POLYSACCHARIDE CAPSULES AND METHODS OF PREPARATION

摘要

The present invention is directed to seamless capsules and methods for making seamless capsules having a high oil content. More specifically, the present invention is directed to seamless capsules, and methods for making seamless capsules, made from a process involving the steps of: (a) preparing an emulsion comprising oil, water, an emulsifier, and at least one of a water-soluble monovalent metal salt, polyvalent metal salt, and an acid, wherein said oil is present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said emulsion; with the proviso that said emulsion does not contain marmelo mucilage; and (b) adding portions of said emulsion to an aqueous gelling bath comprised of at least one ionic polysaccharide, thereby encapsulating said portions of said emulsion in a polysaccharide gel membrane, and optionally (c ) drying the resulting capsules by removing water. The capsule is, for example, an alignate gel. The capsules of the invention are suitable for a variety of applications, e.g. pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, veterinay, agricultural, cosmetic, or food applications.