Oleogel formulation using lecithin and calcium chloride
A cost-effective, food-grade oleogel formulation created by combining lecithin with calcium chloride. The gel forms when small amounts of salt dissolve in oil in the presence of lecithin, producing a transparent, scalable gel. The approach targets food applications as a potential alternative to traditional fats and supports further evaluation through rheological testing and comparisons with existing gelators.
Overview
This research explores a cost-effective method to create oleogels by combining lecithin, a phospholipid, with calcium chloride (CaCl2). A transparent gel forms when small amounts of salt dissolve in oil with lecithin present. The approach aims to enable scalable oleogel production using a simple lipid–salt combination.
Technical specifications
- Key components: Lecithin and calcium chloride (CaCl2)
- Mechanism: Oleogel formation via binding of multivalent cations (Ca2+) to lecithin headgroups
- Characteristics: Transparent gel formation in oil; scalable and cost-effective
- Applications: Potential use in food products as a healthier alternative to traditional fats
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, having been validated at a laboratory level. Further testing is planned, including rheological characterization and comparisons with existing gelators.
About University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is the state's flagship public research university in College Park, serving a large student body and offering comprehensive academic and research programs. Industry engages through an adjacent research park, shared prototyping facilities, and dedicated corporate partnership channels, plus joint pathways to a medical campus for clinical and regulatory engagement. Its Washington–Baltimore location places partners near federal agencies, national labs, and prime contractors, while a statewide extension network supports collaboration with companies. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, and USDA, and coordinated commercialization services advance IP, startup formation, licensing, and industry-sponsored research.
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