Non-thermal & hybrid microbial control platform for cocoa liquor
A novel continuous microbial control platform utilizing infrared-assisted thin-film processing and optional high-shear flash sub-pasteurization to reduce microbial risk in cocoa liquor without compromising quality.
Overview
This innovative platform offers a cutting-edge solution for microbial control in molten cocoa liquor by leveraging non-thermal and hybrid technologies. It uses infrared-assisted thin-film processing combined with optional high-shear flash sub-pasteurization to achieve significant microbial reduction. The system is designed to maintain the quality of cocoa liquor by preserving its volatile aroma, rheology, and cocoa butter polymorphism while ensuring a clean-label, energy-efficient process at a capacity of 3 MT/h or more.
Technical specifications
- Infrared-assisted thin-film processing: Spreads cocoa liquor as a 2–5 mm film exposed to optimized infrared wavelengths for ultra-short residence times (2–15 seconds), achieving ≥2-log total viable count (TVC) reduction with minimal temperature rise.
- High-shear flash sub-pasteurization (optional): Applies controlled shear and brief thermal pulses (<10 seconds, ≤115°C) to enhance microbial lethality.
- Modular and retrofit-ready: Designed to integrate easily into existing processing lines without the need for additives or irradiation.
- Continuous operation: Suitable for high-volume production environments at ≥3 MT/h while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Technology readiness level
The technology has reached TRL 6, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. The plan includes pilot-scale demonstrations and further validation to reach TRL 7, supporting industrial scalability and regulatory readiness.
About University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a comprehensive public research university of significant scale in the UK’s second city. For industry, a campus‑adjacent research park provides office and wet‑lab space, including the BioHub biomedical incubator managed by University of Birmingham Enterprise. Clinical collaboration is enabled through Birmingham Health Partners, aligning the university with NHS hospital trusts for translational studies and access to patient pathways. Energy and sustainability ventures tap the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre and wider facilities at Tyseley Energy Park, creating a proving ground for low‑carbon technologies and scale‑up. Research is backed by competitive UK funding, including UKRI councils, Innovate UK, and NIHR, and a dedicated tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinouts to speed corporate partnerships.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.