EP1613423A1

EP1613423A1 - Encapsulation system

Info

Publication number: EP1613423A1
Application number: EP04727809A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rolf Müller; Federico Innerebner
Original assignee: Innogel AG
Current assignee: Innogel AG
Priority date: 2003-04-17
Filing date: 2004-04-16
Publication date: 2006-01-11
Also published as: US20060222766A1; WO2004091770A1

Abstract

The invention relates to encapsulation systems of particles consisting of a matrix or an envelope and a phase enclosed therein. Said envelope can be obtained from very low-viscous, highly concentrated solutions and melted masses having a variable crystalline part and a variable network density. Said encapsulation system is suitable for the encapsulation of moderately to low viscous liquids, especially hydrophobic active ingredients such as fragrances, aromatics and pharmaceutical active ingredients. The inventive system enables the range of method parameters to be significantly increased compared to previous encapsulation systems, improves the stability of the envelopes of the encapsulation systems, and enables the release characteristics to be influenced in a targeted manner.

Description

encapsulation

The invention describes encapsulation systems consisting of particles consisting of a matrix or shell and a phase enclosed therein, the shell being able to be obtained from very low-viscosity, highly concentrated solutions or melts with a varying crystalline fraction and with a varying network density. The encapsulation system is suitable for the encapsulation of medium to low-viscosity liquids, in particular of hydrophobic active ingredients such as, for example. Aromas, fragrances and active pharmaceutical ingredients and, compared to previous encapsulation systems, allows a significantly increased scope of the process parameters, more stable envelopes of the encapsulation systems and a targeted influence on the release characteristics.

State of the art

Flavors and fragrances are usually relatively thin oily liquids, but this condition is unsuitable for many industrial applications. Processes for the encapsulation of these substances have therefore been developed, as a result of which they can be converted into a solid, easily metered form which is readily miscible with other components and, in addition, protection of the sensitive active substances can be obtained. These active ingredients are to be protected from the atmosphere, in particular from oxygen, since oxidation or the like. can lead to rancidity and, conversely, escape of the active substances from the encapsulation system should be prevented as completely as possible. In the case of aromas and fragrances, the loss of even the smallest fraction can have a massive impact on quality, especially the so-called and beloved top notes, which make the active ingredient attractive, are lost too quickly. An encapsulation system is ideally expected to have this form of consistent quality over a longer period of time, to be stable during a storage period and during transport, later processing steps such as preparation with other components, whereby the particles are solid to liquid substances, temperature, pressure and can be subjected to shear forces, can pass through unimpaired and the active substance is released exactly when the consumer expects it and in particular is released in a manner that the consumer desires. A soup or should then fully develop its aroma when it is served and does not lose its charm while cooking, chewing gum should keep freshness and taste over a longer period of time and not become unattractive after a minute. Fragrances are also expected to please us freshly and pleasantly over a longer period of time. The release of the active ingredient from the particle should therefore be able to take place in a controlled manner, the spectrum of the requirements ranging from fast and intensive to slow and constant.

Numerous methods for the particulate encapsulation of medium to low-viscosity liquids have been proposed, but only a few methods have become commercially successful, since most of the proposed solutions could not meet the high requirements, e.g. the protection of the content of the particles from the atmosphere, the stability against air humidity and temperature, the stability during further processing or the release kinetics is insufficient, the matrix or coating materials are not available in food or pharmaceuticals or the process is too complicated, too delicate, is too expensive.

The best known and most widely used technology for the encapsulation of aromas and fragrances is the spray drying of aqueous emulsions of these substances, the matrix usually consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, modified starch, gum arabic or a combination thereof. However, this technology only allows a modest degree of loading of the particles with active substances and only minimal protection of the aromas, since the matrix is porous and has defects. The active ingredients therefore lose intensity, freshness and quality. In addition, the particles have non-encapsulated and thus unprotected active ingredient components on the surface, which oxidize and can become rancid. Furthermore, the matrix or coating materials mentioned are extremely hydrophilic, so that their water content increases with the air humidity and tackiness arises, which leads to lump formation and impairment of the free-flowing properties. Other problems with standard technology are that the emulsions have very high water content have to be evaporated, the often heat-sensitive active ingredients suffering or escaping and porosity arises. The high water content of the emulsions is due to the fact that the generally low viscosity of the dispersed phase of the active ingredient in emulsions must be of the same order of magnitude in comparison with the viscosity of the matrix. Since the matrix consists of a solution or melt of polysaccharides, i.e. macromolecules, their viscosity is comparatively high. It can be reduced within certain limits by using hydrolyzed short-chain polysaccharides up to sugars and by using a high proportion of water. With increasing degree of hydrolysis of polysaccharides, however, their water solubility increases, the stability of the particles decreases in various further processing steps and, finally, it is hardly possible to influence the release characteristics. From this it becomes clear how the different parameters of the recipe and the process run against each other and thus high-quality encapsulation systems face a whole series of difficulties. The encapsulation of aqueous emulsions only meets minimal requirements, but is used as standard, since improvements are very difficult and can only be realized by a few experts with specialized know-how.

An improved encapsulation system is described in US 4,499,112 and 4,707,367. A disperse mixture of the active ingredients with an aqueous polysaccharide solution or melt is passed through a perforated nozzle into a dehydrating supercooled liquid, e.g. pressed in isopropanol. The rapidly solidifying mixture is broken up mechanically into small particles, separated from the liquid and then gently dried over a longer period of time. A good encapsulation quality can be obtained with this technology, in particular the active substance adhering to the surface of the particles is washed away by isopropanol. Disadvantages of this process, however, are the high manufacturing costs, the low glass transition temperature of the matrix and the pronounced hydrophilicity of the matrix material, which leads to poor stability in relation to temperature and air humidity. The release characteristics can only be influenced within narrow limits.

Another improved method is described in US Pat. No. 6,607,771. In this case, an aroma compound which is produced using the process described in US Pat. Nos. 4,499,112 and 4,707,367 was produced by extrusion in an aqueous polysaccharide melt and this mixture was then granulated and conditioned. This enables an improved encapsulation quality to be obtained, in particular good aroma protection is ensured. However, the degree of loading is reduced by the improved protective cover and the process is highly complex. The additional process steps result in a high-quality encapsulation, but also a more expensive encapsulation system.

Another process, the coacervation technology, is believed to have high potential for the production of high-quality encapsulation systems, but the implementation outside of niche areas has so far failed because no really suitable matrix materials have yet been found. In addition, the process is still very cost-intensive, at least for the time being.

The existing solutions for encapsulating aromas and fragrances, in particular the cost-effective and easily controllable processes, lead to particles which are unstable with regard to temperature and air humidity. A limited shelf life is the result or complex measures have to be taken to protect against moisture and temperature. Aromas are often exposed to rough processes (e.g. baking, roasting, cooking extrusion) during food production, which affects the aroma properties. The polysaccharides and sugar used as matrix materials enable very good oxygen and aroma barriers when the particles are intact, but the particles dissolve quickly in aqueous media, releasing the active ingredients and partially escaping them before they are used. They are therefore only suitable for the rapid release of active substances. Systems for the controlled delivery of active substances are described in US 4,885,175, US 4978537 or US 4997659. However, the corresponding processes are very cost-intensive and can only be used for niche applications.

Regarding a slow and long-lasting release of aroma in chewing gum and the like, e.g. encapsulation systems have been proposed in US 4,885,175, 4,978,537 or 4,997,659, but have not become established, so that good solutions are still outstanding. Description of the invention

The encapsulation systems available today only partially meet the commercial and technical requirements and customer requirements. In the following, new encapsulation systems are described which, compared to the prior art, enable an improved property profile, greater latitude with regard to the manufacturing process and also enable the release characteristics to be adjusted.

As with most previous encapsulation systems, a matrix consisting of polysaccharides and sugars is obtained. However, the polysaccharides used differ from the polysaccharides used hitherto in that they partially crystallize and form networks in that various crystallites are connected to one another by macromolecule segments. The property for forming networks or gels is a typical property of many polysaccharides, but longer-chain polysaccharides are required for this, which have at least a proportion of linear chain segments. With the chain length, however, the viscosity of aqueous solutions and melts of such polysaccharides increases disproportionately, while the encapsulation technologies require the lowest possible viscosity. However, the commonly used polysaccharides such as dextrins and maltodextrins are highly hydrolyzed, i.e. Extremely short-chain and in particular dextrins are also so heavily branched that crystallization and network formation are also impossible for this reason. This is expressed, for example. in the very good water solubility of the matrices obtained from these substances.

The encapsulation systems according to the invention have the common feature that the matrix has at least one specific type of polysaccharides. For this purpose, a polysaccharide P1 is used which has a low degree of branching, is most preferably completely linear and has a degree of polymerization DP> 7 and <100, preferably <70, more preferably <50, most preferably <30. Such polysaccharides can crystallize very well. The solutions bsw. at a DP of 50 even very low at concentrations of 50% and more Viscosities and they are at least metastable at moderate temperatures. Thus, on the one hand, setting low viscosities of the matrix is unproblematic even at high concentrations, ie with advantageously low water contents. If the water content of the matrix is reduced, e.g. when spray-drying an emulsion consisting of active ingredient and aqueous matrix, the polysaccharide P1 crystallizes in the form of nano- and microcrystallites, which agglomerate and form a shell around the enclosed active ingredient phase.

For example. used for P1 starch with DP ~ 20, a typical short chain amylose (SCA), so on the one hand highly concentrated solutions can be obtained, e.g. are stable for a few minutes at a concentration of 50% at 60 ° C, have a viscosity in the range of water around 1cP and only go back into solution after crystallization at temperatures above 120 ° C. The conditions for the crystallization result primarily from the interplay between the drying rate and the molecular weight of P1, with decreasing DP crystallization being possible with increasing drying rates. At DP ~ 20, cooling rates around 200 ° C / s are necessary to maintain P1 in the amorphous state, so that even at the high drying speeds during spray drying, crystallization of such polysaccharides P1 is easy to obtain. Although the polysaccharide P1 is water-soluble and extremely hydrophilic up to high concentrations, the particle shell formed from it is insensitive to atmospheric moisture due to the high crystallinity of typically 50% and while the temperature sensitivity of previous amorphous polysaccharide shells is related to the low Tg of this amorphous phase, As a result of the minimal amorphous fraction of the particle shell consisting of agglomerated nano- and microcrystallites, the temperature resistance of such encapsulation systems is almost maximum. The sorption isotherm of the nano- and microcrystalline agglomerates is much flatter than the sorption isotherms of predominantly amorphous polysaccharides, with increasing humidity, much less water is absorbed and no stickiness occurs even at very high humidity levels. When the encapsulation systems are used, ie in aqueous media, the agglomerates of the nano- and microscrystallites disintegrate, which releases the active ingredient. The quality of the particle shell, its mechanical strength, the stability, the release speed in the end use and the barrier effect On the one hand, the atmosphere and active ingredient are largely determined by the parameters of the drying process of the aqueous matrix, in particular the temperature and the drying speed, on the other hand, the use of other substances can be used to influence it, which enables specific control of the quality of the encapsulation systems. These other substances are divided into three groups.

On the one hand, at least one further polysaccharide P2 can be used for the matrix having at least one polysaccharide P1, which is preferably short-chain, that is to say low-viscosity in the solution or melt, such as, for example. Dextrins or maltodextrins with a correspondingly high dextrose equivalent DE and is characterized in that it forms a predominantly amorphous phase in the solid state. For the polysaccharide P2, for example, From the range of polysaccharides previously used for encapsulation systems, those types are selected which are preferred with regard to the requirement for a low viscosity of the matrix in the state of the solution or melt. During the drying process, phase separation of P1 and P2 takes place at least partially in the matrix. The extent of phase separation depends on the structure sizes of P2, on the ratio of the molecular weights of P1 and P2, and on the drying parameters. A high irregularity of the steric structure of P2, such as a high degree of branching, the bsw. with dextrins can be »5% or modifications such as substitution of hydroxyl groups, a large difference in molecular weights and a low drying rate promote phase separation, which can be controlled using these parameters.

With complete phase separation, in addition to the nano- and microcrystallites in the matrix, a portion of an amorphous phase consisting of P2 is obtained. This proportion can be determined by the recipe with the proportion A2 to P2. On the one hand, the compactness of the particle shell can be positively influenced by lowering the porosity of the nano- and microcrystalline agglomerates of P1 and the amorphous phase acting as an adhesive between P1 crystallites and crystallite agglomerates. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the matrix to temperature and humidity increases with the proportion of P2. But even with A2 by 50%, this problem is clearly mitigated compared to the prior art, and stickiness in particular only occurs when the air humidity RH above 90%, while previous matrices based on polysaccharides are already problematic at RH ~ 50%. With the share of P2, in addition to the process parameters, the release characteristics can also be influenced. With a high proportion of P2, a release is obtained which is comparable to previous encapsulation systems, ie the active ingredient is released very quickly in an aqueous medium. With decreasing proportion A2, the release rate v is initially slowed down because the crystallites of P1 are insoluble and the diffusion paths for water between the crystallites become longer. With small proportions A2, v is increasingly determined by the porosity of the crystallite agglomerates of P1. With a high porosity, v decreases again after a maximum. With a low porosity, v can also increase continuously up to a maximum at A2 = 0. Similar behavior can be observed with regard to the permeability to gases and active substance. With a high proportion of A2, the permeability of the matrix corresponds to the permeability customary for amorphous matrices, while it advantageously decreases with a decreasing proportion of A2, since the permeability of the crystalline phase is lower, while towards small proportions A2, the permeability of the matrix with significant porosity of the crystallite agglomerates increases again after a minimum, the minimum at A2 = 0 is obtained with minimal porosity. Since such a minimal porosity is difficult to obtain, at least a minimal proportion of polysaccharides P2 is advantageously used, except for applications where a certain porosity is desired.

In the case of partial phase separation, polysaccharides can be included in crystallites of P1, but sequences S2 of P2 are preferably incorporated regularly into the crystallites of P1. The condition for this is the presence of sequences S2 with a degree of polymerization DP> 7, preferably> 10, more preferably> 12, these sequences being linear, composed of the same monomer units as P1 and not modified. This condition is for bsw. fulfilled by many dextrins and maltodextrins, whereby the sequences mostly represent regular side chains. The part of the P2 macromolecule leading away from the side chain or the two parts of P2 leading away from the sequence S2 are then components of the amorphous phase consisting of further macromolecules P2. Thus, an effective phase mediation between the crystalline phase of mainly P1 crystallites and the amorphous phase of mainly P2 can be obtained, thereby improving the quality of the particle shell can be positively influenced. Bsw. their strength and stability to moisture and temperature with a constant proportion P2 increases with the degree of phase transmission described and the release speed v decreases.

With regard to the second group of substances with which a specific control of the quality of the encapsulation systems is possible, at least one further polysaccharide P3 can be used for the matrix having at least one polysaccharide P1, optionally at least one second polysaccharide P2, which is characterized in that it has a sequence with DP> 100 and / or at least two sequences of the type S2. P3 can thus be a long chain amylose (LCA) with DP> 100 or a dextrin or maltodextrin with at least two side chains of type S2. Regarding the phase separation during the drying process, the relationships explained above can also be applied analogously to mixtures of P1 and P3, apart from an essential difference. As a result of the specified conditions with regard to the structural sizes of P3, the probability of a regular incorporation of sequences from P3 into crystallites of P1 is increased on the one hand. On the other hand, there is also the new situation that two different sequences of P3 are regularly incorporated into two different crystallites of P1. These crystallites are thus networked with one another and a three-dimensional network is formed, the crystallites of P1 representing the nodes and P1 the connections between the nodes. The proportions of P3 which are not incorporated in the crystallites of P1 form, as a rule this is the predominant proportion, an amorphous phase between the crystallites which is comparable in terms of its properties and its influence on the behavior of the matrix with minimal coupling of the crystallites is like the amorphous phase of P2. With increasing coupling, however, a qualitatively new behavior occurs, with low release speeds v being obtained which were previously hardly possible or only possible with complex encapsulation systems. The rate of dissolution of the amorphous phase initially decreases significantly with increasing coupling, the diffusion of uncoupled macromolecules of P3 and possibly P2 is made more difficult, so that a disintegration of the shell progressing from the surface of the particle to the active substance is obtained. With higher degrees of coupling, the proportion of soluble components decreases and a swelling process takes the place of the solution, whereby the shell becomes a gel that becomes mechanically unstable above a degree of swelling and less stress disintegrates. This further reduces the release speed and significantly increases the stability compared to a non-crosslinked matrix when the encapsulation system is processed. With even higher degrees of coupling, the stability of the swollen envelope increases up to the state where the strength of the gel of the swollen envelope results, where disintegration no longer occurs or only occurs under high stress. This shows that a whole range of release speeds can be set. The stability to the temperature and the humidity is increased in systems containing a polysaccharide P3 in addition to the polysaccharide P1 compared to systems containing a polysaccharide P2 in addition to the polysaccharide P1, in particular with regard to the stickiness.

With regard to the process parameters, the properties of network matrices are in turn primarily determined by the drying conditions, in particular the drying speed, the degree of coupling decreasing with the same formulation as the drying speed increases. With regard to the type of polysaccharides P3 used, the degree of coupling increases with the proportion of prerequisite sequences of P3. In addition to the long chain amylose mentioned, gelling dextrins also meet the specified conditions. LCA is preferably used in small proportions, since solutions of it quickly become unstable with increasing concentration at moderate temperatures and, in addition, the viscosity increases disproportionately quickly at DP> 100. Gelling dextrins form relatively stable solutions and melts even at high concentrations at moderate temperatures, but their molecular weight and thus their viscosity in the solution or melt is generally higher than the viscosity of non-gelling, conventional dextrins and their proportion must therefore be kept low , The P3 polysaccharides do not necessarily have to be able to gel with themselves, as is the case with LCA and gelling dextrins. For the induction of crystallinity, primarily polysaccharides P1 are used and, in combination with dextrins and maltodextrins, which do not show any gelation even in high concentrations, advantageous networks can be obtained for the present invention of novel encapsulation systems, the outstanding feature of which is that they also consist of very low-viscosity solutions and melts with high concentrations of P1 and P2 and / or P3 can be obtained, the viscosity of which can be adjusted to a few cP at room temperature. So that the basic requirement regarding the viscosity in the production of emulsions, according to which the viscosities of the two phases must be of approximately the same order of magnitude must be met well. The active ingredients used for the encapsulation typically have viscosities in the range of 0.1-100 cP at room temperature.

The statements regarding encapsulation systems are basically valid for any polysaccharides P1, P2 and P3, provided that they each belong to the same group or at least closely related groups of polysaccharides, meet the specified conditions and can be usefully used in solution or melt due to their low viscosity. The polysaccharides P1, P2 and P3 are preferably selected from the range of starches, since the types required are commercially available in various grades, in particular also in food quality. In addition, these starches are significantly cheaper than other polysaccharides. Finally, starches of the types P2 and P3 are also available, which are partially lipophilically modified (octenyl succinates), thus the emulsifier is already contained in the starch for the production of emulsions with oily active ingredients.

The encapsulation systems according to the invention are notable for high stability with respect to temperature and atmospheric humidity and with respect to the stress during processing with further components. The stickiness of the particles can be significantly reduced and shifted to significantly higher atmospheric humidity, so that under most conditions measures to protect against moisture and / or temperature are no longer necessary or at least significantly facilitated. The barrier effect of the matrix against the active ingredient can be increased compared to previous methods and can be optimized in a targeted manner due to the flexibility of the system. So far, the requirement for a very low viscosity of the aqueous solution or melt forming the matrix has massively restricted the scope of the formulation and process, this requirement even accommodates the circumstances of the invention in that the most important component of formulations according to the invention, the polysaccharide 1, naturally has a deep one Molecular weight in the range of mono- and oligomers and thus highly concentrated aqueous solutions from P1 to above 50% are possible at moderate temperatures in the range of a few cP. The scope for further components could thus be increased. In addition, the use of higher molecular weight and higher viscous substances than previously customary has become possible, which gives the optimization of various other properties new degrees of freedom. On the other hand, due to the a priori low viscosity of the matrix, its water content can be reduced, so that drying is easier and crack formation is reduced, or the process can be carried out at lower temperatures, which is very advantageous given the pronounced temperature sensitivity of the active ingredients. Of great importance is the possibility to influence the release characteristics in a targeted manner, whereby bsw. Aroma can be spared during the preparation of the particles with other components to an intermediate or end product, retained and the top notes can be retained. The adjustable networks and the new scope regarding viscosity allow an optimal setting between protection and release for individual systems. This is all the more important since almost every active ingredient requires its own specific adaptation of the formulation and process parameters.

Furthermore, an encapsulation system can be set by means of the selection of P1 and / or P2 and the proportion of these polysaccharides in such a way that a developed network gives the particle shell greater strength and the solubility in water is reduced by the crystalline proportion. In a later thermal treatment such as. better protection of the aroma can then be ensured in a cooking extrusion process. Networks of the matrix that are less developed are suitable, for example. for encapsulation systems from aromas in use for bag soups with an improved aroma experience by triggering the release of the aroma by optimizing the swelling time of the network forming the particle shell to the period after cooking. In this way, aroma intensity and freshness can be gained. Matrices with a high degree of coupling and low degree of swelling are suitable, for example. especially for use with chewing gum. The degree of crosslinking of the matrix can even be increased to such an extent that release is not possible even after the particle shell has swelled, since the degree of swelling is too deep and the shell is too hard. Under the action of amylases, such as those found in the saliva, a matrix of 0.5 mm in diameter, such a "Max-Trix", can even withstand digestion for about an hour. The digestion time in the mouth can be varied over a wide range by controlling the Network density and particle size can be set. The aroma set and a spectrum of a particle size distribution of the encapsulation system can thus produce a rapid aroma flash, which is followed by an increasingly surprising because of the unusually long lasting reverberation, in the end the aroma experience could say goodbye with a last wave.

In principle, the encapsulation material system according to the invention can be produced using the various existing manufacturing processes. Previous process limits can be expanded, improved protective properties of the active ingredient, more homogeneous distributions and / or higher loading levels can be achieved. In addition, new, simpler and cheaper methods can be used which, due to the viscosity problem, could previously only be used to a very limited extent, for example droplet granulation (Droppo method). The condition for the viscosity of the emulsion is <500 cP. This condition can easily be met with the emulsions used for the encapsulation systems according to the invention. Another possibility for encapsulation opens up with the Centrifugal Extrusion Device bsw. described in US 3,015,128.

Examples

Short chain amylose with DP ~ 20 was dissolved in a concentration of 50% in one; with regard to advantageous solution methods, reference is made to patent application WO 03/035026 A2, which is hereby included. The clear solution obtained was then brought to a temperature of 70 ° C., the viscosity was determined by pouring the solution through a funnel heated to 70 ° C. The flow time for 25 ml of the solution was 3.1 seconds. The flow time of water through the same funnel heated to 25 ° C was stopped at 1.8 seconds. From this, the known viscosity of water of 0.89cP at 25 ° C was obtained in good approximation for the viscosity of the solution of P1 with 0.89x (3.1 / 1.8) cP ~ 1.5cP. The solution remained stable at 70 ° C for a few minutes, ie clear and transparent. Then cloudiness set in. As it cooled further, the solution became increasingly opaque and finally a white paste. By diluting this paste with water, crystallites and crystallite agglomerates could be seen under the microscope to be watched. The size of the crystallites decreased with increasing cooling rate.

Through simple solution processes in the beaker, solutions of various dextrins and maltodextrins as well as of octenyl succinates could sometimes be prepared at room temperature. Such starch derivatives with a range of DE in the range of about 5 - 70 from different manufacturers and based on different starches such as BSW. Potato starch, tapioca starch, waxy corn starch examined. The solutions were tempered at 60 ° C. and then cooled to 25 ° C. Analog solutions were produced with different proportions of solutions in SCA, the SCA solution being stirred into the P2 and / or P3 solution using a magnetic stirrer. No turbidity was observed during this mixing process, except at very high concentrations, ie no precipitation of the SCA was found. Then these mixtures were also cooled to room temperature. The viscosity of the solutions was measured at regular intervals using the funnel method, values in the range from 3 to 30 seconds, ie viscosities from 1.5 to 15 cP, typically being obtained. Most of the solutions without SCA showed constant viscosity and transparency for hours to days. However, some dextrins showed gel formation in higher concentrations. When SCA was added, significant changes were obtained which were strongly dependent on the proportion of SCA. Even at 5% levels, gel formation was observed in some solutions that showed long-term stability in the absence of SCA. The corresponding starch derivatives could thus be identified as type 3 polysaccharides. The gel formation times could be varied within a period of seconds to days by the proportion of SCA. On the other hand, the gel formation times were also heavily dependent on the starch derivative, with the proportion of SCA remaining the same. In general, the gel formation times were shorter for starch derivatives with higher viscosity, but exceptions were also found for starch derivatives which showed structural properties that are advantageous for heterocrystallization with SCA. The gels could also be obtained in a wide range of gel strengths, resulting in delicate gels that could already be damaged by touch and various intermediate stages up to gels with strengths in the range of 1 Pa. In addition, mixtures of SCA with starch derivatives were obtained which showed no gel formation even with high proportions of SCA, remained thin-bodied and cloudy were. There were also large differences in the clouding times for various starch derivatives. Even with a completely white color, these mixtures did not gel, but contained at most pastes at high SCA proportions. The typical SCA crystallites were again observed in the microscope by diluting these pastes. Based on the mixtures of starch derivatives with SCA, which showed turbidity but no gel formation, the corresponding starch derivatives could be identified as type 2 polysaccharides. It was found that with increasing DE the likelihood of the presence of a type 2 polysaccharide increased, although this correlation also showed interesting and usable exceptions, i.e. of derivatives that, despite a very high degree of hydrolysis and correspondingly low viscosity, with the SCA under heterocrystalline crystals - sation allow a whole range of gel strengths.

In addition, gelling and separating mixtures of SCA and starch were dropped in liquid nitrogen and on dry ice. With suitable formulations, gels and dispersions of SCA crystallites in concentrated derivative solutions could be obtained even under these extreme cooling conditions. Finally, emulsions were also produced using a liquid mixer and stabilized with emulsifiers in cases where no octenyl succinates were used. These emulsions were dropped in liquid nitrogen, on dry ice and on a metal plate at 80 ° C. With a suitable formulation, gels or mixtures of SCA crystallites and crystallite agglomerates with a range of decay rates in aqueous media could be obtained under all conditions. Among other things, the correlation between the SCA content of gels and their stickiness could be clearly determined, even with a water content of 50% practically no stickiness could be found with the stronger gels. The digestion kinetics experiments were carried out with a standardized solution (Megazyme) of porcine pancreatic alpha amylase on dried particles ground to a range of grain sizes in a shaking bath at 37 ° C, the weight loss of the particles being examined as a function of the digestion time. As an extreme value, a weight loss of 50% was measured after around 4 hours with a grain size of 0.7 - 1.0mm. Overall, a clear correlation with the proportion of SCA and the gel strength was found.

Claims

claims

Encapsulation system, characterized in that the encapsulation system was obtained from an emulsion in the form of particles and has a low-viscosity enclosed phase of an active ingredient and a matrix containing at least one polysaccharide P1, this polysaccharide P1 being almost linear or completely linear, at least partially crystalline in the matrix is present and has a degree of polymerization DP> 7 and <100, preferably <70, more preferably <50, most preferably <30.

Encapsulation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the encapsulation system has at least one further polysaccharide and this polysaccharide has a viscosity in cP of <5000, preferably <1000, more preferably <500, most preferably <100 in a 50% aqueous solution at room temperature.

Encapsulation system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the encapsulation system has a polysaccharide P2 which is obtained predominantly amorphously in the solid state and in particular has sequences A with a degree of polymerization DP> 7, preferably> 10, more preferably> 12 and optionally such sequences A below Heterocrystallization with the P1 polysaccharide are regularly incorporated in P1 crystallites.

Encapsulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that the encapsulation system has a polysaccharide P3 and the polysaccharide P1 forms a network with the polysaccharide P3 under heterocrystallization.

Encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion of P2 and / or P3 in% by weight based on P1 and P2 and P3 are in the range 1-99, preferably 5-90, most preferably 10-80.

6. Encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polysaccharides P1, P2 and P3 belong to the group of starches and in particular P1 a short chain amylose, a linear dextrin, a limit dextrin, an amylodextrin, a nail dextrin or an achrodextrin is and P2 and a hydrolyzed starch like bsw. is a dextrin or maltodextrin and P3 is a long chain amylose or a gelling dextrin or a hydrolyzed starch such as. is a dextrin or maltodextrin, optionally at least one of the starches being amphiphilic, such as, for example. Octenylsuccinate.

7. A method for producing an encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

a) preparation of an aqueous solution or melt comprising at least one polysaccharide P1 and optionally a polysaccharide P2 and / or P3 and / or additives such as sugars, types of sugar, mono- and oligosaccharides or polyols; b) preparation of an emulsion of the solution from step a) with an active ingredient, it being possible to use conventional processes for the preparation of emulsions and, if appropriate, additives such as emulsifiers, antioxidants, stabilizers and the like are mixed in; c) Production of particles from the emulsion of step b), with common methods such as bsw. Spray drying, coacervation, dropletization or extrusion processes can be used for this; d) If necessary, cleaning the encapsulation system and / or treating the particles with aids such as, for example. Anti-caking agents, anti-cracking agents and the like.

8. Encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active ingredient is selected from the following group: fe; flavors; pharmaceuticals; nutraceuticals; Food additives; herbicides; fungicides; Insecticides; pheromones; fungicides; and the same.

9. Encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the encapsulation system bsw. as an aroma component of chewing gum with a long-lasting aroma due to slow reease, in instant dishes and preparations such as bsw. Soups, in beverages, dairy products, in pasteurized food products (adding the encapsulation system before pasteurization), in confectionery (lozenges, candies, gummy bears and the like), in cook-extruded food products, perfumes and in perfumed articles and articles, etc.

10. Encapsulation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release characteristic is controlled via parameters such as temperature, mechanical stress, swelling rate or via enzymatic hydrolysis and thereby a controlled, in particular a triggered release of the active ingredient is ensured, optionally the active ingredient primarily as a result enzymatic hydrolysis of the shell is released.