“Green transformation” and valorization of residues from agro-bio industrial processing are key areas where innovative environmentally sustainable technologies can have positive impact.
Our solvent-free, energy-efficient, CO2-based cryospraying process CryoXpand® transforms extracts from agro-industrial waste into novel micronized food supplements and nutraceutical products, rich in naturally bioactive molecules.
Because of the unique properties of dense CO2 during expansion, CryoXpand® can spray naturally complex, disperse systems removing high amounts of water at low processing temperatures.
Such “dewatering“ capability is a valuable feature when dealing with difficult, thermally sensitive biomolecules.
We have established collaborations with partners for the development of solvent-free, industrially scalable chain of operations with low cost and environmental impact. Through this network, we can transform natural extracts from bio-residues into formulated, micronized powders containing molecules of high value for human health.
Case Studies
Lycopene from tomato peel
Lycopene is a thermosensitive carotenoid with high antioxidant properties. Extracts rich in this bioactive substance are hydrophobic, viscous, oily-resinous materials obtained by supercritical CO2 treatment of dry tomato peels.
Deliverable: (with CryoXpand®) we developed easy-to handle, water dispersible, stable microspheres formulations of Lycopene in powder form
Rice Husk and Hull
Rice production waste yields extracts rich in y-oryzanol, a mix of phytosterol esters and ferulic acid, proven adjuvants in the regulation of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Rice extracts are low-melting, thermally sensitive buttery or pasty materials with a strong odor.
Deliverable: with CO2-cryospraying, extracts could be transformed in formulated, solid micronized powders with good flowability properties and minimally detectable odor.
Wine lees
Processed wine lees are rich in soluble polyphenols, resveratrol, vitamins, oligo- and polysaccharides and insoluble natural fiber. This material is a viscous, heterogeneous hydroalcoholic suspension with high amounts of water (70-80%).
Deliverable: microspheres in powder form are obtained by formulating and processing wine lees. Water is eliminated and biomolecules are concentrated during cryospraying, the release of soluble polyphenols from the microparticles can extend to several hours in simulated intestinal fluids.
Residues from chitosan production
Industrial waste recovered from shrimp shells after chitin transformation contains valuable molecules such as minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants (mostly astaxanthin). We collaborate with the Icelandic biotech Primex EHF to convert this bio-residues from chitosan processing into micronized delivery systems.
Deliverables: CryoXpand® technology effectively transforms such by-products into stable, solid micronized dosage forms to be used as high-value food supplements or nutraceuticals, with clear benefits to public health.
