Structure-engineered nanoemulsions for enhanced micronutrient bioavailability
Innovative food-grade nanoemulsion systems to encapsulate oil-soluble vitamins, improving their delivery and bioavailability. This technology optimizes micronutrient solubilization and absorption, enhancing efficacy in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Overview
The proposed solution involves the development of structure-engineered nanoemulsions designed to encapsulate oil-soluble vitamins, significantly enhancing their delivery and bioavailability. By controlling the structural components of the nanoemulsion, such as oil phase type, emulsifiers, and droplet size, this technology tailors the emulsion's digestive behavior. The enhanced solubilization and absorption of micronutrients address the limitations posed by their poor water solubility, making this technology applicable in functional foods and nutraceutical formulations.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Encapsulation of oil-soluble vitamins in nanoemulsions
- Customization of oil phase, emulsifier type, and droplet size
- Improved solubilization and intestinal absorption through engineered micelle structures
- Utilization of a comprehensive evaluation platform including food digestion models and bioavailability assessment tools
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 6, having been validated in relevant environments with plans for further development and compatibility testing with commercial supplement formats.
About University of Missouri, Columbia
Founded as Missouri’s flagship land‑grant, the University of Missouri–Columbia is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and partners statewide. Industry engages on campus through co‑located research cores, a research park and incubator in Columbia, and access to a high‑power university research reactor supporting isotope production and advanced testing. An integrated academic health system enables clinical studies and translation, while a statewide extension and agricultural research network links companies to field sites, producers, and community testbeds across Missouri. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated tech transfer office supports IP, licensing, and sponsored‑research agreements.
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