Wet edible oil gum-based CIP adjuvant for biofilm control
This innovative CIP adjuvant harnesses surfactant-like lipids from wet edible oil gum byproducts to enhance biofilm control without altering existing workflows. It offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for improved cleaning efficiency.
Overview
The proposed solution is a novel clean-in-place (CIP) adjuvant derived from wet edible oil gum side streams, which are enriched with surfactant-like lipids. These lipids enhance the wetting, spreading, penetration, and detachment of soils and biofilms, essential for efficient cleaning processes. By repurposing a high-volume refinery byproduct, this technology offers a cost-effective and scalable method to boost existing CIP protocols without changing current workflows, ultimately reducing cleaning costs and improving operational efficiencies.
Technical specifications
The CIP adjuvant is formulated from wet gum streams that contain surfactant-like lipids removed during degumming/neutralization processes. Key features include:
- Surfactant-like lipids: Enhance wetting and penetration capabilities.
- Compatibility: Works with existing alkaline/acid cleaners and sanitizers.
- Cost-effective: Utilizes refinery byproducts, reducing chemical costs per cleaning cycle.
- Performance testing: Bench-scale property/functionality testing and anti-biofilm screening in 96-well plates and surface coupons.
- Scalability: Designed to be scalable and fit into current industrial workflows.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 3. Initial feasibility has been established through bench-scale testing. Future phases include realistic, flow-based CIP validation, involving performance testing on stainless steel and polymer/rubber coupons, which will refine the adjuvant formulation and establish a partner-ready use protocol.
About Utah State University
Utah State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (Carnegie R1) serving Utah through a flagship Logan campus and a statewide network. Industry connects through the Innovation Campus research park, where companies co‑locate with faculty and access shared facilities. USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, a US Space Force–sponsored University Affiliated Research Center, offers mission‑driven pathways for space and defense collaboration. Statewide Extension offices and field sites enable pilot deployments and real‑world validation across Utah’s diverse settings. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, NASA, and DoD, with Technology Transfer Services managing IP, licensing, and SBIR/STTR support.
delivered to your inbox.