Microcapsules comprising a fat-soluble active substance

Abstract

The invention relates to microcapsule comprising at least one fat-soluble active substance selected from provitamins, vitamins and esters thereof, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's), carotenoids and benzoquinones embedded in a matrix comprising a hydrocolloid and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of active substance(s) is from 30 to 60% of total weight of the microcapsule, and wherein the ratio between said fat-soluble active substance(s) and said hydrocolloid is at least 4:1, as well as a process for preparing such microcapsules. The microcapsules of the invention may be used for the preparation of tablets, food products and other products including an active substance.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A microcapsule comprising at least one fat-soluble active substance selected from provitamins, vitamins and esters thereof, monounsaturated fatty acids, oils comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA oils), carotenoids and benzoquinones embedded in a matrix comprising a hydrocolloid and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of active substance(s) is from 30 to 45% of total weight of the microcapsule, and wherein the ratio between said fat-soluble active substance(s) and said hydrocolloid is at least 6:1, and wherein the content of free surface fat is 2% or less. 
     
     
         28 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , wherein the content of active substance(s) is at least 35% of total weight of the microcapsule. 
     
     
         29 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , wherein the content of active substance(s) is at least 40% of total weight of the microcapsule. 
     
     
         30 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , wherein the ratio between said fat-soluble active substance(s) and said hydrocolloid is from 6:1 to 8:1. 
     
     
         31 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , where in the hydrocolloid is sodium or potassium caseinate. 
     
     
         32 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , wherein the matrix further contains antioxidants. 
     
     
         33 . The microcapsule of  claim 27 , wherein the content of free surface fat in the microcapsule is less than 1% by weight based on the microcapsule. 
     
     
         34 . A process of preparing the microcapsule of  claim 27 , which process comprises the steps of
 providing a solution or dispersion of said hydrocolloid and said optionally other matrix components,   adding to said solution or dispersion said at least one fat-soluble active substance,   treating the mixture thus obtained to prepare a solution or dispersion of said at least one active substance in said matrix,   finely dividing and drying the mixture thus obtained to prepare a mass of particles each containing said at least one active substance embedded in said matrix,   wherein said at least one active substance and said hydrocolloid are used in a ratio of at least 6:1.   
     
     
         35 . The process of  claim 34 , wherein said at least one active substance and said hydrocolloid are used in a ratio of from 6:1 to 8:1. 
     
     
         36 . A product comprising the microcapsule of  claim 27 . 
     
     
         37 . A microcapsule comprising at least one fat-soluble active substance selected from the group consisting of monounsaturated fatty acids and oils comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA oils) embedded in a matrix comprising a hydrocolloid selected from the group consisting of caseinates; further comprising a carbohydrate and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of active substance(s) is from 30 to 45% of total weight of the microcapsule, and wherein the ratio between said fat-soluble active substance(s) and said hydrocolloid is at least 6:1, and wherein the content of free surface fat is 2% or less. 
     
     
         38 . A microcapsule comprising at least one fat-soluble active substance selected from provitamins, vitamins and esters thereof, monounsaturated fatty acids, oils comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA oils), carotenoids and benzoquinones embedded in a matrix comprising a hydrocolloid and optionally one or more other matrix components, wherein the content of active substance(s) is from 30 to 45% of total weight of the microcapsule, and wherein the ratio between said fat-soluble active substance(s) and said hydrocolloid is at least 6:1.