Producing microsize beads from alginate Principle and equipment

Producing micro-size beads from alginate Principle and equipment

Principle Alginate solution + divalent cations (Ca, Ba, etc. ) = solidified matrix (gel-like material). If alginate solution is forced into a Micro-droplet shape, the result will be a micro-solid bead (sphere).

…If your experiment requires quantities of micro-beads… You will find production by hand very tiresome, especially when hard beads are needed when using highly viscous alginate solutions. Some equipment is needed

Equipment for producing micro-beads (100 -200 mm dia. ) • This is essentially a metal sprayer with a very small nozzle. • Droplets form from the internal pressure and are solidified by the calcium solution.

In reality, the device looks like this. Cartridge Microbe filter Bacteria culture + alginate solution Air compressor Air filter Stirred plate

A look at the parts; Cartridge, the “heart” of the system Air inlet Exit nuzzle Copper tube Bacteria culture + alginate solution

Filters, keeps everything clean and non-contaminated Standard microbe filter Air flow Metal tube filled with glass wool Air flow

Nozzle forms the microbeads. Micro-drop formation Compressed air

Formation of microbeads, step by step… Stream of drople ts Bacteria culture + alginate solution • Clean, pressurized air stream sucks liquid from flask. • Micro-droplets exit from the narrow nozzle. • Micro-droplets are formed separately during trajectory into collection pan.

And again from a different angle To e th Bacteria culture + alginate solution er ain nt co am re St s let op dr of

As the micro-droplets hit the calcium chloride solution, they immediately form micro-beads. Rotary shaker (not shown) shakes container. Stream of droplets Ca. Cl 2 Micro-beads are formed instantly. The usually transparent micro-beads were colored for this demonstration.

Micro-beads after formation And, if you look at the circle close enough …

You can see the micro-beads

One option for drying micro-beads

Microphoto of micro-beads attached to wheat seeds before sowing. Micro-beads Wheat seed Natural color Artificially colored for demonstration

Other applications? “The sky is the limit. ” Use your imagination.

Some unexpected benefits: • Procedure requires very little human or electrical energy. • This is a new technology and described in respected scientific journals, so your “brilliant” paper will not be rejected for using an untried method. • As an environmentally-friendly technology, it will make you look good. • Production is fast, which gives you time for an evening at the movies or lounging in front of the TV. • Have fun…. .