Method for preparing microencapsulated heat-sensitive bioactive material

Microparticles comprising:

• a matrix comprising a hydrophilic encapsulating material;
• solid particles of a hydrophobic low melting point fat dispersed in the matrix of the hydrophilic encapsulating material;
• and
• a bioactive material dispersed in the matrix of the hydrophilic encapsulating material;
• wherein the microparticles are prepared by a method comprising the steps of:
• mixing an aqueous mixture of the hydrophilic encapsulating material with a liquid melt of the hydrophobic low melting point fat to form an emulsion;
• cooling the emulsion below the melting point of the hydrophobic low melting point fat to form solid particles of the hydrophobic low melting point fat within the emulsion;
• dispersing the bioactive material into the cooled emulsion, wherein the bioactive material moves into a hydrophilic phase within the emulsion;
• and
• spray drying the cooled emulsion;
• wherein the solid particles of the hydrophobic low melting point fat are substantially separate and distinct from the bioactive material in the matrix of the hydrophilic encapsulating material and wherein the solid particles of the hydrophobic low melting point fat protect the bioactive material from heat damage, and wherein the bioactive material is bacteria.