Method for the embedding and encapsulation of components

Abstract

Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and / or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant. A release-rate controlling component is incorporated into the matrix to control the rate of release of the encapsulant from the particles. The additional component may be a hydrophobic component or a high water binding capacity component for extending the release time. The plasticizable matrix material, such as starch, is admixed with at least one plasticizer, such as water, and at least one release-rate controlling component under low shear mixing conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass. The plasticizer content is substantially reduced and the temperature of the plasticized mass are substantially reduced prior to admixing the plasticized mass with the encapsulant to avoid substantial destruction of the encapsulant and to obtain a formable, extrudable mixture. The mixture is extruded through a die without substantial or essentially no expansion and cut into discrete, relatively dense particles. Release properties may also be controlled by precoating the encapsulant and / or coating the extrudate particles with a film-forming component.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and / or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]in encapsulating a component in a matrix, the matrix material is generally heated to a sufficiently high temperature to provide a plasticized mass which facilitates coating of the component. Upon cooling, the matrix material hardens or becomes solidified and protects the encapsulant from undesirable or premature reaction. However, heating of the matrix to plasticize it or to form a melt may deleteriously affect or decompose the encapsulant as well as the matrix material. Additionally, the mixing or high shear used to disperse the encapsulant uniformly throughout the plasticized matrix material may likewise adversely affect the matrix material or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a continuous process for producing controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and / or embedded component. The process involves plasticizing a matrix material upon heating and mixing it with an active component without substantially destroying the active component. The process can be used to encapsulate heat-sensitive components, readily oxidizable components, or pharmaceutically or biologically active components without substantially destroying their activity. The products can be used for direct consumption or incorporation into food products. The process provides a high degree of control over the release properties of the final product. The addition of a hydrophobic agent or other ingredient to control the flow, diffusion, or distribution of water or aqueous-based compositions within the final product particles can also be employed. The process can be used to encapsulate matrix materials with a plasticizer and then remove excess moisture to achieve a more uniform product. The resulting particles have a reduced moisture content and lower temperature, which makes them easier to form and control the release of the encapsulant. The process can also be used to precoat the particles with a coating material to further control the release properties of the encapsulant.

Problems solved by technology

Subsequent removal of at least part of the water prior to adding the encapsulant provides excessive drying or evaporation of the plasticizing liquid which may adversely affect the encapsulant content.

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