Self-assembly of gelling biopolymer particles (2005-2007)

Nature provides very efficient gelling biopolymers that form the structural framework for many biological systems. We have identified a practical approach to exploiting these gelling properties to produce stable hydrated particles. Through control of dried particle composition and/or rehydrating environment a range of hydrated particle sizes and properties can be obtained predictably allowing the testing of hypotheses linking molecular structure to particulate rheology and the evaluation of a range of application opportunities in e.g. food agriculture & pharmaceutical industries. Structure and property comparisons will be made with (a) particles prepared by disrupting a pre-formed gel and (b) cooked (swollen) starch granules