초록 ▼

Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive destruction or readily oxidizable pharnaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix o

Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive destruction or readily oxidizable pharnaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix or encapsulant. A release-rate controlling component is incorporated into the matrix to control the rate of release 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 is 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 though 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 extruded particles with a film-forming component.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for continuously encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:a. admixing at least one plasticizable matrix material with at least one plasticizer and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of an encapsulant, said admixing bei

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for continuously encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:a. admixing at least one plasticizable matrix material with at least one plasticizer and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of an encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the at least one plasticizable material and to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized mass,b. reducing the plasticizer content of said plasticized mass,c. reducing the temperature of the plasticized mass to obtain a cooled, plasticized mass,d. admixing at least one encapsulant with said cooled, plasticized mass to obtain a formable mixture, said admixing being under low shear mixing conditions at a plasticized mass temperature which avoids substantial thermal destruction of said at least one encapsulant,e. extruding said formable mixture through a die to obtain an extrudate, andf. cutting said extrudate into pieces.