Mano-Thermo-Sonication: Synergies in Ultrasonic Processing
Sonication is a non-thermal processing technique used for numerous applications such as homogenization, emulsification, dispersion, extraction and preservation in food, pharma, biology, chemistry and material science. The use of ultrasound alone is a very efficient processing method and completes processing tasks effectively in a short treatment – especially when compared with alternative techniques. When combined with pressure and/or heat, synergies between these treatment forms can intensify the sonication process. Learn more about mano-sonication and mano-thermo-sonication and explore how these processing techniques can improve your production!
Sonication as Non-Thermal Processing Technique
Probe-type sonication is a non-thermal processing method primarily used in food, pharmaceutical, and biological applications. Typical application of sonicators include homogenization, mixing, emulsification, extraction of bioactive compounds, and encapsulation of active ingredients. Unlike traditional thermal methods that rely on heat for processing, probe-type sonication generates mechanical waves to achieve various effects. When the sonication method is applied, acoustic or ultrasonic cavitation bubbles are generated in the medium. Ultrasonic cavitation creates intense forces that break particle, droplets and cellular structures down, provide intense mixing and assists thereby manifold processes such as homogeneous mixing, botanical extraction or liposomal encapsulation.
The closed batch reactor made from stainless steel is equipped with the ultrasonicator UIP2000hdT (2kW, 20kHz).
Synergistic Effects in Ultrasonic Processing
Thermo-Sonication, Mano-Sonication and Mano-Thermo-Sonication are process techniques that leverage ultrasonic waves for various applications, especially in the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, and biological processes.
Both Mano-Sonication and Thermo-Mano-Sonication highlight the synergistic effects of ultrasonic waves and temperature in various processes, providing efficient and selective means for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biological systems.
Thermo-Sonication
Definition: Thermo-sonication refers to a process that combines both thermal and ultrasonic effects for various applications, especially in the field of material science and chemistry. Mano-Sonication involves the simultaneous application of ultrasonic waves and heat to a substance or material. A typical application is the pasteurization of liquid foods such as milk, liquid eggs or beverages. Whilst pasteruization by heat alone requires very high temperatures, the combination of ultrasound and heat allows to use lower temperatures preserving nutrients and flavours.
Mano-Sonication
Definition: Mano-Sonication involves the simultaneous application of ultrasonic waves and pressure to a medium.
Ultrasonic waves induce acoustic cavitation, which is characterized by the formation microbubbles, shockwaves, and liquid streaming. The combination of ultrasound and pressure enhances the disruptive effects of cavitation, facilitating processes like particle deagglomeration, cell disruption, emulsification, and extraction.
Mano-Thermo-Sonication
Definition: Mano-thermo-sonication (MTS) or Thermo-Mano-Sonication or is a technology that efficiently combines the effects of pressure, heat and power ultrasound. Combining the benefits of ultrasonic, thermal treatment under elevated pressures, mano-thermo-sonication is a highly efficient processing technique used especially in food, pharma, and material science. This combination of physical forces intensifies processes significantly and achieves unique results.
Under elevated pressures, the burst of cavitation bubbles becomes drastically more violent and intense.
The controlled heating during sonication allows for efficacious processing without causing significant thermal degradation. The heat can be adjusted to the suitable temperature level, which is beneficial for the process and non-destructive to the substances and materials treated.
Scale up of mano-thermo-sonication: from laboratory equipment UIP1000hdT (A) to pilot scale equipment UIP4000hdT (B, C & D). On picture D is schematized a transversal section of the ultrasonic flow cell FC100K.
picture and study: ©Vernès et al. 2019
Working Mechanism: Power Ultrasound and Acoustic Cavitation for Non-Thermal Processing
Ultrasonically generated cavitation involves the formation, growth, and collapse of microscopic bubbles within the liquid. As these bubbles collapse, they release energy in the form of shock waves and microjets. This mechanical energy is utilized for processes such as cell disruption, emulsification, and particle size reduction without relying on elevated temperatures.
In the context of food, pharmaceuticals, and biological materials, probe-type sonication offers several advantages such as reduced processing time, preservation of heat-sensitive compounds, and minimal damage to delicate structures. The non-thermal nature of this technique helps maintain the integrity of bioactive compounds, enzymes, and other sensitive components in these applications, which is essential when it comes to pharmaceutical, food and nutritional supplement production.
High-Performance Sonicators for Process Intensification
Hielscher Ultrasonics designs, manufactures and supplies probe-type sonicators for non-thermal liquid processing as well as for manosonication, thermosonication and thermo-mano-sonication. The extensive product portfolio of Hielscher Ultrasonics offer the optimal ultrasonic processor for your application. Whether you need to sonicate small vials or lab beakers, want to process on pilot scale or manufacture continuously large volume streams, Hielscher has the ideal sonicator for your processing requirements!
Pressurizable reactors and flow cells, equipped with heating- or cooling-jackets allow for hazzle-free exploitation of synergies between power ultrasound, pressure, and/or heat.
Read more about Hielscher Sonicators for Lab and Production!
- high efficiency
- state-of-the-art technology
- reliability & robustness
- adjustable, precise process control
- batch & inline
- for any volume
- intelligent software
- smart features (e.g., programmable, data protocolling, remote control)
- easy and safe to operate
- low maintenance
- CIP (clean-in-place)
Probe-type sonicator UIP6000hdT with pressurizable flow cell. A heating-/ cooling-jacket allows to sonicate at elevated or lowered temperatures.
Design, Manufacturing and Consulting – Quality Made in Germany
Hielscher ultrasonicators are well-known for their highest quality and design standards. Robustness and easy operation allow the smooth integration of our ultrasonicators into industrial facilities. Rough conditions and demanding environments are easily handled by Hielscher ultrasonicators.
Hielscher Ultrasonics is an ISO certified company and put special emphasis on high-performance ultrasonicators featuring state-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness. Of course, Hielscher ultrasonicators are CE compliant and meet the requirements of UL, CSA and RoHs.
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Literature / References
- A. Meullemiestre, C. Breil, M. Abert-Vian, F. Chemat (2017): Manothermosonication as a useful tool for lipid extraction from oleaginous microorganisms. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Volume 37, 2017. 216-221.
- Chemat, F., Rombaut, N., Sicaire, A. G., Meullemiestre, A., Fabiano-Tixier, A. S., & Abert-Vian, M. (2017): Ultrasound assisted extraction of food and natural products. Mechanisms, techniques, combinations, protocols and applications. A review. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 34, 2017. 540-560.
- Bermúdez-Aguirre, D., Mobbs, T., Barbosa-Cánovas, G.V. (2011): Ultrasound Applications in Food Processing. In: Feng, H., Barbosa-Canovas, G., Weiss, J. (eds) Ultrasound Technologies for Food and Bioprocessing. Food Engineering Series. Springer, New York, NY.
- Yusaf, T. (2015): Evaluating the effect of heat transfer on cell disruption in ultrasound processes. Annals of Microbiology 65, 2015. 1447–1456.
- Vernès, Léa; Vian, Maryline; Maâtaoui, Mohamed; Tao, Yang; Bornard, Isabelle; Chemat, Farid (2019): Application of ultrasound for green extraction of proteins from spirulina. Mechanism, optimization, modeling, and industrial prospects. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 54, 2017.
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers for mixing applications, dispersion, emulsification and extraction on lab, pilot and industrial scale.
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers from lab to industrial size.