Abstract:
The invention is directed to a seamless alginate capsule having a film encapsulating a fill material, in which the film comprises alginate, noncrystallizing plasticizer, and glycerol and in which a ratio by weight of noncrystallizing plasticizer to glycerol in the film is between about 1 :1 and about 8:1. The invention is also directed to a method of making the seamless alginate capsules and to capsules made by the method. The capsules have excellent breaking strength and are resistant to oxidation of the fill material.
Abstract:
A gastro-activated dietary fiber comprising an insoluble polysaccharide salt and use of the gastro-activated dietary fiber in ingestible products. The gastro- activated dietary fibers may include salts of biopolymers such as alginates, carrageenans and pectins that are insoluble in water and exhibit minimal or no swelling in water. The water swelling ratio of the gastro-activated dietary fiber may 15 or less. The gastro-activation of the dietary fiber may be induced by exposure to an acidic pH of 3 or less for at least 15 minutes. Ingestible compositions containing the gastro-activated dietary fiber solubilize and provide a viscosity increase in the digestive tract as a result of activation of the dietary fiber by natural excretions of the small intestine which induce gelation of the dietary fiber. Beneficial health effects are potentially obtained by the provision of dietary fiber in this manner, without the usual disadvantages of reduced palatability and poor mouthfeel that are associated with soluble fiber-containing ingestible compositions.
Abstract:
A gastro-activated dietary fiber comprising an insoluble polysaccharide salt and use of the gastro-activated dietary fiber in ingestible products. The gastro- activated dietary fibers may include salts of biopolymers such as alginates, carrageenans and pectins that are insoluble in water and exhibit minimal or no swelling in water. The water swelling ratio of the gastro-activated dietary fiber may 15 or less. The gastro-activation of the dietary fiber may be induced by exposure to an acidic pH of 3 or less for at least 15 minutes. Ingestible compositions containing the gastro-activated dietary fiber solubilize and provide a viscosity increase in the digestive tract as a result of activation of the dietary fiber by natural excretions of the small intestine which induce gelation of the dietary fiber. Beneficial health effects are potentially obtained by the provision of dietary fiber in this manner, without the usual disadvantages of reduced palatability and poor mouthfeel that are associated with soluble fiber-containing ingestible compositions.
Abstract:
The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.
Abstract:
An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a dried seamless capsule comprising an alginate shell membrane encapsulating fill material, wherein: (i) said alginate shell membrane comprises a polyvalent metal ion alginate having: (a) an average M content of from 50%-62% by weight based on the weight of the M and G content, and (b) a viscosity of 35 to 80 cps when measured as a monovalent metal ion alginate in a 3.5% water solution at 20 ?C using a Brookf?eld LV viscometer at 60 rpm and spindle #1; (ii) said alginate shell membrane encapsulates an oil present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said fill material; (iii) said dried seamless capsule has a disintegration time of less than 12 minutes in an intestinal buffer after pretreatment for 20 minutes in a solution of 0.1 M NaCl and HCl, pH of 3, at 37 ?C; and (iv) said dried seamless capsule has a dry break force strength of at least 7kg. The present invention is also directed to methods of making and using such dried seamless capsules.
Abstract:
The invention relates to composites comprising a polysaccharide gelled within pores of a foam, methods of preparation, and uses thereof, for example, in biomedical applications such as cell culture media and implants, controlled release delivery systems, food applications, industrial applications, and personal care applications such as cosmetic and oral hygiene. The composites of the present invention are simple to formulate using few steps and are useful for entrapping heat-sensitive components, such as cells, drugs, flavors or fragrances within the polysaccharide gel. In addition, the invention provides for a composite able to gently immobilize fragile components, such as living cells, without exposing such components to shear forces.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a hydrogel comprising an alginate having a low molecular weight (e.g., less than 75,000 Daltons), wherein the alginate is present in a high concentration (e.g., greater than 2.5% by weight of the hydrogel). The present invention is also directed to methods of making and using the hydrogel, as well as products containing the hydrogel.
Abstract:
An ingestible particulate composition comprises: a. an alginate and/or alginic acid; b. a bicarbonate and/or carbonate; c. an organic acid; and d. an agglomerant, being a compound, such as a low molecular weight polyol, which allows the particulate composition to flow yet which substantially does not release fine particulates into the air. Resulting particulate compositions have excellent flow characteristics, dust suppression, organoleptic properties and stability. They are highly suitable for administration direction into a patient's mouth, and ingested to alleviate oesophageal and gastric conditions.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a dried seamless capsule comprising an alginate shell membrane encapsulating fill material, wherein: (i) said alginate shell membrane comprises a polyvalent metal ion alginate having: (a) an average M content of from 50%-62% by weight based on the weight of the M and G content, and (b) a viscosity of 35 to 80 cps when measured as a monovalent metal ion alginate in a 3.5% water solution at 20 〬C using a Brookfϊeld LV viscometer at 60 rpm and spindle #1; (ii) said alginate shell membrane encapsulates an oil present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said fill material; (iii) said dried seamless capsule has a disintegration time of less than 12 minutes in an intestinal buffer after pretreatment for 20 minutes in a solution of 0.1 M NaCl and HCl, pH of 3, at 37 〬C; and (iv) said dried seamless capsule has a dry break force strength of at least 7kg. The present invention is also directed to methods of making and using such dried seamless capsules.