Nano-in-microparticles for enhanced nutrient content in beverages

Overview

The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB presents an innovative platform technology that utilizes nano-in-microparticles to significantly enhance the nutrient delivery and effectiveness in beverages. By combining the advantages of nanoparticles and microparticles, this technology achieves improved stability and control over the release profiles of encapsulated active ingredients, such as drugs, nutrients, and bioactives. This approach is aimed at optimizing the performance of dietary supplements and functional beverages, providing a tailored and efficient delivery system for bioactive compounds.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Nano-in-microparticle technology combines high surface area of nanoparticles with the stability of microparticles.
• Capable of encapsulating a wide range of active ingredients for precise control over release profiles.
• Employs encapsulation techniques such as spray drying, emulsion techniques, and solvent evaporation.
• Material selection tailored to specific beverage applications to maintain nutrient integrity.
• Characterization through advanced techniques like SEM, DLS, and FTIR for detailed analysis.
• Performance evaluation focuses on stability, release profile, and (bio-)availability of nutrients.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at TRL 4, having been validated at a laboratory level with ongoing development to refine production methods and optimize performance parameters for beverage applications.