Whey Protein Microcapsules via Electro-spinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing micro- and nano-capsules from proteins, such as spray-drying and emulsification, often require harsh conditions like high temperatures and organic solvents, which can damage sensitive ingredients and pose toxicity risks, while the use of milk proteins for encapsulation has been underexplored despite their potential.
Innovation Solution
A method involving electro-spinning, electro-spraying, and blow spinning techniques to produce micro- and nano-capsules from whey proteins without high temperatures or organic solvents, by diluting whey proteins in water, adding functional ingredients, and applying electrical fields or pressurized gas to create stable capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods like spray-drying and emulsification are used to produce micro- and nano-capsules, then capsule production is achieved, but harsh conditions (high temperatures and organic solvents) damage sensitive ingredients and pose toxicity risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing parameters from conventional high-temperature spray-drying to low-temperature electro-spinning and blow-spinning methods. This parameter change allows capsule production without exposing sensitive ingredients to damaging temperatures and organic solvents, thereby maintaining ingredient integrity while eliminating harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical spray-drying system with an electro-mechanical spinning system. By using electrical fields (electro-spinning) or pressurized gas flows (blow-spinning) instead of high-temperature air streams, the method achieves capsule formation without thermal damage to sensitive ingredients
2Length of moving object
If electro-spinning and electro-spraying techniques are used, then smaller particle sizes are achieved, but high-voltage electrical fields and complex equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a capillary tube as an intermediary component that simplifies the electro-spinning process. The capillary serves as both the solution delivery system and the electrode, eliminating the need for complex needle assemblies and high-voltage insulation structures. This intermediary approach enables small particle production with reduced equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and isolates the essential function of electro-spinning (charged droplet formation) from the complex high-voltage equipment. By using a simple capillary electrode configuration and optimizing solution conductivity, the method achieves nanoscale particle production with minimal electrical equipment, effectively separating the core function from unnecessary complexity
3Device complexity
If blow-spinning technique is used, then no electrical fields are required, but pressurized gas at high speed is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas flows to generate the spinning and spraying effects. The high-speed gas stream creates centrifugal forces that shape and eject the polymer solution into fine fibers and capsules, replacing electrical fields with pneumatic actuation while achieving the desired micro- and nano-structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the actuation parameter from electrical voltage to gas pressure and flow velocity. By optimizing the pressure and speed of the carrier gas, the method achieves effective blow-spinning and blow-spraying without requiring electrical fields, thereby simplifying the equipment while maintaining capsule production capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the production of stable micro- and nano-capsules that protect sensitive ingredients, maintaining their integrity and functionality, and can be used in various applications including food and pharmaceuticals, without the drawbacks of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
electro-spinning or electro-spraying the solution resulting from step b), wherein the electrospinning or electrospraying is carried out with a distance between the capillary and the support of between 2 and 50 cm, a deposition rate range per needle from 0.01 to 10 ml/h and a voltage of between 0.1 and 1000 kV
Implementation Method 2
the blow spinning or blow spraying is carried out with a distance between the capillary and the support of between 2 and 50 cm, a deposition rate range per needle from 0.01 to 10 ml/h and by applying a flow of pressurized gas at between 200 and 300 m/s
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the production of capsules, based on milk serum proteins and comprising the following steps: a) the milk protein product is diluted; b) (i) ingredients to be encapsulated that are soluble in water or polar solvents, or (ii) a solution of the ingredient to be encapsulated is/are added to the solution from step (a); and c) the solution produced in step (b) is subjected to electro-spinning or electro-spraying or blow-spinning or blow-spraying. The capsules produced can be used as vehicles for the encapsulation of functional additives and ingredients for the incorporation thereof in pharmaceutical or food preparations.