Systems and methods are provided for microencapsulating oxygen sensitive cargo such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and other oils by spray drying with an in situ internal gelation mechanism achieving cross-linking of polymers during the process, which is well-suited for industrial scale-up. Spray drying formulations of a mixture of an immiscible hydrophobic cargo and an emulsifier of a hydrophobically modified hydrophilic polymer with a suspension of a multivalent ion cross-linkable polymer, at least one acid, at least one volatile base and at least one salt of a multivalent ion can be adapted to provide control over particle size, degree of crosslinking, enteric release of cargo and shelf life. The methods produce microcapsules that enhance the shelf life of lipophilic bioactives while providing a mechanism of gastrointestinal delivery.

Disclosed is a method for making and using insoluble, biodegradable, nanoparticles containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in selected ratios. Tests show a surprising effect that the nanoformulation is twice as potent and at least five times more sustained leading to at least tenfold (2×5) higher bioavailability at equal dose (1% v/v).

Disclosed is a method for making and using insoluble, biodegradable, nanoparticles containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in selected ratios. Tests show a surprising effect that the nanoformulation is twice as potent and at least five times more sustained leading to at least tenfold (2×5) higher bioavailability at equal dose (1% v/v).

Beverages are provided which include a beverage liquid and granules mixed with the beverage liquid The granules include: (i) a milled carotenoid consisting of lutein and/or zeaxanthin, wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 μm, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 μm, (ii) a matrix material which encapsulates the milled carotenoid and comprises at least one modified food starch, a glucose syrup and sucrose, and (iii) a water-soluble antioxidant, wherein the granules have the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 200 to 300 μm, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 220 to 320 μm, and wherein all D values are as measured by laser diffraction according to the Fraunhofer scattering model, and wherein the granules do not include an oil or a gelatin.

Beverages are provided which include a beverage liquid and granules mixed with the beverage liquid The granules include: (i) a milled carotenoid consisting of lutein and/or zeaxanthin, wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 μm, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 μm, (ii) a matrix material which encapsulates the milled carotenoid and comprises at least one modified food starch, a glucose syrup and sucrose, and (iii) a water-soluble antioxidant, wherein the granules have the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 200 to 300 μm, and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 220 to 320 μm, and wherein all D values are as measured by laser diffraction according to the Fraunhofer scattering model, and wherein the granules do not include an oil or a gelatin.

A simple cellulose sulphate based microencapsulation technology has been applied to encapsulate bacterial or other microbial cells, which produce and release digestive enzymes and thereby provides an acid resistant shelter for these microbial cells. Surprisingly, the resulting spheres were found to provide sufficient protection for encapsulated cells from treatment with aqueous acidic solutions. Thereby the cellulose sulphate microencapsulated cells, such as probiotics are now enabled to survive passage, for example, through the stomach after consumption by a human or animal with a higher survival rate than those not within a microcapsule. After passing the stomach these cells are delivering products produced by them, e.g. enzymes or other nutrition factors. This technology therefore proves to be very useful in providing digestive or otherwise beneficial enzymes and/or of living microbial cells, into the lower gastrointestinal tract, where they could confer their health benefit to the host.

A simple cellulose sulphate based microencapsulation technology has been applied to encapsulate bacterial or other microbial cells, which produce and release digestive enzymes and thereby provides an acid resistant shelter for these microbial cells. Surprisingly, the resulting spheres were found to provide sufficient protection for encapsulated cells from treatment with aqueous acidic solutions. Thereby the cellulose sulphate microencapsulated cells, such as probiotics are now enabled to survive passage, for example, through the stomach after consumption by a human or animal with a higher survival rate than those not within a microcapsule. After passing the stomach these cells are delivering products produced by them, e.g. enzymes or other nutrition factors. This technology therefore proves to be very useful in providing digestive or otherwise beneficial enzymes and/or of living microbial cells, into the lower gastrointestinal tract, where they could confer their health benefit to the host.

Methods for the preparation of nanosized nutrient formulations for enhanced absorption of nutritional agents. The methods include the complexation of cyclodextrin with carotenoids and incorporation of the complexes into the nutritional supplements without intermediate collection, isolation, and drying steps.

Methods for the preparation of nanosized nutrient formulations for enhanced absorption of nutritional agents. The methods include the complexation of cyclodextrin with carotenoids and incorporation of the complexes into the nutritional supplements without intermediate collection, isolation, and drying steps.

The disclosure provides edible hydration pods (EHPs) for hydrating animals and a method of manufacturing EHPs. In one example, an EHP directed to dogs is disclosed that includes: (1) a casing and (2) a liquid that is within the casing, wherein the liquid is water and the casing is an edible and digestible casing that is flavored for dogs and has a thickness corresponding to a bite force of dogs.