Ultrashear technology for micronutrient emulsification in beverages
Ultrashear technology (UST) efficiently emulsifies omega-3s, minerals, and micronutrients in beverages, enhancing stability and preserving nutrients. Ideal for creating fortified, nutritious beverages without synthetic additives, UST is ready for pilot and bench scale validation.
Overview
Ultrashear technology (UST) offers an innovative solution for the emulsification of micronutrients in liquid beverages. By utilizing UST, manufacturers can effectively incorporate omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and other micronutrients into beverages, resulting in fortified products that maintain their physicochemical stability over extended storage periods. This process not only preserves essential nutrients but also retains the fresh-like quality attributes of beverages, aligning with consumer demand for clean label products.
Technical specifications
UST leverages advanced shear forces to emulsify water-insoluble fatty acids without synthetic additives, making it a sustainable choice for beverage fortification. The technology allows for precise control over process parameters such as pasteurization, commercial sterilization, and ingredient blending. UST can create water-based emulsions that are aseptically mixed with various beverages, ensuring consistent quality and stability. Key evaluations include particle size, color, rheology, microstructure, and acidity to ensure optimal product performance.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 6, UST has been proven at bench and pilot scales. Further validation is planned to demonstrate its efficacy in incorporating omega fatty acids and other micronutrients into beverages using pilot and bench scale equipment. This stage involves testing various process and product formulation combinations to refine the technology for commercial application.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Columbus, serving one of the nation’s largest student populations and a broad research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an integrated academic medical center for clinical translation, a campus‑adjacent innovation district for co‑located projects, and a statewide extension network that pilots solutions across Ohio. Corporate engagement provides a single front door for sponsored research, talent pipelines, and streamlined agreements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support help protect IP, license technologies, and launch startups.
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