Abstract: A method of solidifying a fluid comprising a material into an oriented film. The method includes pumping the fluid into a channel at an input end thereof at a predetermined pressure sufficient to push the material to an output end of the channel. The channel is at least partially defined by a substantially smooth outer surface of an inner tube and a substantially smooth inner surface of an outer tube. The method also includes subjecting the material to laminar shear at a predetermined rate by rotating one of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to the other. The predetermined rate is selected to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film. Also, the method includes cooling the material at a predetermined rate as the material moves through the channel from the input end to the output end to promote solidification of the fluid into the oriented film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellular solid structure which can be used to structure an oil-water mixture into a semi-solid state. The invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of food products, such as margarine-like spreads, other spreads and dips and dairy-like products such as whipped toppings and creamy fillings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellular solid structure which can be used to structure an oil-water mixture into a semi-solid state. The invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of food products, drug delivery agents, coatings, barrier films and encapsulating media.