ISSN:
0268-2575
Keywords:
drying
;
spores
;
fluidized bed
;
storage
;
viability
;
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
A fluidized bed dryer and drying system have been designed, constructed and operated to produce a powdered formulation of the fungus Penicillium bilaii. The dryer includes an air-shear atomizer and rotatable air vibrator to produce particles which are evenly coated with P. bilaii. The drying system included a humidifier, oven, vacuum pump and instrumentation to ensure precise control of operating conditions. Instant skim milk powder was found to be the best particle source for fixing the spores due to its solubility in water, its highly porous nature and because its moisture isotherms were similar to those of the spores. The dryer was operated at 35°C to maximize the drying rate while still preventing thermal death of the spores. The fluidizing air was best provided at an RH of 30%, thereby producing skim milk/spore particles with just the right amount of moisture to ensure long term storage viability. Storage under refrigeration conditions showed little long term decline in spore viability after 3 months of tests. Room temperature storage demonstrated a small decline rate in spore viability with little significant change if held at room temperature for a few days. © 1997 SCI.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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