Encapsulation of microbial, plant and animal cells or biological or chemical substances in spherical particles, may be used e.g. in immobilization of catalysts and enzymes

摘要

Vibrating immobilizing mixture to divide it into particles of equal size is new. An Independent claim is included for the corresponding equipment comprising nozzle (16) and electrode ring (18), which is spaced (a) from it. The ring surrounds the nozzle axis and is connected to a high voltage source (30) Preferred features: The immobilizing mixture is dispensed as a laminar fluid jet, the vibrations being superimposed in a pulsation chamber. The nozzle is vibrated at frequencies in the range 300-4000 Hz. The spherical particles are charged in an electrical field, to repel one another. Below the electrode and above a hardening bath, the particles are driven apart, forming a conical shower. The potential between nozzle and electrode is 200-1600 volts. By changing the position and geometry of the electrode, inter-particle repulsion is varied. Oscillations are induced in the nozzle, using a coil and permanent magnet with air gap.