Lightweight, low cost stabilising agent for humectants, should be a sustainable, food-grade and non-combustible material
A client company incorporates humectants (i.e. hygroscopic substances that exhibit the ability to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment) into a final product. These humectants include propylene glycol and polyalcohols, some of which are liquids. To hold the humectants in a stable condition and stop the liquid from dispersing, stabilising agents are used. We are searching for an alternative light weight, inexpensive material, to act as a stabilising agent for humectants. The solution may be a novel ingredient within the previously reviewed technologies or a new material altogether. Any proposed material needs to have the following properties: ? Be of food grade, but low cost ? Be readily available and sustainable ? Light weight with low bulk density ? Available in loose, free-flowing format (e.g. powder, granular, fibre etc) ? Non-combustible or with no toxic emissions up to approximately 1000°C ? No obvious adverse toxicological properties ? Be stable in the presence of light, heat, and moisture ? Available in commercial quantities or with the potential to scale up (~1000 tonnes p.a.) Previously reviewed technologies: • Chalk has been tested in a material where the chalk content was around 75-80%, the remainder being a humectant, one or more binders (alginate-based) and colourants, etc. In this matrix the chalk product was too dense. • Perlite has also been tested in a material with the same basic properties but it has a tendency to be too ‘crumbly’. • A variety of other industrial minerals have been considered (such as: vermiculite and bauxite) and rejected for not being food grade materials. • Aeration has been looked at but the ‘bubbles’ or air pockets tend to collapse when dried without the aid of foaming agents and/or crosslinking agents. Foam stabilising binders have also been considered but so far these have been found to be undesirable for toxicological reasons. • Micro-encapsulation by spray drying the humectant with gum is another tested alternative. However the use of large amounts of gums has potential cost implications. We are willing to explore any reasonable commercial arrangements, including licensing in of proprietary or innovative products, systems or technologies, strategic alliances, distribution or partnering arrangements.
Sector: Biotechnology
Country: United Kingdom
Area of Application: Consumable
Keywords: stabilising agent, humectants, food grade, minerals
Transfer Terms: Joint Venture , Technology Licensing
Studies:
Project Type: New Idea
Target Countries: World Wide
Estimated cost (US$):
Assistance From Partner:
Additional Information:
Contact Person: Strategic Allies Ltd.
Address: The Red & White House 113, High Street Berkhamsted, U.K HP4 2 DJ
City: Berkhamsted
Country: United Kingdom
Zip/Pin Code: HP4 2DJ