A liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, such as a live
microorganism or an
enzyme dissolved or dispersed in a liquid
plasticizer is admixed with a plasticizable matrix material. The matrix material is plasticizable by the liquid
plasticizer and the encapsulation of the active encapsulant is accomplished at a low temperature and under low shear conditions. The
active component is encapsulated and / or embedded in the plasticizable matrix component or material in a continuous process to produce discrete,
solid particles. The
liquid content of the liquid encapsulant component provides substantially all or completely all of the liquid
plasticizer needed to plasticize the matrix component to obtain a formable, extrudable, cuttable, mixture or dough. Removal of liquid plasticizer prior to
extrusion is not needed to adjust the
viscosity of the mixture for
formability. Release of an
active component from the matrix may be delayed or controlled over time so that the
active component is delivered when and where it is needed to perform its intended function.
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.