Technological Innovations In The Development Of Microparticulate Feeds For Marine Suspension Feeders

Aspects of the design of microparticulate particles for aquatic suspension feeders are discussed in respect to the feeding and digestion physiology of crustacea and bivalves as well as the difficulties in nutrient delivery in the aquatic medium. Nutrients must be retained by the particles while in suspension and yet be readily released in the gut of the animal after ingestion. Thus diffusion of nutrients from particles in suspension must be minimized by either trapping the nutrients in gel matrices or by encapsulation of nutrients within impermeable wall materials. The gel matrix or capsule wall material must be readily broken down by the animal so as to release the trapped dietary components.