Microfluidics, Scientists Working to Ensure Daily Intake of Plant Sterols

Microfluidics, Scientists Working to Ensure Daily Intake of Plant Sterols

NEWTON, Mass.--Scientists at the University of Massachusetts are using Microfluidizer® materials processing equipment, supplied by Microfluidics (a subsidiary of MFIC Corp.), to develop water soluble plant sterols for use as cholesterol-blocking food additives. The scientists hope to ready the Microfluidizer processors for use in developing foods, beverages and dietary supplements that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Robert Nicolosi, director of the UMass Center for Health and Disease Research and lead researcher of the Microfluidizer studies, is using the processor to develop a variety of other products including foods and beverages fortified with cancer-fighting antioxidants and orange juice fortified with vitamin E that will not precipitate from the juice.

We are using the high-pressure Microfluidizer processor to take lipid soluble nutrients and make them water soluble in a nano-emulsion, Nicolosi said, who hopes to increase plant sterol intake in human consumption. If we can develop the product, the impact on human health could be significant. By ingesting one or two grams of plant sterol each day, you could lower blood cholesterol by 15 percent.