Pickering emulsions for enhanced calcium and lipophilic compound intake
Innovative Pickering emulsions (PEs) offer a sustainable alternative to conventional emulsifiers, enhancing calcium and lipophilic compound intake. Utilizing hydroxyapatite particles, these stable emulsions improve nutrient bioaccessibility and can be applied in fortified beverages.
Overview
Pickering emulsions (PEs) present a groundbreaking approach to food innovation by stabilizing emulsions with solid particles, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional emulsifiers. These emulsions can effectively deliver active compounds such as vitamin D and omega-3, enhancing bioaccessibility post-digestion. By incorporating calcium-rich hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles, PEs not only stabilize the emulsion but also facilitate improved calcium absorption, meeting consumer demands for healthier food products.
Technical specifications
- Stabilization: Hydroxyapatite particles stabilize emulsions and dissociate in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring nutrient release.
- Compatibility: Enhances the compatibility of lipophilic compounds like vitamin D and omega-3 in aqueous environments.
- Application: Ideal for use in beverages, with PEs stored separately and mixed on consumption to create fortified drinks.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it is validated in a laboratory environment. Future validation efforts will focus on enhancing stability, improving formulation compatibility, and evaluating the gastrointestinal behavior and bioactive compound bioaccessibility in PEs.
About Universidade do Porto
Universidade do Porto is one of Portugal’s largest public universities, combining comprehensive education with research that engages regional and global industry. A university‑anchored science and technology park links corporate R&D, startups, and faculty labs, offering incubation, workspace and access to shared facilities. Clinical and translational work benefits from co‑location with major teaching hospitals, enabling access to patients, data and regulated studies. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding, including programs of the European Commission and Portugal’s national science foundation. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP strategy, licensing, industry contracts and startup support to accelerate commercialization.
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