step spray-drying process
- Demonstrated success in retaining volatile oils and enabling enteric delivery of therapeutic peptides
- Patent protection (US11612870B2) ensures novelty and competitive edge
The CoCo process has not yet been tested with live microbes, but previous successes in stabilizing Gram negative plant beneficial bacteria and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG by similar processes highlight its potential.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, with bench-scale testing capabilities for formulation and post-encapsulation viability assessments. Future validation efforts will focus on proof-of-concept studies to determine cell survival and product cell loading using baseline formulations.
About University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a comprehensive public research university in Northern California, combining a land-grant heritage with an integrated academic health system and a veterinary teaching hospital. Industry engages through co-located clinical and translational facilities in Sacramento, a campus-adjacent research park, pilot-scale food and bioprocessing facilities, and a statewide extension network for field-to-market deployment. Proximity to the Bay Area and California's Central Valley enables rapid collaboration with startups and established enterprises, while corporate relations staff streamline access to faculty, talent, and core labs. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support programs provide IP management, licensing, and startup formation pathways for industry partnerships.
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