Controlled release microcapsules
AssigneeMicro Flo Company
InventorsWilliam A. McMahon, Chel W. Lew, Keith L. Branly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Microcapsules are prepared by encapsulating a core material with a capsule shell wall containing glutamldehyde crosslinked gelatin and at least one water soluble plasticizer that reduces the permeability of the Crosslinked gelatin. Optionally, the capsule shell wall also contains a feeding deterrent that dissuades accidental ingestion of the microcapsule. Upon exposing the microcapsules to water, the plasticizer is removed malting the shell wall permeable whereby the encapsulated core material is released. Materials such as insecticides, herbicides, plant growth regulating agents, and fungicides may be encapsulated and released at a controlled location, time and rate.
Claims11
A microcapsule comprising:
- a core material comprising a dry hydrophilic material, a hydrophilic material in a hydrophobic carrier liquid, or a hydrophobic material;
- a capsule shell wall which completely surrounds said core material, wherein said shell wall material comprises:
- (a) a glutaraldehydecrosslinked gelatin containing 1-75 wt % of at least one water soluble plasticizer selected from the group consisting of water soluble starches, sugars, cyclodextrins, maltodextrins, corn syrup solids, and sorbitol which inhibits transfer of said core material through said crosslinked gelatin;
- and (b) a feeding deterrent comprising a cucurbitacin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.