Encapsulation composition for use with chewing gum and edible products
First Claim
1. An edible solvent-free encapsulation composition for protecting against moisture comprising:
- a blend of high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000 MWU and a hydrophobic plasticizer, said polyvinyl acetate and hydrophobic plasticizer being present in a ratio of 5;
1 to about 1;
5 and wherein said blend is capable of forming an encapsulating film when mixed in a melt blend.
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Abstract
The present invention is method and composition for protecting an active ingredient and providing controlled release therefor, especially in a chewing gum composition, which includes a high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate blended with a hydrophobic plasticizer which forms a film with the high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate in the absence of an added solvent therefor. The active ingredient, such as the artificial sweetener aspartame, is blended into the encapsulating composition as, for example, by melt blend which can then be cooled to a solid and ground into particulate. The encapsulated active ingredient can then be used in a composition for ingestion by a human in the form of, for example, a chewing gum with extended shelf life and highly controlled release of the active ingredient.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An edible solvent-free encapsulation composition for protecting against moisture comprising:
a blend of high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate having a molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 100,000 MWU and a hydrophobic plasticizer, said polyvinyl acetate and hydrophobic plasticizer being present in a ratio of 5;
1 to about 1;
5 and wherein said blend is capable of forming an encapsulating film when mixed in a melt blend.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- 7. An edible product comprising an encapsualted active ingredient which is protected from moisture deterioration and which exhibits controlled release, wherein said active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of soluble dietary fibers, bio-effecting agents, and mixtures thereof and said encapsulant is solvent-free and comprises a blend of high molecular weight polyvinyl acetate and a hydrophobic plasticizer in an edible matrix wherein the active ingredient and encapsulant are mixed in a melt blend.
Specification