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Micronization is normally based on mechanical processes such as grinding and milling. At FeyeCon, we use it to create homogeneous blends, such as micronized fats, and increase the surface area of a compound. Micronizing compounds with carbon dioxide is one of the least expensive supercritical processes, since it only requires small amounts of carbon dioxide and the volume used for the process can be limited to a static mixer.
During micronization a fat, oil or wax which was liquified at a higher temperature is mixed with an amount of carbon dioxide and totally or partly dissolves in it. When this mixture of micronized fats is expanded, the temperature drops and the oil instantly becomes a solid. The process was first described by E. Weidner in 1995. This creates a powder with often different crystallinity and very high surface area. By using our supercritical technology, this crystallinity is used in combination with the high surface area to structure oils and fats.
The micronized waxes or fats can be used as structuring agents for emulsions, but when combined with active ingredients it can incapsulate these. In most cases this is done to create more bioavailability, either by surface area or better uptake. Since the particles are smaller than 20μm one cannot taste a grainy texture on the tongue or skin. The technique is widely applied for structuring of margarine. Next to food applications it can be applied in confectionary and for skin care products.
Do you want to use micronization, for example micronized fats, in your production process? Or do you have questions about our other techniques, such as CO2 encapsulation? Call us at +31 (0)294 45 77 33 to request more information. We will gladly tell you more about micronization or our other services, such as the production of botanical extracts.
