1. Producing micro-size beads from alginate Principle and equipment

2. Principle Alginate solution + divalent cations (Ca, Ba, etc.) = solidified matrix (gel-like material). If alginate solution is forced into a Micro-droplet shape, the result will be a micro-solid bead (sphere).

3. …If your experiment requires quantities of micro-beads… You will find production by hand very tiresome, especially when hard beads are needed when using highly viscous alginate solutions. Some equipment is needed

4. Equipment for producing micro-beads (100-200  m dia.) This is essentially a metal sprayer with a very small nozzle. Droplets form from the internal pressure and are solidified by the calcium solution.

5. In reality, the device looks like this. Aircompressor Air filter Cartridge Microbe filter Bacteria culture + alginate solution Stirred plate

6. A look at the parts; Cartridge, the “heart” of the system Copper tube Air inlet Bacteria culture + alginate solution Exit nuzzle

7. Filters, keeps everything clean and non-contaminated Metal tube filled with glass wool Standard microbe filter Air flow

8. Nozzle forms the microbeads. Micro-drop formation Compressed air

9. Formation of microbeads, step by step… Clean, pressurized air stream sucks liquid from flask. Micro-droplets exit from the narrow nozzle. Micro-droplets are formed separately during trajectory into collection pan. Bacteria culture + alginate solution Stream of droplets

10. And again from a different angle Stream of droplets Bacteria culture + alginate solution To the container

11. As the micro-droplets hit the calcium chloride solution, they immediately form micro-beads. The usually transparent micro-beads were colored for this demonstration. CaCl 2 Micro-beads are formed instantly. Stream of droplets Rotary shaker (not shown) shakes container.

12. Micro-beads after formation And, if you look at the circle close enough …

13. You can see the micro-beads

14. One option for drying micro-beads

15. Microphoto of micro-beads attached to wheat seeds before sowing. Natural color Artificially colored for demonstration Wheat seed Micro-beads

16. Other applications? “The sky is the limit.” Use your imagination.

17. Some unexpected benefits: Procedure requires very little human or electrical energy.Procedure requires very little human or electrical energy. This is a new technology and described in respected scientific journals, so your “brilliant” paper will not be rejected for using an untried method.This is a new technology and described in respected scientific journals, so your “brilliant” paper will not be rejected for using an untried method. As an environmentally-friendly technology, it will make you look good.As an environmentally-friendly technology, it will make you look good. Production is fast, which gives you time for an evening at the movies or lounging in front of the TV.Production is fast, which gives you time for an evening at the movies or lounging in front of the TV. Have fun…..Have fun…..