Why Micro-Encapsulation?
In recent years a wide range of bio-actives eg; probiotics, antioxidants have been have been identified and developed to improve Health & Wellness and help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. These bio-actives are typically very fragile and face numerous challenges in the supply chain
Some challenges that bio-actives face include:
They can oxidise or be damaged by heat or moisture during processing and storage.
They can be destroyed by stomach acids.
Bio-actives may also not be compatible with other ingredients in the formulation
They may bestow an unpleasant taste.
As a result, their ability to deliver the consumer health benefit is compromised; either because people wont consume them regularly or they are damaged or destroyed before they reach the target site in the body.
For these bio-actives to work, effective delivery systems are required and this is where micro-encapsulation plays a vital role
Micro-encapsulation involves protecting tiny particles of the bio-active within a coating to create a microscopic capsule. This capsule protects the bio-active from a wide range of environmental conditions and ensures it is released at an appropriate time and site within the body.
Benefits of micro-encapsulation include:
Flavour masking
Increased stability of the bio-active
Enhanced dispersibility
Targeted release
Enhanced bio-availability
This allows the creation of:
Improved version of existing bio-active based consumer products offering significantly improved consumer health benefits
Completely new to the world products eg; Ambient temperature stable beverages with live probiotics
Why Micro-Encapsulation?
In recent years a wide range of bio-actives eg; probiotics, antioxidants have been have been identified and developed to improve Health & Wellness and help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. These bio-actives are typically very fragile and face numerous challenges in the supply chain
Some challenges that bio-actives face include:
They can oxidise or be damaged by heat or moisture during processing and storage.
They can be destroyed by stomach acids.
Bio-actives may also not be compatible with other ingredients in the formulation
They may bestow an unpleasant taste.
As a result, their ability to deliver the consumer health benefit is compromised; either because people wont consume them regularly or they are damaged or destroyed before they reach the target site in the body.
Benefits of micro-encapsulation include:
Flavour masking
Increased stability of the bio-active
Enhanced dispersibility
Targeted release
Enhanced bio-availability
This allows the creation of:
Improved version of existing bio-active based consumer products offering significantly improved consumer health benefits
Completely new to the world products eg; Ambient temperature stable beverages with live probiotics
For these bio-actives to work, effective delivery systems are required and this is where micro-encapsulation plays a vital role
Micro-encapsulation involves protecting tiny particles of the bio-active within a coating to create a microscopic capsule. This capsule protects the bio-active from a wide range of environmental conditions and ensures it is released at an appropriate time and site within the body.