Microencapsulated chitosan, methods of making and methods for the use thereof

Abstract

Provided herein are microencapsulated chitosan materials and formulations containing same, methods of making such formulations, and methods of using such formulations. Application of a microencapsulation coating on chitosan materials and formulations containing same renders possible the use of chitosan materials for different, novel chitosan-based dietary applications with the primary aim to decrease intestinal absorption of fat and enhance overall health, without interfering with or reducing food palatability. The present invention provides methods to microencapsulate highly effective chitosan or chitosan salts to moderate their interaction with food components and mask any off-flavors and off-tastes but allow rapid chitosan solubilization under gastric acid conditions and simultaneous binding of ingested lipids. Chitosan contemplated for use herein is preferably of high quality with high fat-binding capacity, and its source is preferably of crustacean origin.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.