The University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering (Cucei) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, has announced a groundbreaking method developed by scientists over the course of 10 years that can convert human milk into milk powder while retaining all its beneficial properties for up to two years. Blanca Rosa Aguilar Uscanga, from the Cucei Human Milk Research Laboratory, explained that this unique spray method can transform one liter of human milk into 80 grams of powder, preserving over 80 percent of its nutrients.
The goal of this method is to find a way to conserve human milk while maintaining its nutritional and biological properties, as well as ensuring its sanitary quality for infant consumption. Proteins such as immunoglobulin and lactoferrin, carbohydrates, enzymes, living cells, and other essential components are preserved in the milk powder created through this process. Unlike other methods like freeze-drying or pasteurization, the spray drying process used at Cucei does not compromise the quality of the nutrients naturally present in human milk.
The powdered human milk can be stored in airtight envelopes or jars at room temperature for up to two years without losing its nutrients. To convert human milk into powder, a device is used to transform the liquid into an aerosol before converting it into powder. Cucei provides a lactation room on its campus where up to three mothers can express their milk in a hygienic and comfortable environment. This service is not limited to the university community, and anyone can come and request the extraction and drying service for a fee.
Overall, the development of this method at Cucei represents a significant advancement in the preservation and utilization of human milk for infant nutrition.