WO2016124783A1 - Microcapsules comprising lutein or lutein ester - Google Patents

Microcapsules comprising lutein or lutein ester Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016124783A1
WO2016124783A1 PCT/EP2016/052618 EP2016052618W WO2016124783A1 WO 2016124783 A1 WO2016124783 A1 WO 2016124783A1 EP 2016052618 W EP2016052618 W EP 2016052618W WO 2016124783 A1 WO2016124783 A1 WO 2016124783A1
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Prior art keywords
lutein
microcapsule
gelatine
porcine
oil
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PCT/EP2016/052618
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French (fr)
Inventor
Nina Musaeus
Inge-Lise KRYLBO
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Basf Se
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Publication of WO2016124783A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016124783A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L33/00—Modifying nutritive qualities of foods; Dietetic products; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L33/10—Modifying nutritive qualities of foods; Dietetic products; Preparation or treatment thereof using additives
    • A23L33/105—Plant extracts, their artificial duplicates or their derivatives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23K—FODDER
    • A23K20/00—Accessory food factors for animal feeding-stuffs
    • A23K20/10—Organic substances
    • A23K20/142—Amino acids; Derivatives thereof
    • A23K20/147—Polymeric derivatives, e.g. peptides or proteins
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23K—FODDER
    • A23K20/00—Accessory food factors for animal feeding-stuffs
    • A23K20/10—Organic substances
    • A23K20/158—Fatty acids; Fats; Products containing oils or fats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23K—FODDER
    • A23K20/00—Accessory food factors for animal feeding-stuffs
    • A23K20/10—Organic substances
    • A23K20/179—Colouring agents, e.g. pigmenting or dyeing agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
    • A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
    • A23L2/58—Colouring agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L29/00—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L29/20—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof containing gelling or thickening agents
    • A23L29/275—Foods or foodstuffs containing additives; Preparation or treatment thereof containing gelling or thickening agents of animal origin, e.g. chitin
    • A23L29/281—Proteins, e.g. gelatin or collagen
    • A23L29/284—Gelatin; Collagen
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L5/00—Preparation or treatment of foods or foodstuffs, in general; Food or foodstuffs obtained thereby; Materials therefor
    • A23L5/40—Colouring or decolouring of foods
    • A23L5/42—Addition of dyes or pigments, e.g. in combination with optical brighteners
    • A23L5/43—Addition of dyes or pigments, e.g. in combination with optical brighteners using naturally occurring organic dyes or pigments, their artificial duplicates or their derivatives
    • A23L5/44—Addition of dyes or pigments, e.g. in combination with optical brighteners using naturally occurring organic dyes or pigments, their artificial duplicates or their derivatives using carotenoids or xanthophylls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
    • A23P10/00—Shaping or working of foodstuffs characterised by the products
    • A23P10/30—Encapsulation of particles, e.g. foodstuff additives
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/045—Hydroxy compounds, e.g. alcohols; Salts thereof, e.g. alcoholates
    • A61K31/065—Diphenyl-substituted acyclic alcohols
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/0087—Galenical forms not covered by A61K9/02 - A61K9/7023
    • A61K9/0095—Drinks; Beverages; Syrups; Compositions for reconstitution thereof, e.g. powders or tablets to be dispersed in a glass of water; Veterinary drenches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
    • A61K9/16—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction
    • A61K9/1605—Excipients; Inactive ingredients
    • A61K9/1629—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K9/1652—Polysaccharides, e.g. alginate, cellulose derivatives; Cyclodextrin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
    • A61K9/16—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction
    • A61K9/1605—Excipients; Inactive ingredients
    • A61K9/1629—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K9/1658—Proteins, e.g. albumin, gelatin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/20—Pills, tablets, discs, rods
    • A61K9/2072—Pills, tablets, discs, rods characterised by shape, structure or size; Tablets with holes, special break lines or identification marks; Partially coated tablets; Disintegrating flat shaped forms
    • A61K9/2077—Tablets comprising drug-containing microparticles in a substantial amount of supporting matrix; Multiparticulate tablets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/20—Pills, tablets, discs, rods
    • A61K9/2072—Pills, tablets, discs, rods characterised by shape, structure or size; Tablets with holes, special break lines or identification marks; Partially coated tablets; Disintegrating flat shaped forms
    • A61K9/2077—Tablets comprising drug-containing microparticles in a substantial amount of supporting matrix; Multiparticulate tablets
    • A61K9/2081—Tablets comprising drug-containing microparticles in a substantial amount of supporting matrix; Multiparticulate tablets with microcapsules or coated microparticles according to A61K9/50
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09B—ORGANIC DYES OR CLOSELY-RELATED COMPOUNDS FOR PRODUCING DYES, e.g. PIGMENTS; MORDANTS; LAKES
    • C09B61/00—Dyes of natural origin prepared from natural sources, e.g. vegetable sources
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09B—ORGANIC DYES OR CLOSELY-RELATED COMPOUNDS FOR PRODUCING DYES, e.g. PIGMENTS; MORDANTS; LAKES
    • C09B67/00—Influencing the physical, e.g. the dyeing or printing properties of dyestuffs without chemical reactions, e.g. by treating with solvents grinding or grinding assistants, coating of pigments or dyes; Process features in the making of dyestuff preparations; Dyestuff preparations of a special physical nature, e.g. tablets, films
    • C09B67/0097—Dye preparations of special physical nature; Tablets, films, extrusion, microcapsules, sheets, pads, bags with dyes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
    • A61K9/141—Intimate drug-carrier mixtures characterised by the carrier, e.g. ordered mixtures, adsorbates, solid solutions, eutectica, co-dried, co-solubilised, co-kneaded, co-milled, co-ground products, co-precipitates, co-evaporates, co-extrudates, co-melts; Drug nanoparticles with adsorbed surface modifiers
    • A61K9/146—Intimate drug-carrier mixtures characterised by the carrier, e.g. ordered mixtures, adsorbates, solid solutions, eutectica, co-dried, co-solubilised, co-kneaded, co-milled, co-ground products, co-precipitates, co-evaporates, co-extrudates, co-melts; Drug nanoparticles with adsorbed surface modifiers with organic macromolecular compounds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
    • A61K9/16—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction
    • A61K9/167—Agglomerates; Granulates; Microbeadlets ; Microspheres; Pellets; Solid products obtained by spray drying, spray freeze drying, spray congealing,(multiple) emulsion solvent evaporation or extraction with an outer layer or coating comprising drug; with chemically bound drugs or non-active substances on their surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/50—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals
    • A61K9/5005—Wall or coating material
    • A61K9/5021—Organic macromolecular compounds
    • A61K9/5052—Proteins, e.g. albumin
    • A61K9/5057—Gelatin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
    • A61K9/48—Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
    • A61K9/50—Microcapsules having a gas, liquid or semi-solid filling; Solid microparticles or pellets surrounded by a distinct coating layer, e.g. coated microspheres, coated drug crystals
    • A61K9/5089—Processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a microcapsule comprising lutein or lutein esters as active substance embedded in a hydrocolloid matrix of porcine or bovine gelatine, a process for preparing such microcapsules as well as applications thereof and products comprising such microcapsules.
  • Lutein is a xanthophyll and a naturally occurring carotenoid found in plants, such as flowers, in particular marigold flowers, and green leafy vegetables. Lutein may for instances be extracted from the petals of marigold, spinach, kale andbroccoli. Marigold is in particular rich in lutein, and it is found as lutein esters with fatty acids. Lutein can be used as yellow pigment in all kind of compositions, such as functional foods and health care products, and it has well known pharmacological effects and applications.
  • Lutein as free lutein has the chemical structure
  • the typical lutein esters found in marigold are the mono- or dipalmitate, and these esters have properties different from the free lutein.
  • the molecular weight of free lutein is about 569 g/mol, whereas the molecular weight of the dipalmitate is about 1046 g/mol.
  • the melting point of free lutein is about 190 °C, whereas the melting range of the mixed naturally occurring lutein esters is from about 50 to about 80 °C.
  • Chinese patent application 102389108 A discloses lutein ester microcapsule powder comprising lutein ester crystals, antioxidants and emulsifying agents for both the oil-phase and the aqueous-phase, filler, wall material and oil, and a method for preparing the same.
  • the filler material applied is modified gum arabic or modified starch.
  • Using emulsifiers in the formulation has the disadvantage that air will be trapped into the powder particles and form hollow spheres. The included air and the porosity of the microcapsules lead to chemical degradation of the lutein or lutein ester.
  • emulsifiers furthermore has the disadvantage that the preparation is more expensive and time consuming to produce because the emulsifiers have to be mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients in the aqueous and the oil phase, respectively. Furthermore the list of ingredients in the powder formulation increases.
  • EP 1 794 238 Bl discloses a carotenoid-containing dry powder comprising one or more carotenoids such as crystalline lutein obtainable by a microencapsulation process using isomalt and a protective colloid such as modified starch as encapsulation material, wherein the initial suspension of crystalline carotenoids is grounded.
  • EP 1 898 721 Bl discloses an aqueous carotenoid-containing suspension comprising at least one or more carotenoids such as crystalline lutein, modified starch and sucrose, wherein the initial suspension of crystalline carotenoids is grounded.
  • WO2014/154788 discloses a powderous composition comprising particles of lutein and maltodextrin as matrix material.
  • the main object of the present invention is to provide improved products based on lutein or lutein ester concentrates and porcine or bovine gelatine which shall have a cleaner label and fewer ingredients. They shall have or create in the final product a more intense and longer lasting colour impression and they shall be more stable and less sensitive to oxidation compared to state of the art products. They shall exhibit a greater chemical stability and be more natural in composition. They shall be produced in an easier and more cost effective way. Another object is to provide improved products based on lutein or lutein ester concentrates and porcine or bovine gelatine which can be used in tablets, dairies, such as milk products, and beverages with high stability. It is also an object to provide products with good colouring properties.
  • Yet another object is to provide a cost effective method for producing such products.
  • the present invention relates to a microcapsule comprising at least one active substance selected from lutein and lutein esters, embedded in a matrix comprising porcine or bovine gelatine and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 0.5 to 25 % of total weight of the microcapsule, and which microcapsule does not comprise any added emulsifier.
  • the microcapsule does not comprise any added oil phase emulsifier.
  • the microcapsule of the invention can be provided without any added dispersing agent in addition to the porcine or bovine gelatine which is used to disperse the oily phase. Accordingly, the porcine or bovine gelatine is the sole agent with dispersing properties present in the microcapsule.
  • a classical emulsifier is included in a microcapsule to ensure a sufficiently small particle size, and a small particle size is important for the appearance and colour of the final product comprising the microcapsules, such as dairies and beverages.
  • the absence of any added classical emulsifier has also the advantage in comparison with prior art
  • microcapsules comprising lutein and lutein esters that foaming during preparation is avoided. Foaming during preparation will lead to inclusion of air in the microcapsules which will decrease the chemical stability of the lutein or lutein ester in the final product. Finally, a product without any added emulsifier provides the advantage of a cleaner label.
  • the present invention in another aspect relates to a process of preparing a microcapsule according to the invention, which process comprises the steps of melting or dissolving lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
  • the invention relates to microcapsules according to the invention obtainable according to the process of the invention.
  • the invention relates to products comprising the microcapsule of the invention, in particular tablets and dairies.
  • Lutein ester concentrate is a dark orange-brown oleoresin or a granular powder having a melting range of approximately 50-80 °C. It typically comprises 70-85 % lutein ester, corresponding to about half the amount of free lutein. It can be dissolved or melted in oil.
  • Lutein ester concentrate complies with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) specification for lutein (Directive 2008/128/EC (E 161b).
  • the main colouring principle of lutein consists of carotenoids of which lutein and its fatty esters account for the major part. Variable amounts of other carotenes and xanthophyll esters, such as zeaxanthin ester, are also present in the concentrate.
  • Lutein may contain fats, oils and waxes naturally occurring in the plant material.
  • Lutein ester concentrate contains min. 60% total carotenoid esters. Porcine or bovine gelatine is in this context defined as a protective hydrocolloid with dispersing properties.
  • emulsifier in the context of the present invention it is not to be understood as a classical emulsifier (surfactant) in accordance with the definition below.
  • An emulsifier is defined as a substance with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail.
  • Emulsifiers can be divided into non-ionic, anionic and cationic emulsifiers.
  • HLB-value hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
  • emulsifiers can be either oil soluble (low HLB values) or water soluble (high HLB values). Adding both types to an emulsion often works synergistic.
  • Typical emulsifiers allowed in food products comprise glycerol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, lecithins, ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate.
  • Dispersing means mixing one phase (the continuous phase) with a second phase (the disperse phase) where the two phases not being miscible to prepare a dispersion.
  • the nature of each phase can be liquid, solid or gaseous.
  • Homogenising means treating a dispersion in order to reduce the size of the
  • Bloom is a test to measure the strength of a gel of gelatin. The test determines the weight (in grams) needed by a probe (normally with a diameter of 0.5 inch) to deflect the surface of the gel 4 mm without breaking it. The result is expressed in bloom (grades).
  • Low bloom, medium bloom and high bloom gelatine are gelatines having a strength of less than about 120 Bloom (low bloom), between about 120 and 200 Bloom (medium bloom) or a strength of more than about 200 Bloom (high bloom).
  • the content of said at least one active substance, calculated as free lutein is from 1 to 20 % of total weight of the microcapsule, preferably from 3 to 15 %, more preferably from 4 to 13 %, for instance from
  • the microcapsule of the invention comprises at least one antioxidant e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising t- butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), t-butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, citric acid, sodium citrate, EDTA or its salts, tocopherols, TBHQ, ethoxyquine, propyl gallate, and extracts from herbs, i.a. rosemary or oregano extract.
  • BHT t- butylhydroxytoluene
  • BHA t-butylhydroxyanisole
  • ascorbic acid sodium ascorbate
  • citric acid sodium citrate
  • EDTA or its salts tocopherols
  • TBHQ ethoxyquine
  • propyl gallate extracts from herbs, i.a. rosemary or oregano extract.
  • the microcapsule comprises at least one plasticizer, e.g.
  • carbohydrates and carbohydrate alcohols examples of which are sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, invert sugar, glucose syrup, sorbitol, mannitol, trehalose, tagatose, pullulan, aftilose
  • the microcapsule comprises porcine or bovine gelatine of low bloom, medium bloom and high bloom, preferably high bloom porcine gelatine.
  • High bloom gelatine in comparison to low bloom gelatine and medium bloom gelatine in the context of this invention provides the advantage of forming a more firm gel leading to a microcapsule, which is more resistant against pressure e.g. from a tabletting masc ine.
  • the microcapsule comprises lutein ester(s) as active substance.
  • this microcapsule has the further advantage that the lutein ester(s) is the naturally occurring form of the lutein. Producing free lutein from a marigold extract requires saponification under harsh conditions. This processing step is avoided when using lutein ester(s) in the microcapsule.
  • the mircrocapsule are prepared from an emulsion of melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) in an aqeouos solution of the gelatine in the absence of an emulsifier, wherein said lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is optionally melted or dissolved in an edible oil.
  • the lutein/lutein ester droplets have an average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction of from 0.02 to 100 ⁇ , preferably 0.05 to 50 ⁇ , more preferred 0.1 to 5 ⁇ or 0.2 to 2 ⁇ ; and in particular from 0.1 to 1 ⁇ .
  • D[4;3] is explained in the introduction to the examples.
  • the microcapsule is prepared from non-crystalline lutein ester.
  • the microcapsule may further contain conventional additives e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising anti-caking agents, e.g. tri-calcium phosphate and silicates, i.a. silicon dioxide and sodium aluminium silicate.
  • the dividing and drying of the mixture of the oil-in-water preparation to produce a mass of particles can be done in any conventional way, such as spray cooling, modified spray cooling, spray drying, modified spray drying or sheet drying and crushing, see e.g. WO 91/06292 Al.
  • the lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is melted or dissolved in edible oil, such as vegetable oil, e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising sunflower oil, olive oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, MCT oil, palm oil or hydrogenated palm oil. Melting or dissolving the lutein or lutein ester in an oil facilitates dispersing and homogenising and reduces the temperature to be applied.
  • the process of the invention may in a second embodiment comprise a further step of homogenisation, such as high pressure homogenisation.
  • the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine is added to the melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) before emulsifying. Adding the aqueous phase to the oil phase minimizes physical loss of the lutein or lutein ester.
  • the melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is added to the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine before homogenisation.
  • the lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is added to the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine and melted during heating before homogenisation. This is preferred if the lutein or lutein ester is not melted or dissolved in oil before homogenisation because it is a more simple process and the physical loss is minimized.
  • the homogenisation continues until the lutein/lutein ester droplets have an average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction of from 0.02 to 100 ⁇ , preferably 0.05 to 50 ⁇ , more preferred 0.1 to 5 ⁇ or 0.2 to 2 ⁇ ; and in particular from 0.1 to 1 ⁇ .
  • D[4;3] is explained in the introduction to the examples.
  • Lutein ester concentrate(s) is melted or dissolved.
  • Lutein ester has a lower melting point than free lutein, and this makes it possible, in this embodiment of the invention, to melt or dissolve the lutein ester under atmospheric pressure and to use it directly in the process. This process includes less harsh conditions, and is therefore more cost effective than the process which uses free lutein.
  • the present invention also relates to a product comprising microcapsules of the invention or microcapsules produced according to the invention.
  • a product comprising microcapsules of the invention or microcapsules produced according to the invention.
  • examples of such products are a tablet, a beverage, a dairy, a food, a food supplement, a pharmaceutical or veterinary product, a feed or feed supplement, a personal care product or a household product.
  • the content of lutein ester and free lutein in the microcapsules is determined as follows:
  • the lutein or lutein ester is released from the microcapsules under mild alkaline conditions using alkalase and heat.
  • the lutein or lutein ester is extracted by means of ethanol and diethyl ether in a ratio of 2:5 and an aliquot of this extraction is dissolved in a known volume of ethanol.
  • Homogenisation is performed in conventional homogenisation equipment. Homogenisation takes place until the oil droplets have the intended average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction.
  • D[4;3] refers to the volume-weighted average diameter (see Operators Guide, Malvern Mastersizer 2000, Malvern Instruments Ltd., 1998/1999, UK, Chapter 6, page 6.3).
  • Multivitamin mineral tablets with a content of approximately 2 mg lutein ester (or 1 mg lutein) per tablet were prepared.
  • the tablets were filled in HDPE containers sealed with an alumina lid.
  • the tablets were stored at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months.
  • the lutein ester content was analyzed in each case after storage for 3 and 6 months.
  • 703 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 703 g sucrose and 40 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1875 g water at 80°C during stirring.
  • 400 g lutein ester concentrate and 28.5 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) were added during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the resulting dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 11.7% lutein esters corresponding to 6.30 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 632 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 948 g sucrose and 45 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1707 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 450 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 225 g MCT oil and 32.1 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent.
  • the formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 13.3 % lutein esters corresponding to 7.16 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 555 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A)
  • 821 g sucrose and 46 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1500 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 462 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 116 g MCT oil and 39 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent.
  • the formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 11.7% lutein esters corresponding to 6.30 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 800 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 800 g sucrose and 48 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1500 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 480 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 112.5 g hydrogenated palm oil and 43 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 10.6% lutein esters corresponding to 5.70 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 320 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 320 g sucrose and 19.2 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 600 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 192 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 45 g sunflower oil and 17.2 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent.
  • the formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 11.8 % lutein esters corresponding to 6.35 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 694 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 348 g sucrose and 70 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1388 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 700 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 25 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 21.8 % lutein esters corresponding to 11.7 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 657 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 263 g sucrose and 70 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1946 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 700 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 25 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C.
  • the aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 23.2% lutein esters corresponding to 12.5 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • vessel A 595 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 298 g sucrose and 60 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1488 g water at 65°C during stirring.
  • vessel B 600 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 21.4 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at
  • the aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent.
  • the formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
  • the resulting dried powder had a content of 23.5 % lutein esters corresponding to 12.7 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • microcapsules prepared according to the examples were tested for stability in tablets and milk.
  • the chemical stability of the lutein ester microcapsule powder was tested by means of multivitamin mineral tablets having a content of about 2 mg of lutein ester per tablet.
  • the tablets were packaged in HDPE containers whose lid was sealed with heat-sealed aluminum foil.
  • the tablets were stored at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months.
  • the lutein ester content was analyzed in each case after storage for 3 and 6 months. The results are as shown in Table 1:
  • Table 1 Tablet stability data, storage at 40°C /75% RH
  • the powders comprising microcapsules prepared according to examples 4 and 5 were tested in milk. After 3 weeks storage none of the samples showed ring formation in milk i.e. the samples had sufficient stability in this application.
  • the invention is not reduced to the previously given examples but can be varied in many fold ways.
  • the following carotenoids or its esters can also be used: zeaxanthin, beta- carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, citranaxanthin and beta-apo-8' -carotenoids.

Abstract

The invention relates to a microcapsule comprising at least one active substance selected from lutein and lutein esters embedded in a matrix comprising porcine gelatine or bovine gelatine and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 0.5 to 25 % of total weight of the microcapsule, and which microcapsule does not comprise any added emulsifier. The invention further relates to a process of preparing the microcapsule as well as uses and products comprising the microcapsule.

Description

Microcapsules comprising lutein or lutein ester Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a microcapsule comprising lutein or lutein esters as active substance embedded in a hydrocolloid matrix of porcine or bovine gelatine, a process for preparing such microcapsules as well as applications thereof and products comprising such microcapsules.
Background of the invention
Lutein is a xanthophyll and a naturally occurring carotenoid found in plants, such as flowers, in particular marigold flowers, and green leafy vegetables. Lutein may for instances be extracted from the petals of marigold, spinach, kale andbroccoli. Marigold is in particular rich in lutein, and it is found as lutein esters with fatty acids. Lutein can be used as yellow pigment in all kind of compositions, such as functional foods and health care products, and it has well known pharmacological effects and applications.
Lutein as free lutein has the chemical structure
Figure imgf000002_0001
The typical lutein esters found in marigold are the mono- or dipalmitate, and these esters have properties different from the free lutein. The molecular weight of free lutein is about 569 g/mol, whereas the molecular weight of the dipalmitate is about 1046 g/mol.
The melting point of free lutein is about 190 °C, whereas the melting range of the mixed naturally occurring lutein esters is from about 50 to about 80 °C.
Chinese patent application 102389108 A discloses lutein ester microcapsule powder comprising lutein ester crystals, antioxidants and emulsifying agents for both the oil-phase and the aqueous-phase, filler, wall material and oil, and a method for preparing the same. The filler material applied is modified gum arabic or modified starch. The application claims that both a water soluble and a oil soluble emulsifier are needed to produce the microcapsule powder. Using emulsifiers in the formulation has the disadvantage that air will be trapped into the powder particles and form hollow spheres. The included air and the porosity of the microcapsules lead to chemical degradation of the lutein or lutein ester.
Using emulsifiers furthermore has the disadvantage that the preparation is more expensive and time consuming to produce because the emulsifiers have to be mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients in the aqueous and the oil phase, respectively. Furthermore the list of ingredients in the powder formulation increases.
EP 1 794 238 Bl discloses a carotenoid-containing dry powder comprising one or more carotenoids such as crystalline lutein obtainable by a microencapsulation process using isomalt and a protective colloid such as modified starch as encapsulation material, wherein the initial suspension of crystalline carotenoids is grounded.
EP 1 898 721 Bl discloses an aqueous carotenoid-containing suspension comprising at least one or more carotenoids such as crystalline lutein, modified starch and sucrose, wherein the initial suspension of crystalline carotenoids is grounded. WO2014/154788 discloses a powderous composition comprising particles of lutein and maltodextrin as matrix material.
The main object of the present invention is to provide improved products based on lutein or lutein ester concentrates and porcine or bovine gelatine which shall have a cleaner label and fewer ingredients. They shall have or create in the final product a more intense and longer lasting colour impression and they shall be more stable and less sensitive to oxidation compared to state of the art products. They shall exhibit a greater chemical stability and be more natural in composition. They shall be produced in an easier and more cost effective way. Another object is to provide improved products based on lutein or lutein ester concentrates and porcine or bovine gelatine which can be used in tablets, dairies, such as milk products, and beverages with high stability. It is also an object to provide products with good colouring properties.
Yet another object is to provide a cost effective method for producing such products. Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to a microcapsule comprising at least one active substance selected from lutein and lutein esters, embedded in a matrix comprising porcine or bovine gelatine and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 0.5 to 25 % of total weight of the microcapsule, and which microcapsule does not comprise any added emulsifier. In particular, the microcapsule does not comprise any added oil phase emulsifier.
It has surprisingly been found that the microcapsule of the invention can be provided without any added dispersing agent in addition to the porcine or bovine gelatine which is used to disperse the oily phase. Accordingly, the porcine or bovine gelatine is the sole agent with dispersing properties present in the microcapsule. Traditionally, and according to prior art, also a classical emulsifier is included in a microcapsule to ensure a sufficiently small particle size, and a small particle size is important for the appearance and colour of the final product comprising the microcapsules, such as dairies and beverages. The absence of any added classical emulsifier has also the advantage in comparison with prior art
microcapsules comprising lutein and lutein esters that foaming during preparation is avoided. Foaming during preparation will lead to inclusion of air in the microcapsules which will decrease the chemical stability of the lutein or lutein ester in the final product. Finally, a product without any added emulsifier provides the advantage of a cleaner label. The present invention in another aspect relates to a process of preparing a microcapsule according to the invention, which process comprises the steps of melting or dissolving lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
providing an aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine and said optionally other matrix components,
mixing said aqueous solution and said melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
homogenising the resulting preparation without addition of an emulsifier, finely dividing and drying the mixture thus obtained to prepare a mass of particles each containing lutein or lutein ester(s) embedded in porcine or bovine gelatine.
In a third aspect the invention relates to microcapsules according to the invention obtainable according to the process of the invention.
In a fourth aspect the invention relates to products comprising the microcapsule of the invention, in particular tablets and dairies.
Definitions
In the context of the current invention, the following terms are meant to comprise the following, unless defined elsewhere in the description.
Lutein ester concentrate is a dark orange-brown oleoresin or a granular powder having a melting range of approximately 50-80 °C. It typically comprises 70-85 % lutein ester, corresponding to about half the amount of free lutein. It can be dissolved or melted in oil.
Lutein ester concentrate complies with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) specification for lutein (Directive 2008/128/EC (E 161b). The main colouring principle of lutein consists of carotenoids of which lutein and its fatty esters account for the major part. Variable amounts of other carotenes and xanthophyll esters, such as zeaxanthin ester, are also present in the concentrate. Lutein may contain fats, oils and waxes naturally occurring in the plant material. Lutein ester concentrate contains min. 60% total carotenoid esters. Porcine or bovine gelatine is in this context defined as a protective hydrocolloid with dispersing properties. In the context of the present invention it is not to be understood as a classical emulsifier (surfactant) in accordance with the definition below. An emulsifier is defined as a substance with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. Emulsifiers can be divided into non-ionic, anionic and cationic emulsifiers. Depending on the HLB-value (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) emulsifiers can be either oil soluble (low HLB values) or water soluble (high HLB values). Adding both types to an emulsion often works synergistic. Typical emulsifiers allowed in food products comprise glycerol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, lecithins, ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate.
Dispersing means mixing one phase (the continuous phase) with a second phase (the disperse phase) where the two phases not being miscible to prepare a dispersion. The nature of each phase can be liquid, solid or gaseous.
Homogenising means treating a dispersion in order to reduce the size of the
droplets/particles of the disperse phase. Bloom is a test to measure the strength of a gel of gelatin. The test determines the weight (in grams) needed by a probe (normally with a diameter of 0.5 inch) to deflect the surface of the gel 4 mm without breaking it. The result is expressed in bloom (grades).
Low bloom, medium bloom and high bloom gelatine are gelatines having a strength of less than about 120 Bloom (low bloom), between about 120 and 200 Bloom (medium bloom) or a strength of more than about 200 Bloom (high bloom).
Detailed description of the invention
In one embodiment of the microcapsule of the invention the content of said at least one active substance, calculated as free lutein, is from 1 to 20 % of total weight of the microcapsule, preferably from 3 to 15 %, more preferably from 4 to 13 %, for instance from
5 to 10 % of total weight of the microcapsule. In a second embodiment of the microcapsule of the invention it comprises at least one antioxidant e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising t- butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), t-butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, citric acid, sodium citrate, EDTA or its salts, tocopherols, TBHQ, ethoxyquine, propyl gallate, and extracts from herbs, i.a. rosemary or oregano extract.
In a third embodiment of the microcapsule it comprises at least one plasticizer, e.g.
selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising carbohydrates and carbohydrate alcohols, examples of which are sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, invert sugar, glucose syrup, sorbitol, mannitol, trehalose, tagatose, pullulan, aftilose
(oligofructose), dextrin, maltodextrin, glycerin, and mixtures thereof.
In a forth embodiment of the invention the microcapsule comprises porcine or bovine gelatine of low bloom, medium bloom and high bloom, preferably high bloom porcine gelatine.
High bloom gelatine in comparison to low bloom gelatine and medium bloom gelatine in the context of this invention provides the adavantage of forming a more firm gel leading to a microcapsule, which is more resistant against pressure e.g. from a tabletting masc ine.
In a fifth embodiment the microcapsule comprises lutein ester(s) as active substance. In comparison with prior art products comprising microcapsules of free lutein, this microcapsule has the further advantage that the lutein ester(s) is the naturally occurring form of the lutein. Producing free lutein from a marigold extract requires saponification under harsh conditions. This processing step is avoided when using lutein ester(s) in the microcapsule.
In a sixth embodiment the mircrocapsule are prepared from an emulsion of melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) in an aqeouos solution of the gelatine in the absence of an emulsifier, wherein said lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is optionally melted or dissolved in an edible oil. In a seventh embodiment of the microcapsule of the invention the lutein/lutein ester droplets have an average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction of from 0.02 to 100 μιτι, preferably 0.05 to 50 μιτι, more preferred 0.1 to 5 μιτι or 0.2 to 2 μιτι; and in particular from 0.1 to 1 μητι. The term D[4;3] is explained in the introduction to the examples.
In a 8th embodiment the microcapsule is prepared from non-crystalline lutein ester. The microcapsule may further contain conventional additives e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising anti-caking agents, e.g. tri-calcium phosphate and silicates, i.a. silicon dioxide and sodium aluminium silicate.
The dividing and drying of the mixture of the oil-in-water preparation to produce a mass of particles can be done in any conventional way, such as spray cooling, modified spray cooling, spray drying, modified spray drying or sheet drying and crushing, see e.g. WO 91/06292 Al.
In one embodiment of the process of the invention the lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is melted or dissolved in edible oil, such as vegetable oil, e.g. selected from the group essentially consisting of or comprising sunflower oil, olive oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, MCT oil, palm oil or hydrogenated palm oil. Melting or dissolving the lutein or lutein ester in an oil facilitates dispersing and homogenising and reduces the temperature to be applied. The process of the invention may in a second embodiment comprise a further step of homogenisation, such as high pressure homogenisation.
In a third embodiment of the process of the invention the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine is added to the melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) before emulsifying. Adding the aqueous phase to the oil phase minimizes physical loss of the lutein or lutein ester. In a forth embodiment of the process the melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is added to the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine before homogenisation. In a fifth embodiment of the process the lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is added to the aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine and melted during heating before homogenisation. This is preferred if the lutein or lutein ester is not melted or dissolved in oil before homogenisation because it is a more simple process and the physical loss is minimized.
In a sixth embodiment of the process of the invention the homogenisation continues until the lutein/lutein ester droplets have an average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction of from 0.02 to 100 μιτι, preferably 0.05 to 50 μιη, more preferred 0.1 to 5 μιτι or 0.2 to 2 μιτι; and in particular from 0.1 to 1 μιτι. The term D[4;3] is explained in the introduction to the examples.
In a seventh embodiment of the process lutein ester concentrate(s) is melted or dissolved. Lutein ester has a lower melting point than free lutein, and this makes it possible, in this embodiment of the invention, to melt or dissolve the lutein ester under atmospheric pressure and to use it directly in the process. This process includes less harsh conditions, and is therefore more cost effective than the process which uses free lutein.
Melting the lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is cost-effective since use of solvent can be economized. This in particular holds for lutein esters having a lower melting point compared to free lutein and thus need only small heating energy for melting.
The present invention also relates to a product comprising microcapsules of the invention or microcapsules produced according to the invention. Examples of such products are a tablet, a beverage, a dairy, a food, a food supplement, a pharmaceutical or veterinary product, a feed or feed supplement, a personal care product or a household product. Examples
Determination of content of lutein ester and free lutein
The content of lutein ester and free lutein in the microcapsules is determined as follows: The lutein or lutein ester is released from the microcapsules under mild alkaline conditions using alkalase and heat. The lutein or lutein ester is extracted by means of ethanol and diethyl ether in a ratio of 2:5 and an aliquot of this extraction is dissolved in a known volume of ethanol. The UV/Vis absorbance is measured at a specific wavelength and the concentration is calculated from a known extinction coefficient via Lambert-Beers equation. When using the absorbance in lambda (max) = approx. 446 nm, the content of lutein ester in microcapsules containing lutein ester can be calculated by using the extinction coefficient E1%icm = 1373. The corresponding content of free lutein can be calculated form the same measurement by using the extinction coefficient E1%icm = 2550. For microcapsules containing free lutein the extinction coefficient E1% lcm = 2550 is used to calculate the content of free lutein.
Measuring of particle size (oil droplet size)
Homogenisation is performed in conventional homogenisation equipment. Homogenisation takes place until the oil droplets have the intended average size D[4;3] determined by Fraunhofer diffraction. The term D[4;3] refers to the volume-weighted average diameter (see Operators Guide, Malvern Mastersizer 2000, Malvern Instruments Ltd., 1998/1999, UK, Chapter 6, page 6.3).
Measuring of tablet stability
Multivitamin mineral tablets with a content of approximately 2 mg lutein ester (or 1 mg lutein) per tablet were prepared. The tablets were filled in HDPE containers sealed with an alumina lid. The tablets were stored at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months. The lutein ester content was analyzed in each case after storage for 3 and 6 months.
Example 1
703 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 703 g sucrose and 40 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1875 g water at 80°C during stirring. 400 g lutein ester concentrate and 28.5 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) were added during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the resulting dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
The resulting dried powder had a content of 11.7% lutein esters corresponding to 6.30 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Example 2
In vessel A 632 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 948 g sucrose and 45 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1707 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 450 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 225 g MCT oil and 32.1 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%. The resulting dried powder had a content of 13.3 % lutein esters corresponding to 7.16 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Example 3
In vessel A 555 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 821 g sucrose and 46 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1500 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 462 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 116 g MCT oil and 39 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%. The resulting dried powder had a content of 11.7% lutein esters corresponding to 6.30 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Example 4
In vessel A 800 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 800 g sucrose and 48 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1500 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 480 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 112.5 g hydrogenated palm oil and 43 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The oily phase from vessel B was added to the aqueous phase in vessel A during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
The resulting dried powder had a content of 10.6% lutein esters corresponding to 5.70 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Example 5
In vessel A 320 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 320 g sucrose and 19.2 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 600 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 192 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 45 g sunflower oil and 17.2 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%. The resulting dried powder had a content of 11.8 % lutein esters corresponding to 6.35 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Example 6
In vessel A 694 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 348 g sucrose and 70 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1388 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 700 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 25 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
The resulting dried powder had a content of 21.8 % lutein esters corresponding to 11.7 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Example 7
In vessel A 657 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 263 g sucrose and 70 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1946 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 700 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 25 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at 60-90°C. The aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%.
The resulting dried powder had a content of 23.2% lutein esters corresponding to 12.5 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Example 8
In vessel A 595 g 240 bloom porcine gelatine (type A), 298 g sucrose and 60 g sodium ascorbate were dissolved in 1488 g water at 65°C during stirring. In vessel B 600 g lutein ester concentrate was melted together with 21.4 g mixed tocopherols (70% concentrate) at
60-90°C. The aqueous phase from vessel A was added to the oily phase in vessel B during stirring followed by homogenisation until the lutein ester droplets had an average particle size D[4;3] of less than 2 μιτι. The viscosity was adjusted with water and the dispersion was sprayed into native corn starch containing silicon dioxide as a flow agent. The formed particles were dried in air at 40-150°C until the water content in the powder was below 5%. The resulting dried powder had a content of 23.5 % lutein esters corresponding to 12.7 % free lutein determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy.
The microcapsules prepared according to the examples were tested for stability in tablets and milk.
Example 9
Tablet preparation
The chemical stability of the lutein ester microcapsule powder was tested by means of multivitamin mineral tablets having a content of about 2 mg of lutein ester per tablet. The tablets were packaged in HDPE containers whose lid was sealed with heat-sealed aluminum foil. The tablets were stored at 40°C and 75% relative humidity for 6 months. The lutein ester content was analyzed in each case after storage for 3 and 6 months. The results are as shown in Table 1:
Table 1: Tablet stability data, storage at 40°C /75% RH
Figure imgf000014_0001
Example 10
Milk preparation
An amount of lutein ester microcapsule powder corresponding to a concentration of 30 ppm lutein was dissolved in milk. The solution was heated to 60°C and homogenised followed by pasteurisation at 95°C in 10 minutes. The milk was filled into bottles and stored cold (below 10°C) for 3 weeks. The stability (ring formation) was evaluated visually every week.
The powders comprising microcapsules prepared according to examples 4 and 5 were tested in milk. After 3 weeks storage none of the samples showed ring formation in milk i.e. the samples had sufficient stability in this application.
The invention is not reduced to the previously given examples but can be varied in many fold ways. For instance instead of lutein or lutein esters or in combination with said lutein or lutein esters the following carotenoids or its esters can also be used: zeaxanthin, beta- carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, citranaxanthin and beta-apo-8' -carotenoids.

Claims

Claims
1. Microcapsule comprising at least one active substance selected from lutein and lutein esters embedded in a matrix comprising porcine gelatine or bovine gelatine and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 0.5 to 25 % of total weight of the microcapsule, and which microcapsule does not comprise any added emulsifier.
2. Microcapsule according to claim 1, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 1 to 20 % of total weight of the microcapsule.
3. Microcapsule according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 3 to 15 % of total weight of the microcapsule.
4. Microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 4 to 13 % of total weight of the microcapsule.
5. Microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 5 to 10 % of total weight of the microcapsule.
6. Microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 5 further comprising at least one antioxidant and/or plasticizer.
7. Microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 6 wherein said gelatine is high bloom porcine or bovine gelatine.
8. Microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 7 prepared from an emulsion of melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate in an aqueous solution of said porcine or bovine gelatine in the absence of an emulsifier, wherein said lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is optionally melted or dissolved in an edible oil.
9. A process of preparing a microcapsule according to any of the claims 1 to 8, which process comprises the steps of
• melting or dissolving lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
• providing an aqueous solution of said porcine or bovine gelatine and said optionally other matrix components,
• mixing said aqueous solution and said melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
• homogenising the resulting preparation without addition of an emulsifier,
• finely dividing and drying the mixture thus obtained to prepare a mass of particles each containing lutein or lutein ester(s) embedded in said porcine or bovine gelatine.
10. Process according to claim 9 wherein the lutein ester concentrate(s) is melted or dissolved in edible oil, such as vegetable oil, e.g. sunflower oil, olive oil, cotton seed oil, safflower oil, MCT oil, palm oil or hydrogenated palm oil.
11. Process according to claims 9 or 10 wherein said aqueous solution of said porcine or bovine gelatine is added to said melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) before homogenisation.
12. Process according to claims 9 or 10 wherein said melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s) is added to said aqueous solution of porcine or bovine gelatine before homogenisation.
13. Process according to any of the claims 9 to 12 comprising a further step of homogenisation, such as high pressure homogenisation.
14. Microcapsule comprising at least one active substance selected from lutein and lutein ester(s) embedded in a matrix comprising porcine or bovine gelatine and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of said at least one active substance calculated as free lutein is from 0.5 to 25 % of total weight of the microcapsule, and which microcapsule does not comprise any added emulsifier obtainable by a process comprising the steps of
• melting or dissolving lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
• providing an aqueous solution of said porcine or bovine gelatine and said optionally other matrix components,
• mixing said aqueous solution and said melted or dissolved lutein or lutein ester concentrate(s),
• homogenising the resulting preparation without addition of an emulsifier,
• finely dividing and drying the mixture thus obtained to prepare a mass of particles each containing lutein or lutein ester(s) embedded in said gelatine.
15. A product comprising microcapsules according to any of the claims 1-8 and 14 or microcapsules produced according to any of the claims 9-13.
16. Product according to claim 15 which is a tablet, a food, a food supplement, a beverage, a dairy, a pharmaceutical or veterinary product, a feed or feed supplement, a personal care products or a household product.
17. Tablet or dairy comprising microcapsules according to any of the claims 1-8 or microcapsules produced according to any of the claims 9-13, wherein said gelatine is high bloom porcine or bovine gelatine.
PCT/EP2016/052618 2015-02-06 2016-02-08 Microcapsules comprising lutein or lutein ester WO2016124783A1 (en)

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CN115251376A (en) * 2022-07-28 2022-11-01 青岛康小鹿生物科技有限公司 Lutein ester nano microcapsule and preparation method thereof

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