Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Chair of Soft Matter Process Engineering (AVT.SMP), Aachen 52062, Germany
Abstract
Caseins are a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable materials for the production of functional microparticles. These show a characteristic swelling behavior when they are prepared from micellar casein under gentle conditions using depletion flocculation and subsequent film drying. The typical two-step swelling process is a result of the internal particulate network structure, which is surrounded by water channels. The seasonal and daily fluctuations in humidity during the 16 h film drying process influence the structure formation and swelling kinetics, which we analyze using system dynamics analysis. Microparticles with better and more uniform swelling properties can be produced using a drying apparatus with an integrated humidifier and ventilation system. At higher humidity levels, the casein micelles are less compressed during film drying, which facilitates the initial swelling of the microparticles. Furthermore, the more stable drying conditions in the drying apparatus result in a more homogeneous compaction of the film, which causes similar swelling rates for different microparticles.