Stabilized biologically active compounds contained in coated microgranules which can be suspended in alimentary fluids
AssigneeRecordati S.A., Chemical and Pharmaceutical Company
InventorGiancarlo Santus
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method to protect biactive compounds and microorganisms from inactivation in the gastric tract as well as in foods. The method involves preparation and coating of a multiplicity of microgranules containing the compounds or microorganisms. The microgranules are generally smaller than 500 .mu.m and have physical characteristics that permit homogeneous filming as well as ready suspension after coating in common foodstuffs such as milk and milk products and fruit juices.
Claims16
A method for preparing an ingestible product comprising a suspension of a bioactive material wherein the ingestible product is liquid or semi-solid and constitutes an environment adverse to the activity or viability of said bioactive material, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) forming microgranules from a mixture of the bioactive material and at least one excipient, said microgranules prior to coating in step (b) below having a size range of 50-400 .mu.m, a spheroidal shape, and a substantially smooth surface suitable for coating;
- (b) rendering the coated microgranules resistant to chemical attack by the adverse environment of said ingestible material by coating the microgranules with at least one coating resistant to dissolution in an acid environment, said acid environment including gastric fluid, said coated microgranules having a size within the range of 50-500 .mu.m;
- and
- (c) suspending said coated microgranules to the ingestible material, thereby forming a suspension of distinct coated microgranules in said material, said coated microgranules remaining in said ingestible product throughout the shelf life of said product and until its consumption.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.