Abstract
The present invention refers to a method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system. The method comprises the steps of screen-printing a base paste, and curing the base paste. The method furthermore comprises the steps of screen-printing a first paste being separate to the base paste, and curing said first paste.
Claims
1. A method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system, the method comprising the steps of: screen-printing a base paste; curing the base paste; screen-printing a first paste, said first paste being separate to the base paste and comprising a first active nutraceutical ingredient; and curing the first paste.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the nutraceutical delivery system is produced layer-by-layer.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base paste and the first paste are screen-printed such that a resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system comprises both the base paste and the first paste.
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. The method according claim 1, wherein the base paste is screen-printed by a first screen-printer, and the first paste is screen-printed by a second screen-printer; and/or the base paste and the first paste are cured with a shared curing device.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the first paste is inhomogeneously arranged in and/or throughout the base paste.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the base paste is provided as a three-dimensional body and the separate first paste is inhomogeneously arranged within and/or throughout the base paste.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the base and the first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system a concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient varies within and/or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is relatively high and/or highest at a center, at an edge or at an intermediate region of the nutraceutical delivery system.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system a gradient of the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient increases towards or increases away from a center of the nutraceutical delivery system.
14. The method according to claim 11, the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system a concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient within and/or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system comprises a smooth transition to an area and/or portion of increased concentration.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the base and first pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient within and/or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system comprises more than one area and/or portion of increased concentration.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that upon application of the nutraceutical delivery system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released from the nutraceutical delivery system at a predetermined release characteristic and/or release profile, which comprises a section with a release at a constant rate.
19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that upon application of the nutraceutical delivery system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released at two or more dosages and release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient at one of the dosages starts 1 second to 24 hours before release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient at another one of the dosages.
20. (canceled)
21. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: screen-printing a second paste, said second paste being separate to the base paste and the first paste and comprising a second active nutraceutical ingredient; and curing the second paste.
22. The method according to claim 21, the base, first, and second pastes are screen-printed such that a resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system comprises the base paste and the first paste and/or the second paste.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system is produced by the steps of: screen-printing and curing the base paste to partially form the planar layer, screen-printing and curing the first paste being separate to the base paste to partially form the planar layer screen-printing and curing the second paste being separate to the base paste and the first paste to partially form the planar layer.
24. (canceled)
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the second paste is screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the second paste is inhomogeneously arranged in and/or through-out the base paste.
26. The method according to claim 21, wherein the pastes are screen-printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system a concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient throughout and/or within the nutraceutical delivery system is different than a concentration profile of the second active nutraceutical ingredient throughout and/or within the nutraceutical delivery system.
27. (canceled)
28. The method according to claim 21, wherein the first and second pastes are screen-printed such that upon application of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, a release profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is different from a release profile of the second active nutraceutical ingredient.
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first active nutraceutical ingredient is selected from vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, or dietary substances for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake.
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
Description
[0089] The present invention will, in the following, be described with reference to the enclosed figures. In the figures, similar features are provided with equal reference signs.
[0090] FIGS. 1a to 1d show a part of a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 3 shows a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention:
[0093] FIG. 4 shows a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 5 shows a design of a nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention and the respective concentration profile;
[0095] FIG. 6a shows an active nutraceutical ingredient release profiles of a nutraceutical delivery system commonly produced;
[0096] FIGS. 6b and 6b show several active nutraceutical ingredient release profiles of nutraceutical delivery systems produced in accordance with the present invention;
[0097] FIGS. 7a to 7i show further embodiments of nutraceutical delivery systems produced in accordance with the present invention;
[0098] FIGS. 8a to 8d show further embodiments of nutraceutical delivery systems produced in accordance with the present invention;
[0099] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention; and
[0100] FIG. 10 shows a structured nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 1 shows a part of a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system in accordance with the present invention. As may be comprehended, a screen 10 is provided, which is configured for screen-printing pastes within the meaning of the present invention. The screen 10 may, for example, be suitable for screen-printing a base paste. The screen 10 may therefore comprise a respective mask 11. The mask 11 may particular mask parts for screen-printing a desired pattern, said pattern representing a respective printing profile. The screen 10 may furthermore comprise a blade 13. The blade 13 may draw the material or paste 12 to be printed over the screen, particularly over the mask 11.
[0102] As may be further comprehended from FIG. 1a, a movable platform 20 may be provided beneath the screen 10. A built 40 is already present on platform 20. The built 40 may have been produced layer-by-layer in accordance with the present invention.
[0103] As may be comprehended from FIG. 1b, the blade 13 may draw the paste 12 along the screen 10. Thereby, a further layer of the paste 12 may be screen-printed onto the built 40. The mask 11 may mask several parts in a manner such that the paste 12 is printed only at particular locations or portions on the built 40. The arrangement of the paste 12 within the resulting nutraceutical delivery system may therefore be controlled in a precise manner.
[0104] As may furthermore be comprehended from FIG. 1c, the screen 10 may subsequently be uplifted, and the platform 20 with the built 40 comprising the additional layer of a screen-printed paste may move horizontally to place the built 40 underneath a dryer 30. The screen-printed layer may be cured by means of this dryer 30. The printed paste may thus be hardened in this manner.
[0105] The platform 20 may subsequently be moved to another screen at another printing station, in order to complete further parts of the layer by screen-printing and curing further pastes.
[0106] The platform may be returned to the shown printer and screen 10 after completion of the layer, as may be comprehended from FIG. 1d. The respective paste 12 may then again be printed on top of the built 40. The height of the platform 20 may be lowered by an amount which corresponds to the thickness of the previously build layer. Screen 10 may be moved to its lower printing position such that a further layer can be provided on top of the cured layer.
[0107] FIGS. 2-4 show different embodiments of production systems for producing a nutraceutical delivery system in accordance with the present invention. According to FIG. 2, two screen-printers 10a, 10b are provided with a dryer 30 in between. During operation of the printer 10a, a base paste according to the present invention may be printed. Said base paste may then be cured by means of the dryer 30. Subsequently a first paste may be printed by means of printer 10b, particularly at parts or portions, which are not covered by the base paste. Subsequently the first paste may likewise be cured with the dryer 30. Then the built may be moved back to the first printer 10a in order to start the production of a new layer. The three-dimensional layout of the pastes in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system can be modified, particularly by changing the meshes or printing profiles of the printers 10a, 10b, respectively.
[0108] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, five printers 10 may be arranged in addition to a single dryer 30. Each of these printers may be used for screen-printing different pastes in order to eventually form a single, continuous layer. Said layer may then be cured in one step by means of the single dryer 30. A new layer may subsequently be produced on top thereof.
[0109] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, several printers 10 may be arranged together with several dryers 30. Thus, three successive printers 10 may print a first complete planar layer. Said layer may subsequently be cured with a respective dryer 30. Then a further planar layer may be printed on top. The latter layer may differ from the previously printed and cured layer. It may be comprehended that an according procedure may be reiterated with the further printers and dryers.
[0110] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention. As may be comprehended from FIG. 5, a planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system may extend through the nutraceutical delivery system. The paste 50 comprising the active nutraceutical ingredient and the base paste 52 may be arranged on a grid-like structure. Each pixel may be defined either by the active nutraceutical ingredient paste 50 or the base paste 52. As may furthermore be comprehended, the two pastes 50 and 52 may be arranged in a manner such that the density of the active nutraceutical ingredient-pixels may be higher at a central part or central portion of the nutraceutical delivery system. This may likewise become apparent from the active nutraceutical ingredient concentration profile also being shown in FIG. 5. The profile comprises a peak of high active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the center of the system. The system furthermore comprises a comparatively low active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the edges of the system. There may furthermore be a smooth transition from the low active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the edges to the high active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the center. Such a smooth transition does not feature any abrupt steps. The release profile of such nutraceutical delivery system with dissolution of the two pastes may be adjusted or configured in a specifically desired manner.
[0111] FIG. 6a shows a release profile of a common nutraceutical delivery system comprising a homogeneously distributed active nutraceutical ingredient. FIGS. 6b and 6c show two release profiles of nutraceutical delivery systems produced in accordance with the present invention. In FIGS. 6a to 6b, the design of the respective nutraceutical delivery system is shown next to the graphs. The nutraceutical delivery systems may be provided in a round shape. The respective nutraceutical delivery systems may be a tablet dissolving upon oral administration, for example. The graphs respectively show the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient of the respective nutraceutical delivery system over time.
[0112] As regards the graph in FIG. 6a, the design of the respective nutraceutical delivery system is in a manner such that the active nutraceutical ingredient is homogeneously distributed within and/or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system. This principle of homogeneityhomogeneity is the key feature of common prior art nutraceutical delivery systemsderives from the corresponding manufacturing processes. The respective active nutraceutical ingredient is released with dissolution of classical nutraceutical delivery systems. As a result of the dissolution characteristics of the homogeneous system and the shape of the nutraceutical delivery system, a particular and fixed release profile may be obtained. It may be comprehended from the graph in FIG. 6a that the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient increases gradually over time, then reaches a maximum, and subsequently decreases gradually.
[0113] In view of the inhomogeneous arrangement of the active nutraceutical ingredient in accordance with the present invention, different release profiles may be suitably obtained. The embodiment according to FIG. 6b is different from that in FIG. 6a, since the active nutraceutical ingredient is arranged at an edge of the nutraceutical delivery system. The principle of a homogeneous distribution of the active nutraceutical ingredient within the nutraceutical delivery system may therefore be suspended. In particular, the active nutraceutical ingredient may be inhomogeneously arranged in the nutraceutical delivery system. In the present case, a high concentration at the edge of the nutraceutical delivery system may be provided. The concentration of the active nutraceutical ingredient may smoothly decrease towards the center or central portion of the nutraceutical delivery system. With application of the nutraceutical delivery system associated with the graph FIG. 6b, the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be rather high or comparatively high in the beginning. Subsequently the release may decrease gradually. Such a high initial release of an active nutraceutical ingredient may be beneficial for particular applications.
[0114] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6c, the active nutraceutical ingredient may be accumulated at a central part or central portion of the nutraceutical delivery system. Accordingly, the concentration of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be comparatively high or highest at the center or a central portion of the system. The gradient of the concentration may point from the edge of the system to its center or central portion. It may be comprehended from the graph in FIG. 6c that the release increases approximately gradually over a prolonged period of time. The maximum release rate may thus be delayed in time in comparison to the common design shown in FIG. 6a. As compared to the common design, the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be considered to be more constant, particularly for an extended period of time. It may be comprehended that such a release profile may be beneficial for particular applications.
[0115] FIGS. 7a to 7i show nine design options for nutraceutical delivery systems produced according to different embodiments of the present invention. It may be comprehended from FIGS. 7a to 7i that all these designs comprise a base paste forming the overall body of the respective nutraceutical delivery system. The base paste and/or the overall body may be considered as a matrix. Within said matrix further pastes may be arranged. These further pastes are, in FIGS. 7a to 7i, labeled as paste A, paste B, paste C and paste D. Each of said pastes may comprise an effective amount of a separate active nutraceutical ingredient. Accordingly, every one of the pastes A-D may be considered as a first paste within the meaning of the present invention. The base paste as well as the pastes A-D may be soluble in body fluids.
[0116] The design of the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7a has a round shape, as may be seen in FIG. 7a. The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7a may have the form of a tablet, a disc or the like. The system shown in FIG. 7a may have a particular diameter D. The diameter D may be, for example, 15 mm. In case of the the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7a, a first paste A with a first active nutraceutical ingredient, a second paste B with a second active nutraceutical ingredient and a third paste C with a third active nutraceutical ingredient may be provided within and/or throughout the base paste. It may be comprehended that the respective active nutraceutical ingredients are not distributed homogeneously within and/or through the nutraceutical delivery system. Instead the active nutraceutical ingredients may be arranged inhomogeneously within the base paste. This is due to the fact that the pastes A, B, C are provided at particular positions within the nutraceutical delivery system. The pastes A, B, C may be provided in a polygonal shape and/or comprise a hexagonal cross section.
[0117] By applying the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7a and with dissolution thereof, the base paste may dissolves first, since the dissolution may begin at the edge of the system. After a certain period of time, paste C and then paste B may start to dissolve. Therewith, the respective active nutraceutical ingredients may be released. Subsequently, paste A may eventually start to dissolve. Therewith, the respective first active nutraceutical ingredient provided therein may be released. The different active nutraceutical ingredients may be released at different stages at different dosages after application of the nutraceutical delivery system, due to the particular arrangement of the pastes in the nutraceutical delivery system. Each active nutraceutical ingredient may be released at a particular time after applying the nutraceutical delivery system due to the particular arrangement of the different pastes within the nutraceutical delivery system according to the embodiment in FIG. 7a. A particular and individual, active nutraceutical ingredient-specific release profile may thus be achieved.
[0118] The nutraceutical delivery system according to the embodiment in FIG. 7b is formed as a tablet. The height of the tablet may, for example, amount 2.5 mm. The diameter of the tablet may amount 15 mm, for example. Two pastes B and C, each comprising an active nutraceutical ingredient, may be provided within the base paste. The pastes B and C may be provided in the base paste in an inhomogeneous manner in accordance with the present invention. By applying the nutraceutical delivery system, particular release profiles of the active nutraceutical ingredients within pastes B and C may be obtained. The release profiles may, for example, feature smooth transitions between phases of increased release.
[0119] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7c is similar to that of the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7a. However, according to FIG. 7c the nutraceutical delivery system may comprise, only two pastes B and C beside the base paste. The pastes B and C may each comprise an active nutraceutical ingredient. By applying the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7c, particular release profiles of the active nutraceutical ingredients contained in pastes B and C may be obtained. Said release profiles may feature smooth transitions between phases of increased release.
[0120] In the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7d, two pastes with active nutraceutical ingredients may be provided in a tube-like shape. Said pastes may likewise be provided in form of stacked plates.
[0121] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7e has a design in which the pastes with active nutraceutical ingredients may be provided as spots within the base paste. By applying such nutraceutical delivery system, particular release profiles of the active nutraceutical ingredients contained in pastes B and C may be obtained. The release profiles may feature smooth transitions between phases of increased release.
[0122] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7f has a design of a particular height H. Said height H may, for example, amount 25 mm. Furthermore, only one paste with an active nutraceutical ingredient may be is arranged inhomogeneously within the base paste, particularly in a tube-like manner. The paste may likewise be provided in form of plates.
[0123] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7g is similar to the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7e. However the pastes with active nutraceutical ingredients may be arranged in a more random manner in the embodiment according to FIG. 7g. By applying the system according to FIG. 7g, particular release profiles of the active nutraceutical ingredients within pastes B and C may be obtained. Said release profiles may feature smooth transitions between phases of increased release.
[0124] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7h may have a design, according to which the pastes with the active nutraceutical ingredients are provided or arranged in the form of circles within and/or throughout the base paste. By applying the nutraceutical delivery system, the base paste and the first paste may dissolve in an alternating manner. The dissolving in an alternating manner may occur such that the first active nutraceutical ingredient A is released intermittently, for instance, in a rather periodic manner. The second paste B may start dissolving after the first active nutraceutical ingredient is completely released Therewith the second active nutraceutical ingredient B may be released. It may be comprehended that the circles of paste A are not concentric. The circles are also not having a uniform thickness. In view of this particularly inhomogeneous arrangement, a particular release profile may be obtained. The release profile may feature smooth transitions between phases of increased release.
[0125] The nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 7i has a design in which a paste with an active nutraceutical ingredient is provided in a particular pattern within a matrix of additives. The latter is arranged in the base paste.
[0126] FIGS. 8a to 8d show further embodiments for nutraceutical delivery systems produced in accordance with the present invention. The overall shape of the system may be that of a round disc, in particular with a diameter of 5-25 mm, preferably 20 mm or 15 mm. The thickness of the disc may amount to 0.5-15 mm, preferably 2 mm or 6 mm. In FIGS. 8a to 8c, a cut 54 into the tablets is provided in order to allow a view into the arrangement of the pastes within or inside the tablets.
[0127] The design of the nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 8a has a first paste 56 with a first active nutraceutical ingredient provided at the central part or central portion of the tablet. The central part or central portion of the tablet may be surrounded by a base paste 58. The entire tablet may be coated with a coating 60. The coating 60 may be a hydrophilic coating or be configured to have hydrophilic characteristics. The coating 60 may, for example, provide entericcoated properties. The concentration of the active nutraceutical ingredient within the tablet may be relatively high and/or highest at the center of the tablet. The concentration profile of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be such that it comprises a smooth transition, in particular a smooth transition from the edge of the tablet towards the center of the tablet. The smooth transition is indicated by different hatch typed in the FIG. 8a.
[0128] The design of nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 8b has a first paste 62 with a first active nutraceutical ingredient and a second paste 64 with a second active nutraceutical ingredient. The first paste 62 and the second paste 64 are provided within a base paste 58. Again, a coating 60 may be provided. The second paste 64 may be arranged in the form or a sphere. The concentration of the second active nutraceutical ingredient may be relatively high or highest on the surface 66 of the sphere. The concentration may decrease smoothly towards the center of the sphere. The first paste 62 may be provided within said sphere formed of the second paste 64. By applying the tablet and with dissolution of the pastes 62 and 64, the second active nutraceutical ingredient may be released prior to the first active nutraceutical ingredient. Both active nutraceutical ingredients may be released during a transition period.
[0129] The design of nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 8c may have two different active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68. The second active nutraceutical ingredient 68 may be provided at a central part or central portion of the tablet. The first active nutraceutical ingredient 66 may be provided around the second active nutraceutical ingredient 68. There may be an overlap of the active nutraceutical ingredients at an interface region 70 between both active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68. As a result, both active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68 may be arranged in this interface region 70. Accordingly, a smooth crossover may be achieved. The nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68, as well as the interface region 70 are indicated by different hatch types in FIG. 8b. Further to this, layers 72 extending through the system may be provided. Said layers may be hydrophobic layers or may have hydrophobic characteristics.
[0130] The design of nutraceutical delivery system according to FIG. 8d does not have any coating or may be free of any coating. An active nutraceutical ingredient 76 may be inhomogeneously arranged within and/or throughout the tablet. As a result, areas or regions with different concentrations of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be formed or provided.
[0131] FIG. 9 shows a further design option for a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system may be provided in a spherical shape. The system may, furthermore, have a hydrophobic coating 60. The coating 60 may, for example, comprise hydrophilic pores 78, preferably with sizes in the range of 1 m to 500 m. There may be provided a base paste 58 and three different active nutraceutical ingredients inside the nutraceutical delivery system. The active nutraceutical ingredients may be active nutraceutical ingredient A, active nutraceutical ingredient B, and active nutraceutical ingredient C. Active nutraceutical ingredient C may be provided at a central part or central portion of the nutraceutical delivery system with a peripheral pattern. Active nutraceutical ingredient C may be surrounded by the other two active nutraceutical ingredients A and B. Active nutraceutical ingredient B may thus is provided as a hollow sphere, in particular with a homogeneous distribution of the active nutraceutical ingredient. Active nutraceutical ingredient A may furthermore be inhomogeneously distributed. Active nutraceutical ingredient A may surround the active nutraceutical ingredient C. The concentration of active nutraceutical ingredient A may accordingly diminishes towards an edge of the illustrated nutraceutical delivery system. The diminishing concentration of active nutraceutical ingredient A is indicated by different hatch types in FIG. 9.
[0132] FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As may be comprehended from FIG. 10, the surface of the nutraceutical delivery system may be structured. It is shown that six protrusions and respective recesses in between are formed on one side of the system. The surface may be increased or enlarged in this manner. The dissolution of the nutraceutical delivery system and thus the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be enhanced in this way. It may be comprehended that the entire surface of the nutraceutical delivery system may be structured. It is also possible that only one or several parts of the system may be structured.
[0133] It may be comprehended that the nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention, a particular inhomogeneous distribution of one or more active nutraceutical ingredients within and/or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system may be arranged. Thereby a desired release of an active nutraceutical ingredient or a plurality of active nutraceutical ingredients may be achieved. It may furthermore be comprehended that a prompt release or a delayed release of an active nutraceutical ingredient may be obtained. It is furthermore possible to release a particular single active nutraceutical ingredient at different dosages over a prolonged period of time. For example, a particular single active nutraceutical ingredient may be released intermittently. Thereby a release of the active nutraceutical ingredient in specific phases may be obtained.
[0134] With a single nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention, it is furthermore possible to obtain a release of different active nutraceutical ingredients in distinct phases. It may, for example, be possible to design the nutraceutical delivery system in a manner such that a first active nutraceutical ingredient is released prior to the release of a second active nutraceutical ingredient.
[0135] It may be comprehended that the usage of the screen-printing technique in accordance with the present invention allows for the production of such elaborate nutraceutical delivery systems with high quality, and at the same time at great quantities. The nutraceutical delivery system can therefore be produced in a mass production context.
[0136] There are numerous design options resulting from the concept of providing an inhomogeneous arrangement of one or more active nutraceutical ingredients. It may be comprehended that the above examples may be combined to obtain further elaborate designs or embodiments with release profiles optimized to the particular applications or desired effects.
