Offer no. 5/10

Capsules with hydrophilic core and polymeric shell and the method of generation thereof

  • Summary:

    The invention relates to capsules or minicapsules with hydrophilic cores and polymeric coatings and the method of their formation. According to the invention, the capsules are built of three layers: i) the outer layer made from aqueous polymeric solution e.g. sodium alginate, ii) the middle oil layer stabilized by hydrophobic substance characterized by a proper melting temperature and iii) the inner layer (core) generated from the aqueous phase e.g. water, aqueous solution, suspension or emulsion. The core of the capsule may contain additional organic or inorganic substances dissolved (or suspended) that provide: the proper (or required) taste, smell and texture, as well as appropriate activity of pharmaceutical ingredients. The invention also includes a method of formation of the capsules that comprises the following steps: i) the instillation of complex droplets (with at least triple-layer structure, formed with the means of a coaxial nozzle) into a solution with crosslinking agent, and ii) their gelation providing the formation of the outer shell. This method provides simultaneous generation the outer shell and solidification of the middle oil layer. This approach enables the stabilization of the middle layer which keeps the moisture in the capsule core constant. Consequently, the developed method provides the formation of capsules with hydrophilic cores (without any additional substances as polymers or substances with water-binding capacity) which are stable and durable in time.

  • Inventors:
    Marcin Izydorzak, Dominika Ogończyk, Jacek Michalski, Piotr Garstecki
  • Advantages / Innovative aspects:
    • formulation of monodisperse capsules with a hydrophilic core, which preserve their elasticity for a long-lasting storage
    • the method of gelation of polymeric capsules allows the formation of shell with the preservation of the liquid core
    • the possibility of incorporation of any substance
    • the developed system can be a convenient tool for the industrial production of polymeric capsules with hydrophilic cores
  • Keywords:
    capsules with hydrophilic cores, polymeric capsules
  • Field:
  • Usage:

    food, pharmaceutical, veterinary, cosmetic or agricultural industry

  • State of the progress:
    stage of research
  • Intellectual property rights:
    2 patent applications in United Kingdom
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