Description
Microfluidics enables precise control of fluid flow at the micrometer scale to produce uniform protein emulsions, high-shear homogenization, and enzyme encapsulation.
Technical
By manipulating flow rates (1–10 µL min⁻¹) and temperatures (25–37 °C), microfluidic devices generate droplets 10–100 µm in diameter, allowing proteins to remain intact while achieving high shear (>10⁵ s⁻¹) during homogenization. Encapsulation within lipid droplets preserves enzyme activity at 4 °C for over 30 days, with efficiencies exceeding 90 % at 25 °C.
Science
Primary Reaction
Emulsification and shear-induced homogenization of proteins
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
neutralsubtle proteincleanfreshmild
Origin & History
Civilization
American (MIT)
Era
1990s-2000s