ENCAPSULATION OF SENSITIVE LIQUID COMPONENTS INTO A MATRIX TO OBTAIN DISCRETE SHELF-STABLE PARTICLES

• US 20070141096A1
• Filed: 02/21/2007
• Published: 06/21/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: General Mills Incorporated
• Original Assignee: General Mills Incorporated
• Inventors: Van Lengerich, Bernhard
• Granted Patent: US 8,313,757 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/401
• CPC Class Codes: A21D 13/28 characterised by the coating composition
• CPC Class Codes: A21D 8/04 treating dough with microorganisms or enzymes
• CPC Class Codes: A21D 8/042 with enzymes
• CPC Class Codes: A23C 2220/204 Use of bacteria which are encapsulated, entrapped or immobilised; Fermentation with these bacteria
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 27/72 Encapsulation
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 29/065 Microorganisms addition of bacteria for nutritional purposes A23L33/135
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 7/135 Individual or non-extruded flakes, granules or shapes having similar size, e.g. breakfast cereals
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 9/10 Puddings; Dry powder puddings
• CPC Class Codes: A23P 10/25 Agglomeration or granulation by extrusion or by pressing, e.g. through small holes, through sieves or between surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A23P 10/30 Encapsulation of particles, e.g. foodstuff additives
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0056 Mouth soluble or dispersible forms; Suckable, eatable, chewable coherent forms; Forms rapidly disintegrating in the mouth; Lozenges; Lollipops; Bite capsules; Baked products; Baits or other oral forms for animals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 50/30 Against vector-borne diseases, e.g. mosquito-borne, fly-borne, tick-borne or waterborne diseases whose impact is exacerbated by climate change

Abstract

A liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, such as a live microorganism or an enzyme dissolved or dispersed in a liquid plasticizer is admixed with a plasticizable matrix material. The matrix material is plasticizable by the liquid plasticizer and the encapsulation of the active encapsulant is accomplished at a low temperature and under low shear conditions. The active component is encapsulated and/or embedded in the plasticizable matrix component or material in a continuous process to produce discrete, solid particles. The liquid content of the liquid encapsulant component provides substantially all or completely all of the liquid plasticizer needed to plasticize the matrix component to obtain a formable, extrudable, cuttable, mixture or dough. Removal of liquid plasticizer prior to extrusion is not needed to adjust the viscosity of the mixture for formability. Release of an active component from the matrix may be delayed or controlled over time so that the active component is delivered when and where it is needed to perform its intended function. Controlled release, discrete, solid particles which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component such as a heat sensitive or readily oxidizable pharmaceutically, biologically, or nutritionally active component are continuously produced without substantial destruction of the matrix material or encapsulant.

Claims

1. A method for encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:

a. obtaining a formable mixture by admixing ingredients comprising at least one plasticizable matrix material, a liquid encapsulant component, said liquid encapsulant component comprising an encapsulant and a liquid plasticizer, and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein said plasticizable matrix material is plasticizable by said liquid plasticizer at a temperature which does not substantially destroy said encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear and low temperature conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the encapsulant to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized, viscoelastic, formable mixture,

b. forming said formable mixture into pieces, and

c. drying said pieces,

wherein said liquid encapsulant component provides at least a substantial portion of the liquid plasticizer for forming said plasticized mixture.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said admixing is conducted at a temperature of less than or equal to about 50°

C.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the liquid plasticizer content of said liquid encapsulant component is at least about 50% by weight, based upon the weight of said liquid encapsulant component.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the liquid plasticizer content of said liquid encapsulant component is sufficient to form a substantially homogenous formable dough upon admixture of said liquid encapsulant component with said plasticizable matrix material.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the liquid plasticizer content of said formable dough is from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, based upon the weight of the formable dough.

6. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein liquid plasticizer in addition to the liquid plasticizer provided by said liquid encapsulant component is admixed with said plasticizable matrix material to obtain said formable mixture, the formable mixture is obtained in an extruder and extruded through a die without substantially expanding the formable mixture, and the extrudate is cut into pieces.

7. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the formable mixture is extruded to obtain an extrudate, the extrudate is cut into pieces, and the pieces are dried to a shelf-stable moisture content of less than about 10% by weight, based upon the weight of the pieces.

8. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said admixing to obtain said formable mixture is conducted at a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 100 bar.

9. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein an additional encapsulant, in solid form, is admixed with said plasticizable matrix material.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said additional encapsulant is coated with a film-forming material prior to admixing with said plasticizable matrix material.

11. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said formable mixture is obtained by admixing said ingredients in a continuous mixer to obtain a crumbly dough, feeding the crumbly dough to an extruder, and plasticizing the crumbly dough into a continuous, substantially homogeneous plasticized dough in said extruder, extruding the substantially homogeneous dough through an extruder die, and cutting the extrudate into individual pieces.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pieces are coated with a film-forming material.

13. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said plasticizable matrix material comprises either semolina or flour from cookies or crackers, and said liquid plasticizer comprises water.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said liquid encapsulant component comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

15. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one release-rate controlling component is a hydrophobic component.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said hydrophobic component is at least one member selected from the group consisting of fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, emulsifiers, polyolefins, polyurethanes, polyvinylchloride, paraffins, polyvinyl acetates, and modified starches.

17. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one release-rate controlling component is a high water binding capacity component.

18. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein said high water binding capacity component is selected from the group consisting of proteins, and hydrocolloids.

19. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the amount of said at least one release-rate controlling agent is from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight, based upon the weight of said plasticizable matrix material.

20. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the semolina or cookie flour or cracker flour content of said pieces is at least about 40% by weight, based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

21. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 which is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form, and wherein said encapsulant is at least one heat sensitive pharmaceutical component, neutraceutical component, nutritional component, flavor component, fragrance component, or biologically active component, and said plasticizable matrix material comprises durum wheat.

22. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 21 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

23. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 which is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form, and wherein said encapsulant is at least one heat sensitive pharmaceutical component, neutraceutical component, nutritional component, flavor component, fragrance component, or biologically active component, and said plasticizable matrix material comprises ground cookies or ground crackers.

24. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 23 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

25. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 wherein said encapsulant is at least one member selected from the group consisting of acepromazine, acetaminophen, acetohexamide, acetohydroxamic acid, acetylcholine, acetylcysteine, acyclovir, albendazole, alclometasone dipropionate, allopurinol, alprazolam, alprostadil, amcinoide, amantadine, amdinocillin, amikacin, amiloride, aminocaproic acid, aminophylline, aminosalicylate, aminosalicylic acid, amitriptyline hydrochloride, ammonium chloride, amobarbital, amodiaquine hydrochloride, amoxapine, amoxicillin, amphetamine sulfate, amphotericin, ampicillin, amprolium, acetazolamide, acetyldigoxin, acetylsalicylic acid, anileridine, anthraline, antipyrine, antivenin, apomorhine, apraclonidine, ascorbic acid, aspirin, acromycin, atropine, amoxycillin, anipamil, azaperone, azatadine maleate, azathioprine, azithromycin, aztreonam, bacampicillin, bacitracin, baclofen, barium salts, beclomethasone dipropionate, belladonna extract, bendroflumethiazide, benoxinate hydrochloride, benzethonium chloride, benzocaine, benzonatate, benzthiazide, benztropine mesylate, betain, betamethasone, betaxolol, betanechol chloride, biotin, biperiden, bisacodyl, bismuth, botulism antitoxin, bromocriptine mesylate, bromodiphenhydramine hydrochloride, bumetanide, bupivacaine, busulfan, butabarbital sodium, butalbital, combinations of butalbital, caffeine, aspirin and codeine, beta-carotene, calcifediol, calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium salts, candicidin, captopril, carbachol, carbamazepine, carbenicillin indanyl sodium, carbidopa, carbinoxamine maleate, carboprost tromethamine, carboxymethylcellulose, carisoprodol, casanthranol, cascara, castor oil, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefamandole nafate, cefazolin, cefixime, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, cefprozil, ceftazidime, cefuroxime axetil, cephalexin, cephradine, chlorambucil, chloramphenicol, chlordiazepoxide, chloroquine phosphate, chlormadinone acetate, chlorothiazide, chlorpheniramine maleate, chloroxylenol, chlorpromazin, chlorpropamide, chlorprothixene, chlorprothixene, chlortetracycline bisulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, chlorthalidone, chlorzoxazone, cholecalciferol, cholera vaccine, chromic chloride, chymotrypsin, cimetidine, cinoxazin, cinoxate, ciprofloxacin, cisplatin, clarithromycin, clavulanate potassium, clemastine fumarate, clidinium bromide, clindamycin hydrochloride, -palmitate and -phosphate, clioquinol, clofazimine, clofibrate, clomiphene citrate, clonazepam, cinnarizine, clonidine hydrochloride, clorsulon, clotrimazole, cloxacillin sodium, cyanocobalamin, cocaine, coccidioidin, cod liver oil, codeine, colchicine, colestipol, corticotropin, cortisone acetate, cyclacillin, cyclizine hydrochloride, cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, cycloserine, cyclosporine, cyproheptadine hydrochloride, cysteine hydrochloride, danazol, dapsone, dehydrocholic acid, demeclocycline, desipramine, desoximetasone, desoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dexchloipheniramine maleate, Dexpanthenol, dextroamphetamine, dextromethorphan, diazepam, diazoxide, dibucaine, dichlorphenamide, dicloxacillin sodium, dicyclomine, dienestrol, diethylpropion hydrochloride, diethylstilbestrol, diflunisal, digitalis, dicoumarol, digitoxin, digoxin, dihydroergotamine, dihydrostreptomycin, dihydrotachysterol, dihydroxyaluminium aminoacetate, dihytoxyaluminium sodium carbonate, diltiazem hydrochloride, dimenhydrinate, dimercaprol, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, diphenoxylate hydrochloride, diphteria antitoxin, dipyridamole, disopyramide phosphate, disulfiram, dobutamine hydrochloride, docusate calcium, docusate sodium, dopamine hydrochloride, doxepin hydrochloride, doxycycline, doxycycline hyclate, doxylamine succinate, dronabinol, droperidol, drotaverine, dydrogesterone, dyphylline, guaifenesin, enalapril maleate, analaprilat, ephedrine, epinephrine, equilin, ergocalciferol, ergoloid mesylates, ergonovine maleate, ergotamine tartrate, erythrityl tetranitrate, erythromycin, estradiol, estriol, estrogene, estrone, estropipate, ethcrynic acid, ethambutol hydrochlorid, ethchlorvynol, ethinyl estradiol, ethionamide, ethopropazine hydrochloride, ethotoin, ethynodiol diacetate, etidronate disodium, etoposide, eugenol, famotidine, fenoprofen, ferrous fumatate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, flucytosine, fludrocortisone acetate, flunisolide, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluorescein sodium, fluorometolone, fluorouracil, fluoxymesterone, fluphenazine, flurandrenolide, flurazpam, flurbiprofen, folic acid, furazolidone, flunitrazepam, furosemide, gemfibrozil, gentamicin, gentian violet, glutarate, glutethimide, glycopyrrolate, chorionic gonadotropin, gramicidin, griseofulvin, guaifenesin, guanabenz, guanadrelsulfate, halazone, haloperidol, haloprogin, halothane, heparin calcium, hepatitis virus vaccine, hetacillin potassium, hexylresorcinol, histamine phosphate, histidine, homatropine, histoplasmin, hydralazine hydrochloride, hydrochlorothiazide, hydrocodone bitartrate, hydrocortisone, hexobarbital, hydroflumethiazide, hydromorphone hydrochloride, hydroquinone, hydroxocobalamin, hydroxyamphetamine, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, hydroxyprogesterone caproate, hydroxyurea, hydroxine hydrochloride, hydroxine pamoate, hyoscyamine, hyoscyamine sulfate, ibuprofen, ifosfamide, imipramide, imipramide hydrochloride, indapamide, indomethacin, insulin, inulin, iocetamid, iodoquinol, iohexol, iopamidol, ipecac, ipodate calcium, ipodate sodium, isocarboxacid, isoetharine hydrochloride, isoflurane, isoniacid, isopropamide iodine, isoproterenol hydrochloride, isosorbide dinitrate, isotretenoin, isoxsuprine hydrochloride, kanamycin sulfate, ketoprofen, ketoconazole, labetalol hydrochloride, lanolin, leucine, leucovorin calcium, levamisole hydrochloride, levocarnithine, levodopa, levonorgestrel, levorphanol tartrate, levothyroxine sodium, lidocaine, lincomycin hydrochloride, lindane, liothyronine sodium, liotrix, lisinopril, lithium carbonate, loperamide hydrochloride, loracarbef, lonetil, lorazepam, lovastatin, loxapine, lysine, mafenide acetate, magaldrate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium gluconate, magnesium oxide, other magnesium salts, malathion, manganese salts, manganese, maprotiline hydrochloride, mazindol, measles virus vaccine, mebendazole, mebrofenin, mecamylamine hydrochloride, meclizine hydrochloride, meclocycline, meclofenamate sodium, medroxyprogesterone acetate, mefenamic acid, megestrol acetate, meglumine, melphalan, menadiol minitel sodium diphosphate, menadione, menotropine, meperidine, mephenytoin, mephobarbital, meprednisone, meprobamate, mercaptopurine, mesoridazine besylate, mestranol, metaproterenol sulfate, metaraminol bitartrate, methacycline hydrochloride, methadone hydrochloride, methamphetamine hydrochloride, methazolamide, methdilazine, methenamine, methicillin sodium, methimazole, methionine, methocarbamol, methotrexate, methoxsalen, methoxyflurane, methsuximide, methyclothiazide, methylbenzethonium chloride, methyldopa, methylergonovine maleate, methylphenidate hydrochloride, methylprednisolone, methyltestosterone, methysergide maleate, metoclopramide, metolazone, meoprolol tartrate, metronidazole, metyrapone, metyrosine, mexiletine hydrochloride, mexiletine hydrochloride, miconazole, minocycline hydrochloride, minoxidil, mitomycin, mitotane, molindone hydrochloride, monobenzone, morphine sulfate, mupirocin, medazepam, mefruside, methandrostenolone, methylsulfadiazine, nadolol, nafcillin, nafcillin sodium, nalidixic acid, nalorphine, naloxone, nandrolone decanoate, nandrolone phenpropionate, naproxen, natamycin, neomycin, neomycin sulfate, neostimine bromide, niacin, nitrofurantoin nalidixic acid, nifedipine, nitrazepam, nitrofurantoin, nitroglycerine, nitromerson, nizatidine, nonoxynol 9, norethindrone, norethindrone acetate, norfloxacin, norgestrel, nortriptyline hydrochloride, noscapine, novobiocin sodium, nystatin, opium, oxacillin sodium, oxamniquine, oxandrolone, oxazepam, oxprenolol hydrochloride, oxtriphylline, oxybenzone, oxybutynin chloride, oxycodone hydrochloride, oxycodone, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, oxymetholone, oxymorphone hydrochloride, oxyphenbutazone, oxytetracycline, padimate, pancreatin, pancrelipase, papain, panthenol, papaverin hydrochloride, parachlorophenol, paramethasone acetate, paregoric, paromomycin sulfate, penicillamine, penicillin, penicillin derivatives, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, pentazocine, pentazocine hydrochloride, pentazocine salts, pentobarbital sodium, perphenazine, pertussis, phenacemide, phenazopyridine hydrochloride, phendimetrazine tartrate, phenelzine sulfate, phenmetrazine hydrochloride, phenobarbital, phenophtalein, phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, phentennine hydrochloride, phenylalanine, phenylbutazone, phenylephrine hydrochloride, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, physostigmine, phytonadione, pilocarpine, pimozide, pindolol, piperazine, piroxicam plicamycin, poliovirus vaccine inactivated, polycarbophil, polymyxin b sulfate, polythiazide, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium cluconate, potassium iodide, potassium sodium tartrate, povidone iodine, pralidoxime chloride, pramoxine hydrochloride, pramezam, prazepam, praziquantel, prazosin hydrochloride, prazosin hydrochloride, prednisolone, prilocaine, primaquine, primidone, probenecid, probucol, procainamide hydrochlorid, procaine hydrochloride, procarbacine hydrochloride, prochlorperazine, prochlorperazine maleate, procyclidine hydrochloride, progesterone, proline, promazine, promazine hydrochloride, promazine, promethazine, promethazine hydrochloride, propafenone hydrochloride, propantheline, proparacaine hydrochloride, propoxycaine hydrochloride, propoxyphene hydrochloride, propoxyphene napsylate, propanolol hydrochloride, propyliodone, propylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, protriptyline hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, pumice, pyrantel pamoate, pyrazinamide, pyrethrum extract, pyridostigmine bromide, pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyrilamine maleate, pyrimethamine, pyroxylin, pyrvinium pamoate, phenacetin, phenytoin, prednisone, quinidine gluconate, quinidine sulfate, rabies vaccine, racepinephrine ranitidine, rauwolfia serpentina, resorcinol, ribavirin, riboflavin, rifampin, ritodrine, rubella virus vaccine, saccharin, saccharin sodium, salicylamide, salicylic acid, salsalata, scopolamine, secobarbital sodium, selenious acid, selenium sulfate, sennaserine, simethicone, sodium ascorbate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium fluoride, sodium gluconate, sodium iodide, sodium lactate, sodium nitrite, sodium ditroprusside, sodium salicylate, spironolactone, stannozolol, streptomycin, sucralfate, sulfacetamide, sulfadiazine, reserpine, sulfadioxine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfamethoxydiazine, sulfapyridin, sulfasalazine, sulfaperin, sulfathiazole, sulfisoxazole, sulfinpyrazone, sulindac, suprofen, stilains, tamoxifen citrate, temacepam, terbutaline sulfate, terfenadine, terpin, testolactone, testosterone, tolazamide, tolbutamide, tetracaine, tetracycline, tetrahydrocycline, theophylline, thiabendazole, thiamine hydrochloride, thiamine, thiamylal, thiethylperazine thimerosal, thioguanine , thioridazine hydrochloride, thistrepton, thiotepa, thiothixene, threonine, thyroid stimulating hormone, ticarcillin, timolol, tioconazole, titanium dioxide, tolazamide, tolbutamide, tolmetin, tolnaftate, trazodone hydrochloride, tretinoin, triacetin, triamcinolone, triamterene, triazolam, trichorfon, trichlormethiazide, trientine hydrochloride, trifluoperazine hydrochloride, triflupromazine, trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride, trimeprazine tartrate, trimethadione, trimethobenzamide hydrochloride, trimethoprim, trioxsalen, tripelennamine, triprolidine, trisulfapyrimidine, tropicamide, trypsin, tryptohan, tuberculin, tyloxapol, tyropanoate sodium, tyrosine, tyrothricin, thyrothricin bethamethasone, thiotic acid, sotalol, salbutamol, norfenefrine, silymarin, dihydroergotamine, buflomedil, etofibrate, indometacin, urea, valine, valproic acid, vancomycin hydrochloride, vasopressin, verapramil, vidarabine, vinblastine, vincristine, vitamins, warfarin, yellow fever vaccine, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc chloride, zinc gluconate, beta acetyl digoxin, piroxicam, haloperidol, isosorbide 5-mononitrate, amitriptylin, diclofenac, verapamil, pyritinol, nitrendipin, doxycycline, bromhexine, clonidine, fenofibrate, allopurinol, pirenyepine, levothyroxin, tamoxifen, metildigoxin, o-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside, propicillin, aciclovir mononitrate, paracetamol, naftidrofuryl, pentoxifylline, propafenone, acebutolol, L-thyroxin, tramadol, bromocriptine, loperamide, ketotifen, fenoterol, cadobelisate, propanolol, enalaprilhydrogen maleate, bezafebrate, ISDN, gallopamil, xantinol nicotinate, digitoxin, flunitrazepam, bencyclane, dexapanthenol, pindolol, lorazepam, diltiazem, piracetam, phenoxymethylpenicillin, furosemide, bromazepam, flunarizin, erythromycin, metoclopramide, acemetacin, ranitidin, biperiden, metamizole, doxepin, dipotassium chloroazepate, tetrazepam, estramustine phosphat, terbutaline, captopril, maprotiline, prazosin, atenolol, glibenclamide, cefaclor, etilfrine, cimetidine, hydromorphone, ibuprofen, plimidone, clobazam, oxaceprol, medroxyprogesterone, flecainid, pyridoxal 5 phosphate glutaminate, hymechromone, etofylline clofibrate, vincamine, cinnarizine, diazepam , ketoprofen, flupentixol, molsimine, glibornuride, dimetinden, melperone, soquinolol, dihydrocodeine, clomethiazole, clemastine, glisoxepide, kallidinogenase, oxyfedrine, baclofen, carboxymethylcysteine, thioridazine, betahistine, L-tryptophan, murtol, bromelaine, prenylamine, salazosulfapyridine, astemizol, sulpiride, benzerazide, dibenzepine, miconazole, nystatin, ketoconazole, sodium picosulfate, coltyramine, gemfibrocil, rifampicin, fluocortolone, mexiletin, terfenadrin, mucopolysaccharide polysulfade, triazolam, mianserin, tiaprofenic acid, amezinium metilsulfate, mefloquine, probucol, quinidine, carbamazepine, L-aspartate, penbutolol, piretanide, aescin amitriptyline, cyproterone, sodium valproinate, mebeverine, bisacodyl, 5-aminosalicylic acid, dihydralazine, magaldrate, phenprocoumon, amantadine, naproxen, carteolol, famotidine, methyldopa, auranofine, estriol, nadolol, levomepromazine, doxorubicin, medofenoxate, azathioprine, flutamide, norfloxacin, fendiline, and prajmalium bitartrate.

26. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 wherein said encapsulant is at least one member selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, phytochemicals, hormones, vitamins, pro-vitamins, minerals, microorganisms, prebiotics, probiotics, trace elements, essential and/or highly unsaturated fatty acids, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, enzymes, formulations containing zidovudine, macromolecular polypeptides, aromatic nitro and nitroso compounds and their metabolites useful as anti-viral and anti tumor agents, HIV protease inhibitors, antibiotics, viruses, pigments, steroids, oligopeptides, dipeptides, amino acids, flavor components, fragrance components, detergents and surface-active components, lipid derivatives of phosphonatides, amphiphilic polymers, adenosine derivatives, sulfated tannins, monoclonal antibodies, and metal complexes of water-soluble texathyrin.

27. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 wherein said encapsulant is at least one member selected from the group consisting of amylases, proteases, lipases, pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases, pentosanases, and phytases.

28. A food composition comprising an encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 which is selected from the group consisting of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, snacks, soups, salads, cakes, cookies, crackers, ice creams, yogurts, puddings, custards, baby foods, medicinal foods, sports bars, and beverages.

29. A food topping comprising an encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 in granular form.

47. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 21 wherein the formable mixture is extruded through a die having multiple apertures, at a rate of extrudate per die area of less than about 5 kg/h per mm².

48. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 47, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than 3 kg/h per mm².

49. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 48, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than about 0.5 kg/h per mm².

50. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 47, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm.

51. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 47, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

52. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 47, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm.

53. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 21, wherein said liquid encapsulant component comprises at least one enzyme.

54. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 21, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

55. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 26 wherein said plasticizable matrix material which is admixed with said liquid encapsulant component is in solid form.

56. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 25, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

57. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 26, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

58. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 27, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

59. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 26 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, and durum semolina.

60. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 27 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, and durum semolina.

66. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 which is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form wherein said formable mixture is extruded by a single screw or twin screw extruder.

67. An encapsulated product obtained by the method of claim 1 which is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form wherein said formable mixture is obtained by admixing said ingredients in an extruder and the formable mixture is extruded from the extruder to obtain said pieces.

70. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formable mixture is extruded through a die having multiple apertures, at a rate of extrudate per die area of less than about 5 kg/h per mm².

71. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than 3 kg/h per mm².

72. A method as claimed in claim 71, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than about 0.5 kg/h per mm².

73. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm.

74. A method as claimed in claim 73, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

86. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid encapsulant component comprises at least one enzyme.

87. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

88. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plasticizable matrix material which is admixed with said liquid encapsulant component is in solid form.

89. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, and durum semolina.

111. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 26, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is from about 60% by weight to about 95% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

30. A method for encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:

a. obtaining a formable mixture by admixing ingredients comprising at least one plasticizable matrix material comprising a durum ingredient, a liquid plasticizer, an encapsulant, and an additional component selected from the group consisting of at least substantially non-gelatinized starch, carbohydrates which have a lower molecular weight than starches, fiber, cellulose, or hemi-cellulose for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein said plasticizable matrix material is plasticizable by said liquid plasticizer at a temperature which does not substantially destroy said encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear and low temperature conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the encapsulant to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized, viscoelastic, formable mixture,

b. forming said formable mixture into pieces, and

c. drying said pieces.

31. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said at least one additional component increases the penetratability or porosity of the matrix to permit quicker release of the encapsulant from the matrix.

32. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said at least one additional component comprises a sugar or a starch hydrolyzate.

33. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said at least one additional component comprises an at least substantially ungelatinized starch.

34. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said durum ingredient comprises semolina.

35. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein a liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant dissolved or dispersed in a liquid plasticizer is admixed with said at least one plasticizable matrix material.

36. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said admixing is conducted at a temperature of less than or equal to about 50°

C.

37. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein an encapsulant in solid form is admixed with said plasticizable matrix material.

38. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said encapsulant is coated with a film-forming material prior to admixing with said plasticizable matrix material.

39. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

40. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein an oil or fat is admixed with said plasticizable matrix material for controlling the rate of release of said encapsulant from the matrix.

75. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein the formable mixture is extruded through a die having multiple apertures to obtain an extrudate at a rate of extrudate per die area of less than about 5 kg/h per mm².

76. A method as claimed in claim 75, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than 3 kg/h per mm².

77. A method as claimed in claim 76, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than about 0.5 kg/h per mm².

78. A method as claimed in claim 75, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm.

79. A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

90. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

41. A method for encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:

a. obtaining a formable mixture by admixing ingredients comprising at least one plasticizable matrix material, a liquid plasticizer, an encapsulant, a matrix component which is substantially non-plasticizable at temperatures lower than the decomposition temperature of the encapsulant, and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein said plasticizable matrix material is plasticizable by said liquid plasticizer at a temperature which does not substantially destroy said encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear and low temperature conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the encapsulant to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized, viscoelastic, formable mixture,

b. forming said formable mixture into pieces, and

c. drying said pieces.

42. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the substantially non-plasticizable matrix component is selected from the group consisting of at least substantially non-gelatinized starch, carbohydrates which have a lower molecular weight than starches, fiber, cellulose, and hemi-cellulose.

43. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the substantially non-plasticizable matrix component comprises an at least substantially non-gelatinized starch, said plasticizable matrix material comprises semolina, and said at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant comprises a fat or oil.

44. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein a liquid encapsulant component which contains said encapsulant dissolved or dispersed in said liquid plasticizer is admixed with said at least one plasticizable matrix material.

45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein said encapsulant component comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

68. A method according to claim 41, wherein the substantially non-plasticizable matrix component comprises a member selected from the group consisting of an at least substantially non-gelatinized starch, fiber, cellulose and hemi-cellulose.

69. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the liquid plasticizer content of said formable dough is from about 10% by weight to about 50% by weight, based upon the weight of the formable dough.

80. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the formable mixture is extruded through a die having multiple apertures to obtain an extrudate at a rate of extrudate per die area of less than about 5 kg/h per mm².

81. A method as claimed in claim 80, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than 3 kg/h per mm².

82. A method as claimed in claim 80, wherein the rate of extrudate per die area is less than about 0.5 kg/h per mm².

83. A method as claimed in claim 80, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm.

84. A method as claimed in claim 83, wherein the diameter of the apertures is from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

91. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of said dry pieces.

92. A method as claimed in claim 41, wherein the substantially non-plasticizable matrix component comprises an at least substantially non-gelatinized starch.

93. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, and durum semolina.

94. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein said at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant comprises a protein.

95. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the pieces obtained by said drying are hardened, solidified, discrete particles and may be ground.

46. An edible product for human or animal consumption comprising an encapsulated product, said encapsulated product being obtained by admixing at least one plasticizable matrix material, a liquid plasticizer, an encapsulant, a matrix component which is substantially non-plasticizable at temperatures lower than the decomposition temperature of the encapsulant, and at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein the substantially non-plasticizable matrix component comprises an at least substantially non-gelatinized starch, said plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, durum semolina, pregelatinized starch, pentosans, hydrocolloids, and mixtures thereof, and said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, vitamins, micronutrients, and live microorganisms.

61. An edible product as claimed in claim 46 wherein a liquid encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant dissolved or dispersed in a liquid plasticizer is admixed with said at least one plasticizable matrix material.

62. An edible product as claimed in claim 46 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of high gluten content flours, gluten from wheat, durum wheat, and durum semolina.

63. An edible product as claimed in claim 61 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one enzyme.

64. An edible product as claimed in claim 46 wherein the content of said at least one plasticizable matrix material is at least about 30% by weight.

65. An edible product as claimed in claim 46 wherein said at least one plasticizable matrix material comprises semolina.

85. A method for encapsulating or embedding a component in a matrix comprising:

a. obtaining a formable mixture by admixing ingredients comprising at least one plasticizable matrix material, an encapsulant, a liquid plasticizer, and a substantially non-gelatinized starch, wherein said plasticizable matrix material is plasticizable by said liquid plasticizer at a temperature which does not substantially destroy said encapsulant, said admixing being under low shear and low temperature conditions to plasticize the plasticizable material without substantially destroying the encapsulant to obtain a substantially homogeneous plasticized, viscoelastic, formable mixture,

b. forming said formable mixture into pieces by extruding the formable mixture through a die having multiple apertures at a rate of extrudate per die area of less than about 5 kg/h per mm², and

c. drying said pieces.

96. An encapsulated product comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of:

at least one plasticized matrix material comprising a durum ingredient;

an encapsulant that is at least one component selected from the group consisting of a pharmaceutical component, neutraceutical component, nutritional component, flavor component, fragrance component, and biologically active component; and

a hydrophobic agent for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant,

wherein said encapsulated product is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form.

97. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein the hydrophobic agent is selected from the group consisting of fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, and synthetic polymers.

98. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein the encapsulant comprises a probiotic.

99. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein the encapsulant comprises live lactobacilli.

100. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein the encapsulant comprises an enzyme.

101. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein a liquid encapsulant component comprising the encapsulant and a liquid plasticizer provides at least a substantial portion of liquid plasticizer for plasticizing at least one plasticizable matrix material and the amount of hydrophobic agent is about 5% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

102. An encapsulated product according to claim 101, comprising about 10% to about 35% by weight of the hydrophobic agent, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

103. An encapsulated product according to claim 96, wherein the durum ingredient is selected from the group consisting of at least one of durum semolina, durum granular, durum flour, and mixtures thereof.

108. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 96 comprising about 3% by weight to about 50% by weight of the encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material.

109. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 96 comprising about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight of the encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material.

110. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 96, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is from about 60% by weight to about 95% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

104. An encapsulated product, comprising:

at least one plasticized matrix material comprising a biopolymer; and

an encapsulant selected from the group consisting of live lactobacilli, a probiotic, a prebiotic, and an enzyme;

wherein a liquid encapsulant component comprising the encapsulant and a liquid plasticizer provides at least a substantial portion of liquid plasticizer for forming the at least one plasticized matrix material, and

wherein said encapsulated product is in a substantially non-expanded particulate form.

105. An encapsulated product according to claim 104, wherein the biopolymer comprises a carbohydrate.

106. An encapsulated product according to claim 104, further comprising a hydrophobic agent for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant.

107. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 104, wherein the encapsulant is at least substantially uniformly distributed in the plasticized matrix material.

112. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 104, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

113. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 104, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is from about 60% by weight to about 95% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

114. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 107, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is at least about 30% by weight based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

115. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 107, wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is from about 60% by weight to about 95% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

116. An encapsulated product comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of:

at least one plasticized matrix material in an amount of at least about 30% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product, and

about 1% by weight to about 85% by weight of an encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material, wherein the encapsulant is at least substantially uniformly distributed in said at least one plasticized matrix material, said encapsulant being at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, lactobacilli, probiotics, and prebiotics,

wherein said encapsulated product is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form.

117. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said at least one plasticized matrix material comprises a biopolymer.

118. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 117 wherein said biopolymer is a carbohydrate.

119. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said at least one plasticized matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a durum ingredient, a pregelatinized starch, and a modified starch.

120. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said at least one plasticized matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a pregelatinized starch, and a modified starch.

121. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said at least one plasticized matrix material comprises at least one durum ingredient.

122. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 121 wherein the at least one durum ingredient is selected from the group consisting of durum semolina, durum granular, and durum flour.

123. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes and lactobacilli.

124. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one enzyme.

125. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein said encapsulant is at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of amylases, proteases, lipases, pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases, pentosanases, and phytases.

126. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 119 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes and lactobacilli.

127. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 120 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes and lactobacilli.

128. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 121 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes and lactobacilli.

129. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 119 wherein said encapsulant comprises at least one enzyme.

130. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 119 wherein said encapsulant is at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of amylases, proteases, lipases, pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases, pentosanases, and phytases.

131. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 comprising about 3% by weight to about 50% by weight of the encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material.

132. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 comprising about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight of the encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material.

133. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein the amount of said at least one plasticized matrix material is from about 60% by weight to about 95% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product.

134. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 further comprising at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant.

135. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 134 wherein said at least one release-rate controlling component is a hydrophobic agent for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant.

136. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 134 wherein said at least one release-rate controlling component is a high water binding capacity component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant.

137. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 134 wherein the amount of said at least one release-rate controlling component is about 5% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

138. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 134 wherein the amount of said at least one release-rate controlling component is about 10% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

139. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 135 wherein the amount of said hydrophobic agent is about 5% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

140. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 135 wherein the amount of said hydrophobic agent is about 10% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

141. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 135 comprising about 10% to about 35% by weight of the hydrophobic agent, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material.

142. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 135 wherein the hydrophobic agent is selected from the group consisting of fats, oils, waxes, fatty acids, and synthetic polymers.

143. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 135 wherein the hydrophobic agent comprises an oil.

144. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 wherein a liquid encapsulant component comprising the encapsulant and a liquid plasticizer provides at least a substantial portion of liquid plasticizer for forming the at least one plasticized matrix material.

145. An encapsulated product as claimed in claim 116 further comprising an at least substantially ungelatinized starch.

147. A food topping comprising an encapsulated product according to claim 116 in granular form.

148. A food composition comprising:

an encapsulated product according to claim 116;

and

a food product selected from the group consisting of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, snacks, soups, salads, cakes, cookies, crackers, ice creams, yogurts, puddings, custards, baby foods, medicinal foods, sports bars, and beverages.

146. An encapsulated product comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of:

at least one plasticized matrix material in an amount of at least about 30% by weight, based upon the weight of the encapsulated product, wherein said at least one plasticized matrix material comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a durum ingredient, a pregelatinized starch, and a modified starch,

about 1% by weight to about 85% by weight of an encapsulant, based upon the weight of the matrix material, wherein the encapsulant is at least substantially uniformly distributed in said at least one plasticized matrix material, said encapsulant being at least one member selected from the group consisting of enzymes, lactobacilli, probiotics, and prebiotics,

at least one component for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein said at least one release-rate controlling component comprises a hydrophobic agent for controlling the rate of release of the encapsulant, wherein the amount of said hydrophobic agent is about 5% to about 70% by weight, based upon the weight of the at least one plasticizable matrix material,

wherein said encapsulated product is in substantially non-expanded, particulate form.