High pressure processing (HPP) is a pasteurization method by which parasitic and microbial contaminants (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) are deactivated with pressure rather than heat. Also known as pascalization, HPP provides many benefits over traditional pasteurization techniques. It not only effectively pasteurizes food samples while preserving their nutritional quality, flavor and texture (elements often diminished or otherwise negatively affected when exposed to high temperatures), but it can lyse cells and reduce the particle size of substances, as well, making it especially valuable for industries beyond the food and beverage one. Here’s a quick run-down of what you need to know about high pressure processing equipment:
HPP Equipment Applications
As mentioned, high pressure processing equipment can be (and is!) used for more than pasteurizing food items. In addition to extending the shelf life, quality and appearance of food products for the food and beverage industry, HPP equipment also helps the chemical, biotech and pharmaceutical industries (among others) process and maintain their own samples with maximum results.
HPP Equipment Benefits by Industry
High pressure processing equipment (or “homogenizers,” for short) allow different industries different advantages:
Food and Beverage Industry
For the food and beverage industry, HPP equipment permits simultaneous pasteurization and homogenization, breaking apart and thoroughly mixing a sample while at the same time destroying all of its pathogens so that final food products last longer, taste better and have more nutrients than those processed via other means.
Chemical Industry
In chemical applications, HPP equipment helps to create more stable emulsions and dispersions by effectuating a tighter distribution of smaller-sized particles, increasing the surface area of a sample’s particles so that improved chemical reactions can occur more quickly and without the disruption of existing particle morphologies or the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Specifically, HPP equipment can aid in the manufacture of acrylic and solvent-based polymers, adhesives and pastes, carbon nanotubes and more.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry uses HPP equipment in order to tailor the mixing process across all stages of a drug’s development: R&D, clinical trials, FDA approval and manufacturing. With BEE International homogenizers, specifically, researchers and manufacturers alike can vary the forces applied to each product formulation, ensuring micro and nano emulsions and dispersions that guarantee longer shelf life, better bioavailability and increased digestibility (where indicated). Our high pressure processing equipment also includes proprietary software and customizable features, making it easier for our customers to modify their research and production procedures no matter the sample size, and ensuring reliable and consistent results in fewer passes that always scale up when necessary.
Biotech Industry
And because the biotech industry uses living organisms to make products, biotech companies often need high pressure processing equipment to help them rupture cell membranes without compromising cell contents. Too often, chemical or other mechanical cell lysis methods (like freezing or autoclaving), can either destroy essential cell components and/or be too time consuming to be beneficial in any way. High pressure homogenizers allow them to work with microorganisms, as well as plant and animal tissues, effectively breaking down cellular walls and reducing particle size so that the integrity of the cells is always maintained.
The Bottom Line
High pressure processing equipment can save companies valuable time and countless resources, advantages that also save them money! At BEE International, our proprietary homogenizing systems have the added benefit of being fully customizable, further compounding their efficiency and making them compatible with any industry needing to break apart and/or mix substances. Contact our team to learn more.
You might also wish to download our free eBook, “7 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cell Lysis Method,” for additional tips on matching your needs with the right high pressure processing equipment.
