Encapsulation of sensitive components into a matrix to obtain discrete shelf-stable particles

US6500463B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• General Mills, Inc. · US

Inventor

• Bernhard H. van Lengerich · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 31, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 1, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12N11/10
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A solid active, sensitive encapsulant and/or a liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, is admixed with at least one plasticizable matrix material, a matrix component which is substantially non-plasticizable at temperatures lower than the decomposition temperature of the encapsulant and which increases the rate of release of the encapsulant from the matrix, and a liquid plasticizer to obtain a formable, extrudable, cuttable, mixture or dough. The matrix material is plasticized by the liquid plasticizer and the encapsulation of the active encapsulant, such as a live microorganism or an enzyme, 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 formable mixture may be obtained without or substantially no cooking or gelatinizing of the matrix ingredients. A solid encapsulant may be dry-blended with the plasticizable matrix material and the substantially non-plasticizable matrix material, followed by plasticization of the plasticizable matrix material.