Formulation of Microalgae to Increase Shelf Life at Room Temperature for Biofuel Applications
Most live algae do not store well in aqueous suspension or as a dry formulation. Current commercial storage and delivery of live microalgae requires product refrigeration which would be cost prohibitive for biofuel production. We used a W/O emulsion to formulate microalgae and were able to achieve one year physical and biological stability at room temperature.
Microencapsulation of Bioactives ( Biological Molecules or Cells) in Cross-Linked Alginate Matrices by Spray Drying
Spray-drying would be a commercially viable process to form a calcium alginate matrix particle in the size range of 10 – 20 um; however, one would have to find a way of cross-linking the sodium alginate solution during atomization. We have developed a method that accomplishes this by spray-drying an aqueous formulation that contains sodium alginate, a calcium salt that is only soluble at reduced pH and an organic acid that has been neutralized to a pH just above the pKa with a volatile base (Ammonia). Under these conditions, the calcium salt is insoluble and calcium ions are not available for cross-linking. The solution in this fluid state is pumped through the nozzle of the spray dryer, where it is effectively atomized. Upon atomization, the volatile base is vaporized, which reduces the pH (hydrogen ions are released into solution) and in turn releases calcium ions from the calcium salt that cross-link the alginate.
A Hybrid Coating Process for Pharmaceutical Solids Based on a Highly Volatile Solvent
We have developed a new process for coating pharmaceutically active solids such as tablets, granules, beads, powders and crystals. The process employs simultaneously dissolving coating chemicals and adhesion promotion agents in a non-flammable, low boiling point solvent such as methylene chloride. The liquid is then delivered with a single aerosol process to target surfaces. Because of the volatility of the solvent, the process can be tuned to allow all, some or none of the solvent to arrive at target surfaces concurrently with the coating chemicals and adhesion promotion agents. This new process is a hybrid system that retains the advantages of the liquid coating systems and powder coating systems, but eliminate almost all of the limitations of those systems.
