06 Jun Andaltec develops a new encapsulation method for active compounds by means of microwave radiation
This Project, launched by the Technological Centre for Plastics, allows for an improvement in the activity of the encapsulated active substances, employing a quicker, more efficient and economical process
Researchers from the Technological Centre for Plastics (Andaltec) have developed a new encapsulation method for active compounds by means of microwave radiation. This new procedure has already been patented by Andaltec, being the successful outcome a R&D project carried out exclusively by their researchers.
This method stems from a new process that makes possible the encapsulation of active substances such as antioxidant or antibacterial compounds, thanks to the use of a much more efficient process, compared to the previously existing ones. This new technique prevents these compounds from degrading during the encapsulation procedure. Moreover, it allows for an encapsulation time up to 30 times inferior to other similar methods, propitiating considerable energy savings. Thus, this innovative methodology would be highly beneficial for several industrial sectors, such as food, medicine, automotive or aeronautics areas.
Antonio Peñas, team leader for this project in Andaltec, points out that the new encapsulation process is very relevant for several applications, above all those regarding the encapsulation of active substances sensitive to long-lasting thermal processes or to oxygen presence, as this methodology allows for a few-minute encapsulation. Hence, the substances’ activity is completely preserved.
Andaltec is a National Technological Centre, supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. It houses a crew of 130 qualified workers in more than 10,000 square metres of high-tech facilities. Andaltec’s headquarters in Martos possess the latest technological equipment for research, development and validation of new products and materials, as well as for process optimisation.