Microtomography for in-situ investigation of freeze-drying of probiotics

Purpose and goal

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Probiotics are bacteria, such as lactobacilli, that have beneficial effects on the gut microflora, which is crucial for human health. Freeze drying is usually used to improve the durability of such products. The doctoral project that this proposal is part of aim to create a deeper understanding of the factors that control the viability of freeze-dried probiotic bacteria. The main purpose of this part project is to gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the freeze-dried cake through in situ Radiation Micro Computed Tomography (SRµCT).

Expected results and effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** We expect to be able to study freeze drying in situ. This could provide in-depth knowledge of pore size, diffusion rate of steam and primary drying rate and how these change during the freeze drying process. Much of this knowledge can only be obtained by studying the samples in-situ. In turn, this increased knowledge will give us an understanding of how process and freeze-drying formulation can be optimized to provide the best possible survival and sustainability for the bacteria.

Planned approach and implementation

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project is an collaboration between RISE and LTH. Where rise stands for the tomography expertise. The project has 5 activities. 1 is adaptation of existing in-situ freeze-drying cell for the beamlines to be used. 2 contains practical and theoretical training of the doctoral student as well as initial tests on the bench-top tomograph. 3 Focuses on setting up and conducting experiments on P05 beamline using different formulations and process conditions. 4 includes data and image analysis protocols and 5 dissemination of knowledge from the project.