Accurate characterization of particles dispersed in foods, beverages, nutraceutical formulations and food-contact materials is becoming increasingly important for product quality, regulatory compliance and consumer safety. Particle size distribution, concentration and optical properties influence texture, stability, appearance, shelf life and ingredient performance in emulsions, suspensions and complex liquid formulations. Classizer™ ONE, based on the patented SPES technology, enables advanced single-particle characterization, supporting food formulation development, quality control and packaging safety evaluation through rapid and reliable multiparametric analysis.
Example of application: mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a complex oil-in-water emulsion whose quality depends on the size, concentration and stability of the dispersed oil droplets. Using Classizer™ ONE, manufacturers can characterize particle populations throughout formulation development and quality control. A conventional mayonnaise exhibits an effective refractive index close to 1.48, matching the expected composition, while an oil-modified recipe generates two optically distinct particle populations that are clearly separated within the EOS CLOUDS representation. Beyond simple particle sizing, SPES technology provides information on particle size distribution, optical properties and concentration, helping optimize emulsion stability, texture, processing consistency and long-term product quality.
OIL-MODIFIED MAYO. Two distinct populations are observed with different optical properties.
Example of application: probiotics analysis
Modern probiotic formulations frequently contain live bacterial cultures together with excipients such as micronized cellulose, making particle characterization particularly challenging. In the analysed Bacillus clausii formulation, Classizer™ ONE identifies two distinct particle populations corresponding to probiotic microorganisms and cellulose particles without relying solely on average particle size. The EOS CLOUDS visualization independently classifies, counts and characterizes each population according to particle size distribution, optical fingerprint and numerical concentration. This detailed multiparametric analysis supports formulation optimization, batch consistency, quality assurance and verification of complex probiotic products throughout development and manufacturing.
Example of application: particles release from food containers
Food-contact materials are increasingly evaluated for the possible release of nano- and microplastic particles into beverages and liquid foods. Using Classizer™ ONE, submicrometric particles released from polypropylene containers can be measured and characterized according to particle size distribution, effective refractive index and optical properties. Experimental results demonstrate negligible particle release under the manufacturer’s recommended conditions, while elevated temperatures generate significantly larger particle populations extending from approximately 200 nm to 2 μm. This approach provides valuable analytical support for packaging validation, food safety studies, regulatory investigations and the development of safer food-contact materials.
