COMPAACT: Condensed Micro-Particle Amino Acid Technology

In Phase I, Oceanit developed a two-step process for encapsulating high levels (>80%) of essential amino acids (EAAs) to improve palatability for consumer acceptance and stability for high bioavailability called Condensed Micro-Particle Amino Acid Technology (COMPAACT). The condensed nature of COMPAACT allows for immediate delivery of EAAs in smaller food rations, offering potential for meals-ready-to-eat (MRE), first strike rations (FSR) and modular operational rations enhancement (MORE) products to be lighter weight, saving on storage space and cost with logistics. Higher bioavailability of raw amino acids and protein hydrolysates offers faster digestion for maintaining net protein balance and stimulating the synthesis of new proteins that aid in muscle recovery. Phase I efforts were not deemed adequate in achieving the goals of neutral taste-masking, pathogen-free food processing, nor final composition of over 80% EAAs in the encapsulated product. A root cause analysis at the end of the project highlighted multiple reasons and theories for these inadequacies that will be addressed in technical development during Phase II. Oceanit has the necessary tools, facilities, staffing and collaborators to test new processing practices to achieve superior encapsulation of the essential amino acids.  Once the target performance metrics are achieved, Oceanit will leverage its experience in FAST manufacturing to optimize processing and scale the COMPAACT formulation at the end of Phase II to deliver a target of 20 kg of food-safe powder with scientific data to support a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notification to FDA. Key milestones for Phase II are:Optimization of ingredients and processing steps, shifting from agglomeration to Wurster Fluidized Bed Coating to fully encapsulate and eliminate the bitter taste of problem EAAs and improve sterility during processing for food-safe products.Rapid characterization and stability analysis of EAAs in formulation trials to understand and circumvent degradation of EAAs in order to achieve a target of >80% EAA.Successful food-safe research trials at Coating Place and HB Taylor FDA registered facilities. HB Taylor has spray dry capabilities, while Coating Place has Wurster Fluidized Bed Coaters.  This food-safe material will be provided to our STTR partner, Washington State University (WSU), for human panel sensory testing.The shelf-life of the down-selected COMPAACT food product will be tested for stability at 120°F for 1 month and 100 °F for 6 months. Bioavailability of amino acids will also be studied before and after addition to any selected food items to ensure nutritional functionality of the final product. A solid commercialization strategy will aid in scaling of COMPACCT at FSMA compliant and SQF qualified facilities, cost/risk assessment and market outreach to pivot from R&D to a TRL of 7-8. Completion of a Food Safety Plan that will provide data for future GRAS application of COMPAACT.