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TECH OFFERS

Discover new technologies by our partners

Leveraging our wide network of partners, we have curated numerous enabling technologies available for licensing and commercialisation across different industries and domains. Enterprises interested in these technology offers and collaborating with partners of complementary technological capabilities can reach out for co-innovation opportunities.

Precision Delivery Technology Enhancing Biological Pesticide Efficacy
With mounting concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of conventional chemical pesticides, there is a noticeable shift towards biological alternatives. This trend is fueled by a global demand for sustainable agricultural practices and safer, more environmentally-friendly produce. However, a significant challenge persists: the comparatively lower efficacy of biological pesticides. This technology addresses the challenge of low efficacy in biological pesticides, often caused by environmental factors such as heat, UV exposure, and runoffs, especially prevalent in tropical regions. It utilises plant-derived, biodegradable materials to encapsulate the biological pesticides, protecting them from environmental factors, thereby extending their residual treatment effect and reducing usage volumes and re-application frequencies.  Plant-derived, biodegradable encapsulation material Compatible with commercialised biological pesticides (e.g., bacillus thuringiensis) Simple, one-step encapsulation process completed within 15 minutes using existing mixing apparatus Compatible with existing application equipment such as backpack sprayers and drones Imparts rainfastness within 1 hour Sustains residual effect for up to 3 months per treatment The technology demonstrates versatility, with potential applicability in tackling an array of agricultural challenges such as diseases, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies. It is also applicable for commercialised insecticides such as chlorantraniliprole and imidacloprid. Tailored to address challenges specific to tropical agriculture Enhances efficacy of biological pesticides Reduces biological pesticide consumption Lowers re-application frequencies, minimising costs and labor requirements agriculture, agritech, agrifood tech, agrifoodtech, food security, climate change, encapsulation, agrochemical, crop care, crop protection, herbicide, insecticide, fertiliser, fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, bagworm, delivery technology, precision delivery, delivery, farming solution, foliar spray, biologicals, bacillus, bio, bio-based, bacteria, fungi Chemicals, Agrochemicals, Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Additives, Bio-based, Sustainability, Food Security
Revolutionizing PGM Recycling: Efficient Recycling of Platinum Group Metals
Platinum group metals (PGMs) are critical raw materials essential in diverse industries, including automotive catalytic converters, jewelry, glassware, petrochemical refining, electronics, and healthcare sectors like pharmaceuticals and dental implants. Primarily sourced through the mining of PGM ores, they constitute about 70% of the global PGM supply, with South Africa and Russia accounting for 85% of this production. This concentration in supply can lead to price gouging and market monopoly. Recycling PGMs from waste not only mitigates the supply shortfall but also reduces environmental impacts compared to mining. However, conventional recycling methods are energy-intensive, requiring temperatures around 1500°C, and involve costly downstream processing to treat waste. Furthermore, the high processing temperatures result in high-value raw materials being burnt and releasing harmful toxins. The technology owner has developed a novel biorecovery method that incorporates and modifies a series of biochemical and biological processes into a streamlined 3-stage process as opposed to the multi-tiered stages of current conventional methods used in industry. It offers the following advantages over the competition: Energy Efficiency: consumes 6x less energy than traditional methods Cost Effective: 3x cheaper in operation cost High Yield: capable of recovering multiple PGM simultaneously with high yield even from low-grade waste Sustainability: support company decarbonization goals by offering a truly green and sustainable recycling manner for spent catalyst The core process and specifications of the technology are summarised as follows: Statistically-Optimised Ultrasonication: as a key pretreatment step, this sonication method effectively removes all undesirable metals from waste, isolating PGM-rich materials, called the PGM-preconcentrated stream, enhancing the efficiency of subsequent steps. Bioextraction Technique: secondly, utilise a novel and unique bioextraction technique to extract PGMs from waste with high efficiency (i.e., 99% recycling rate per cycle for rhodium (Rh), 92-95% per cycle recycling rate for platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd)). It can be employed at a commercial scale without compromising yield. Bioreduction, Bioaccumulation, and Bioprecipitation: a combination of these improved biological processes are used in the third step to produce PGM into powder form which further undergoes separation and purification to produce high-purity PGM products. This technology is ideal for industries that are interested to recycle their spent catalysts. The potential applications are as follows: Catalyst manufacturers Precious metal recycling companies Electronics and lithium ion battery (LIB) manufacturers Waste management companies Modular design: reduced logistics costs and downtime Lower cost (CAPEX & OPEX) compared to existing technologies Superior recovery rate: even for low-grade wastes  Sustainable and efficient recycling: offer significant step towards decarbonisation in industrial practices Biorecycling, Platinum group metals, Low carbon emission, Decarbonisation, Clean technology, Circular economy Chemicals, Catalysts, Environment, Clean Air & Water, Biological & Chemical Treatment, Waste Management & Recycling, Industrial Waste Management, Sustainability, Circular Economy
A Novel and Natural Anti-Pathogenic Formulation
The core technology is of a formulation that is an effective natural water based iodine multi-pathogenic solution that is designed to destroy various pathogens quickly. Although, the active ingredients are present at low levels, this formulation has been successfully demonstrated to provide protection and is registered for use as a chemical disinfectant.  The IP involves the creation of a formulation that is novel in having a different and versatile broad spectrum ability to destroys different pathogens and their accompanying cellular survival structures simultaneously and quickly. It functions using diverse mechanisms of action via oxidative and complexation reactions. Additionally, multiple prongs of attack leave little time to mount or develop resistance mechanisms, potentially hindering chances of resistant strains emerging.  It is anticipated that it would be widely used in a variety of settings for personal care and health care applications. Users to date have reported its successful application on a wide range of use cases e.g. for oral use, skin care, wound healing and as disinfectants. The technology owners are seeking partners to carry out test-bedding the various consumer claims in clinical trials, as well as carry as R&D collaboration to further explore new applications. They are also seeking partners who would be able to quickly manufacture and distribute our formulation. The active ingredients are naturally derived and are present at extremely low concentrations (following UN food safety guidelines). Safe and non-toxic, with ingredients that are largely not alien to the human body. The formulation effective targets various types of pathogens simultaneously ,using different mechanisms depending on the pathogenic species involved. It causes severe oxidative damage to chemical structures on various pathogens, affects multiple target structures within micro-organism eg enzymes, membranes, other essential cellular survival components simultaneously.  The potential applications are in the realm of personal care and general healthcare. The technology is registered for use as a chemical disinfectant for oral use and consumers have reported other off-label uses for different ailments notably non-exhaustive such as: Quickly alleviating symptoms of coughs, sore throats, colds Cleans, disinfect wounds, cuts, abrasion Promote wound healing by preventing infections eg burns, deep wounds, leaving minimal scarring and thus allowing the skin to be restored to its natural smoothness and texture Topical applications on skin e.g. eczema, acne (reduces bacterial infections quickly, leaving minimal or no scarring Dental application: mouth odors control and mouth ulcers Effective smell removal eg fishy, putrid odours  The unique value proposition of our formulation is that it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti- fungal properties. It is able to confer anti-inflammatory effects thus allowing the body’s immune system to act effectively allowing its natural healing process to take place. During the recent pandemic, consumers have shared anecdotal evidence for its rapid and successful use on both a host of different gram positive and gram negative bacteria and on various strains of the Covid-19 virus. The fast speed of these reactions to destroy and disrupt the structures of pathogens severely as well as its accompanying survival structures creates hostile/challenging environment for survival and resistance. These multiple prongs of attack (unlike antibiotics tend to target specific biochemical pathways or biological structure) leave little time to mount or develop resistance mechanisms, hindering chances of resistant strains emerging. The formulation is eco-friendly and naturally biodegradable which allows for its use in emergency water disinfection andi is least harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems. Generally it would be expected to more cost effective compared to other types of disinfection methods as we require smaller amounts of final product and use inexpensive raw materials for the formulation.  broad spectrum, rapid action, iodine, safe and non-toxic solution, halal friendly disinfectant, anti-pathogenic Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics, Life Sciences, Biotech Research Reagents & Tools, Chemicals, Organic
Keratin Templates Derived from Hair and Feathers for Biomedical Applications
We have developed a variety of keratin templates for the healthcare sector namely sponges as tissue fillers, gels for wound healing, sutures and films as cell carriers. These keratin templates can be derived from keratinous wastes such as human hair and chicken feathers, which currently do not have significant commercial value and contribute to environmental pollution through disposal via incineration or landfills. Our technology involves the extraction of keratins from the organic waste streams mentioned, and fabricating various forms using solubilized keratins as the raw material. These materials have been shown to be cell compatible and evoke minimal host tissue response in animal studies. The templates we have developed represent a new class of alternative biomaterials which are functional and sustainable.  Keratin templates, derived from hair and feathers, exhibit a remarkable capability to tailor their mechanical properties, making them highly adaptable for various biomedical applications. These templates serve as promising scaffolds due to their tunable nature, allowing for the creation of structures with desired mechanical characteristics, crucial for supporting tissue regeneration and repair. In vitro studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these keratin templates by revealing robust cell proliferation and metabolic activity. Such findings underscore their compatibility with biological systems, indicating their potential for promoting tissue growth and regeneration. Furthermore, in vivo studies have provided encouraging results, showing no signs of acute inflammation and minimal host tissue response upon implantation. This suggests the biocompatibility of keratin templates, which is essential for their successful integration into living organisms. Moreover, the biodegradability of keratin templates enhances their appeal for biomedical applications, ensuring that they degrade naturally over time without causing harm or leaving behind residue. Overall, the versatility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of keratin templates derived from hair and feathers make them promising candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications, offering hope for advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Sponges as tissue fillers : These sponges are flexible, stable and degrade slowly through enzymatic digestion, hence making them suitable for use as tissue fillers. Gels for wound healing: These gels are stable and have a gradient structure which mimics the native skin structure. Antimicrobial elements can be incorporated, enhancing their suitability for wound healing applications. Fibers as sutures: These fibers are flexible, stable and degradable over time in vivo, hence making them an alternative absorbable suture that is made from renewal and sustainable raw materials. Films as cell carriers: These films are cell compatible and can be surface functionalized to enhance cell response. These materials provide a significant waste valorisation potential, and have been shown to be cell compatible and evoke minimal host tissue response in animal studies. They have excellent biological properties of keratins which makes it suitable for several biomedical applications. The technology provider is able  to produce a variety of keratin templates which can be produced for various application.  circular economy, biocompatible, biodegradable, sponges, gels, fibres, films, keratin Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotech Methods & Processes, Sustainability, Circular Economy
Robotic Actuators for Human-Robot Interaction
Cutting-edge researchers are developing mobile robots that can engage with individuals in ever-changing surroundings, where constant physical interaction occurs with people and the environment. The design of robots for physical Human-Robot Interaction is an exceptionally demanding task, as it necessitates the incorporation of highly responsive and self-aware movement, strong torque capabilities, and agility, all while ensuring dependable and safe operation. The robotic actuators presented here offer high dynamic efficiency and control bandwidth to enable the creation of agile and efficient robots. These actuators incorporate electric motors that produce high torque with greater efficiency, aiming to achieve human-tier capable robots for physical Human-Robot Interaction. The technology involves the development of higher torque electric motors with lower power consumption and weight. These are integrated into robotic actuators with high dynamic efficiency allowing smoother and easier speed control. These actuators enable responsive and self-aware movement, strong torque capabilities, and agility, ensuring dependable and safe operation for robots engaging in physical interaction with people and the environment. Specifications: Rated torque: 3.7 Nm @ 2 A, 48 VDC Peak torque: 12.5 Nm @ 14 A, 48 VDC Max speed @ Rated torque: 450 rpm @ 48 VDC Max speed @ Peak torque: 180 rpm @ 48 VDC Human-Robot Interaction actuators and electric motors have potential applications in various fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and service industries. It can be used to create advanced mobile robots capable of interacting with individuals in dynamic environments, assisting with tasks that require physical interaction and adaptability. Unparalleled dynamics: The actuator has an integrated 5:1 mechanical transmission, which allows it to boast best-in-class response, easier control, and impact absorption capacity.  Integrated Proprioception: It is fitted with a proprietary torque sensor capable of measuring external torques at a resolution down to 0.1 Nm.  Tailor-made digital products: The digital twin based design process allows faster response based on customer needs. The proprietary mechanical transmission has been designed to be inherently safe in the event of external torque overload. This improves physical safety of users and bystanders, whilst avoiding permanent damage to the actuator. The actuator is also available in different configurations to allow easier integration with existing solutions. Plug-and-Play version. This version comes with CNC-machined structural components made of 7075-T6 aluminium. An anodized layer ensures maximum electrical protection and wear resistance. High-precision, single-row, steel bearings provide an axial/radial load capacity of 1000N/1000N. Frameless version. This provides the strictly necessary - stator and rotor with a convenient mechanical interface for seamless integration. Robotics, Actuator, Human-Robot Interaction, Humanoid Electronics, Actuators, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics, Infocomm, Robotics & Automation
AI Solution for Safety Management in High-Risk Industries or Workspaces
High-risk industrial sectors, notably the chemical industry, frequently experience severe safety incidents during production. Traditional risk management approaches, heavily reliant on manual efforts, often suffer from inadequate supervision, incomplete coverage, and suboptimal control. Addressing these challenges, the tech provider offers an advanced solution combining artificial intelligence technologies such as computer vision, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics. By utilizing existing enterprise cameras and sophisticated algorithmic servers, it establishes a video-based intelligent analysis platform for hidden risk management. This platform enhances overall safety through comprehensive risk perception, proactive hazard identification, predictive warnings, and visual decision-making aids, aiming for widespread and intelligent safety management across high-risk industrial environments. The tech provider integrates AI technology with operational safety in high-risk sectors, developing over 160 bespoke algorithms to monitor the key elements of industrial safety production: people, equipment, environment, and workflows. Its solution includes: Industry-specific Small Sample Detection: Utilizing a Siamese Network structure trained on a mix of normal and abnormal data, their system achieves over 90% accuracy in identifying hazards in high-risk settings. Sequence Standard Action Verification with Transformers: Designed for real-world chemical production interactions, this feature uses Transformer network structures to robustly extract and verify sequence action features, ensuring over 95% detection accuracy in critical operations. Decision Support with Large-Scale Industrial Models and Knowledge Graphs: Combining a specialized industrial large language model with a multimodal knowledge graph, the tech provider facilitates advanced decision-making by leveraging text and visual data for comprehensive understanding. The tech provider significantly enhances safety management and operational processes across various high-risk industries including chemicals, oil fields, mining, power, steel, construction, and ports. Capabilities include: Safety Production Monitoring and Alerts: Supervising standard and temporary operations, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. Intelligent Equipment Monitoring: Identifying vehicle issues, equipment leaks, instrument readings, and potential sparks. This technology also extends to quality control, using AI-driven visual inspections to detect and categorize product defects, thus enhancing the precision of industrial quality assessments. The tech provider uniquely blends computer vision with operational safety in hazardous industries, offering a lightweight deployment solution for an "Active Safe Workplace". This system integrates multiple computer vision algorithms for real-time, thoughtful safety information processing, providing: 24/7 Continuous Monitoring: Its AI capabilities enable around-the-clock supervision across all camera feeds. Customizable Algorithms: With over 160 standardized algorithms, tailored developments are possible based on specific scene conditions and business needs. Highly Accurate and Rapid Deployment: Proven in numerous chemical industry applications, their algorithms are not only highly accurate but also quick to implement in new environments. The tech provider's advanced data-driven approach positions it at the forefront of industrial safety technology, facilitating smarter, safer operations across the board. Infocomm, Artificial Intelligence
Solar Reflective Aerogel Paint
Reducing heat transfer across surfaces within built environments and transportation units is critical for optimising energy efficiency in thermal comfort systems and mitigating associated costs and carbon emissions. Implementing measures to minimise heat transfer help maintain liveable thermal conditions and promote environmental sustainability. Some of the efficient methods for reducing heat transfer from the surrounding environment include reflecting solar radiation and providing thermal insulation to minimise heat conduction through surfaces. The technology offered here is a nano-engineered aerogel paint designed to reduce heat transfer across surfaces in the built environment. Unlike traditional solar reflectance paint that merely reflects sunlight, this paint actively minimises solar heat absorption, reducing the reliance on cooling and air conditioning systems and resulting in significant energy savings. Additionally, the paint provides excellent weather resistance and reduces maintenance costs by shielding against ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) emissions, moisture, algae, and fungal growth. Its superior coverage capabilities of up to 3 square meter per liter per coat further contribute to cost savings and ensure long-lasting protection for various surfaces. With a proven track record in increasing energy efficiency for containerised offices and refrigeration trucks, the technology owner is now seeking to expand into other applications through on-site testbedding and performance trials. These include warehouses and building rooftop insulation, enhancing data center energy efficiency, and numerous other potential applications. Eco-friendly water-based paint infused with aerogel powder delivering substantial energy and cost saving. Weather resistance, curbing maintenance expenses by shielding surfaces from UV and IR emissions, moisture, algae, and fungal growth. Offers solar reflectivity, insulation, and weatherproofing – a 3-in-1 solution for residential, commercial, and industrial use. Up to 87% solar reflectance per ASTM E-903. Up to 110 in solar reflective index. Ability to mitigate heat transfer through layers enhances its utility across diverse surfaces and applications. Lowering surface temperatures by 15-20 degC in a recent demonstration, which helps in reducing cooling loads and associated air conditioning costs by approximately 10%. Solar reflective aerogel paint addresses the growing need for increasing energy-efficiency in buildings, energy industry and sustainable construction practices, making it important for application in various industries such as: Containerised offices Commercial and industrial warehouses Residential buildings and housing developments Manufacturing facilities and production plants Data centres and server rooms Solar reflective aerogel paint enters a vibrant market shaped by significant growth projections and industry dynamics. With the Global Reflective Cooling Paint Market estimated at USD 673.60 million in 2023 and projected to reach USD 862.21 million by 2029, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.20%, there is a clear trend towards adopting energy-efficient solutions. This growth is fueled by a growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices and the critical role reflective cooling paints play in reducing heat absorption. As demand for such solutions continues to surge, aerogel paint's solar reflective, insulative, and weatherproof features are poised to meet the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors seeking effective and environmentally friendly coatings. Unlike existing products in the market that rely solely on solar reflection or insulating materials with potential drawbacks, the Solar reflective aerogel paint presents a distinct advantage by combining solar reflectivity, superior thermal insulation, and weatherproofing in a single paint formulation. This multifunctionality sets it apart from competitors that focus on only one aspect of thermal management. Aerogel, Solar Reflection, Paint, Heat Transfer Reduction, Energy Saving, Cost Reduction Materials, Nano Materials, Green Building, Façade & Envelope, Sustainability, Low Carbon Economy
A Robust Cell Manufacturing Bioprocess For Clinical Usage
Bioprocessing technologies used in scaling manufacturing production typically uses scale-up and scale-out approaches through microcarrier-based stirred tank bioreactors, wave bags or cell stackers and multi-layered flasks. However, during the research and development process of cell and gene therapies, there is a significant technical gap between basic research methods and these manufacturing process development, which causes problems such as increase in time and cost of the development process. Cell and Gene Therapy manufacturing is an emerging area in the biopharmaceutical industry that must overcome high barriers of resource, capacity, and cost constraints. Therefore, it is extremely important to consistently consider and design a culture process from R&D to commercialization as a closed system with a certain size of scale-up and automation.  This technology introduces a robust and economically viable culture process in a closed culture system which comprises of an automated cell culture medium change device that can be installed in commercial CO2 incubators, where the device is coupled with a patented microwell bag and V-shaped adhesion cell culture bag, capable of both spheroid culture (3D) and adhesion culture (2D). This novel technology has established a culture method that meets the requirements of clinical use by improving sterility, reproducibility, and operability, and produces a large number of uniform-sized clusters. The technology owner is seeking partnerships and collaborations with institutions, hospitals, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical firms.  This technology features three different components which can be applied separately or in combination with the automated cell culture system. 1. Spheroid culture bag designed in 2 measurements: A large scale 1,000cm2 (290 mm x 410 mm) surface area with a diameter of 350um and 650,000 wells at a volume of 200-800ml. A small scale 50cm2 (70 mm x 120 mm) surface area with a diameter of 500um and 18,000 wells at a volume of 10-20ml. Spheroid size can be controlled by changing the number of cells seeded. The microwells are treated with ultra-low adhesive substance to inhibit cell adhesion.  Spheroid culture bag has a dedicated holder that is portable, stackable and observable to prevent the movement of spheroids between microwells and inhibit formation of large aggregates. 2. Adhesion culture bag for adherent cells designed in 2 types of surfaces: A flat surface bag usable for microscopic observation. A V-shaped micro-patterned surface area enabling more than 3x of cells per unit area to achieve high density cell culture. A 1,000 cm2 bag would equate to an estimate of 3,000cm2 in area. The inner surface are treated to allow for cell adhesion. This adhesion bag can be applicable not only for cell therapy but also for small volume production of antibody, cytokine and proteins. 3. An automated closed culture medium change device adaptable to both spheroid and adhesion bags: It allows for microscopic observation under a closed system. It is patented in enabling precise pumping control of medium change rate by controlling liquid thickness.  For spheroid culture, it is possible to replace the entire medium while inhibiting the transfer of spheroids from one well to another.  Organoids for high-throughput drug dosing tiration testing.  High-throughput drug efficacy and toxicity screening.  Restructuring of organoids.  Cell therapies using adherent cells such as Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).  Cell differentiation from ES or iPS cells  Mass production of cells for in vivo mice studies injection. The development of new manufacturing technologies and processes that can scale up the production of cell therapies while maintaining quality and reducing costs is a critical factor driving market growth. The global allogeneic cell therapy market was valued at USD 255.6 million in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.40% from 2023 to 2030 (Research and Markets). A major driver of this growth is the increasing incidence of chronic diseases that can be addressed with allogenic cell therapies. The stem cell therapies segment, particularly allogenic stem cell therapies, dominated the market with the largest share in 2022 due to their widespread application in treating blood cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders. The non-stem cell therapies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 31.32% by 2030 (Grand View Research). The market size of this technology extends beyond the field of cell therapy manufacturing as it can be widely used for drug discovery screening and mass production of spheroids and organoids in other applicable areas including cultivated meat cultures. UVP of the culture bag:  This technology's patent stems in the design of a culture vessel with a high gas permeable film engineered with different layers of film at a specific thickness ratio, enabling efficient gaseous exchange of O2 and CO2 which is superior to conventional plastic vessels and reduces plastic wastage. The material of the film allows passing of culture gas but does not allow passing of microorganism which contaminates the cell. The size of the bags can be designed according to the purpose of culture. The culture bags has been proven safe and tested to use for clinical and manufacturing grade. Test conducted includes cytotoxicity, endotoxin, sterility, leachables and extractables. This novel microwell culture bag product has provided a superior alternative method for cell clustering.  UVP of the spheroid culture bag: The spheroid culture bag has been optimized in its height to ensure consistent production of homogenous uniformed cell clusters while affirming that diameter does not affect cluster uniformity. The spheroid culture bag exhibits user-friendly operability. Firstly, it allows easy removal of air bubbles in microwells. By simply setting the bag in the holder and incubating overnight, air bubbles can be removed by specific pressure (200-400kgf/m2) applied by the pressing plate holder during incubation. Secondly, formed spheroids can be easily recovered from the bag without pipetting by simply turning the bag upside down. Thirdly, almost all clusters (>99% of total number of cells) after culturing could be collected. Lastly, the microwell bag consistently produces uniform sized clusters.  UVP of the adhesion culture bag: Since the culture area is about three times larger than that of flat substrates, it is possible to perform adhesive culture at three times higher density. In addition, after treating cell detachment solution, cells can be detached without pipetting. The bag volume is smaller than that of rigid culture vessels, saving space during stocking, culturing and disposing.  Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Cell Therapy Manufacturing, Bioprocessing, Culture bag, Automated Cell Culture Device, Gas Permeable Film, Uniform Cell Clusters, Spheriods and Organoids, Adherent Cells, Microwell Cell Culture Materials, Plastics & Elastomers, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics, Life Sciences, Industrial Biotech Methods & Processes
Capitalising On Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG)
Only 20% of actual coffee is extracted from beans to produce coffee in its beverage form, leaving the remaining 80% (six million tons annually) deemed as spent coffee grounds (SCG) to be disposed or used in landfills or as non-food product components to make fertilisers, furniture, deodorisers or skin care products. A technology was created to counteract SCG wastage and valorise it for human consumption. This particular invention comprises of methodologies to create two types of ingredients using leftover SCG - oil-grind and water-grind processed SCG. A simple, reproducible method of conching is employed to convert leftover SCG into smooth pastes, where specific conching parameters help refine the SCG to an acceptable particle size, eliminating grittiness in numerous valorised products similar to SCG. The product utilises common ingredients like oil and water to conche SCG with improved taste and textural properties. The shelf stability and nutritional composition (including caffeine) of the ingredients were also validated to ensure the food possessed good sensorial properties and are scale up ready. This technology increases SCG’s potential use as a versatile ingredient in different food applications. The technology provider is seeking off-takers from food manufacturers, food services industry, companies interested to valorise side streams to turn SCG into edible compounds. Technology Features: Uses reproducible method of conching into a functional ingredient with high insoluble dietary fibre (13g/100g) content. Fibre content is higher than instant coffee powder (<1g/100g) and coffee flavourings (0g/100g) and Lower caffeine levels (133mg/100g) compared to regular coffee (3600mg/100g) and is similar to decaffeinated beverages Sodium (<3mg/100g) and sugar free (<0.1g/100g)  Additive free (clean label) Specifications: SCG with particle size ranging between 4.82µm D(v,0.1) to 39.3 µm D[4,3] Moisture content 58.6% The technology was validated by incorporating SCG ingredients into a range of common food products such as beverages and ice cream (water-grind SCG), spreads and chocolate (oil-grind SCG) to help relevant food industries gain a deeper understanding of SCG valorisation, for a greater adoption among food manufacturers to create products using SCG. Can be developed into Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages, coffee ice cream, coffee spreads and confectionary (e.g. chocolates and cakes) Companies specialising in upcycling sidestreams and sustainability can explore this technology   Coffee consumption in Singapore increased by 4.8% in the last seven years with 105000, 60kg bags of coffee consumed in 2023 and the market is growing. There is a global push to reduce food side streams and Singapore's Zero Waste Masterplan on the treatment of such side streams by commercial and industrial generators, which aligns with the proposition of this technology. Similar technologies such as these may not be as cost effective. The technology uses basic ingredients such as water and oil and is easily reproducible. It does not involve high CAPEX investment or vigorous training processes that disrupts production process. Conching machines are commercially available, and the licensee can choose to purchase the equipment based on their production scale requirements. The conching process is easy to pick up. In addition, replacing coffee flavouring agents with SCG, customers can benefit from the natural and functional coffee flavour and caffeine SCG imparts into all the food applications. The product is rich in insoluble fibre which can help to regulate blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Caffeine is known to stimulate the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the body, which can improve cognitive abilities (e.g. alertness, reaction time). Coffee, Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG), valorisation, water-grind SCG, oil-grind SCG, scale-up, accelerated shelf-life evaluation, food safety and quality, food industries, technology adoption Foods, Ingredients, Processes, Waste Management & Recycling, Food & Agriculture Waste Management