Method and compositions for producing hydrogel capsules coated for low permeability and physical integrity
AssigneePhilip Morris USA Inc.
InventorsGeorgios D. Karles, Daqing Wu, Shuzhong Zhuang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and compositions for producing hydrogel capsules enveloped with at least one coating layer is disclosed. The coating formulations deposited on the surface of the capsules can improve the physical integrity and the water-retention properties of the alginate beads. The coating formulations can be sequentially applied in various combinations to obtain desirable properties, such as improved physical integrity, mechanical strength, and low permeability, that can extend the shelf-life of the capsules when incorporated into various consumer products.
Claims12
A method of preparing capsules with improved water retention, comprising:
- preparing hydrogel capsules having a diameter of 1 to 5 mm and comprising one or more optional additives and a polymer selected from the group consisting of alginates, pectins, carrageenan;
- applying a polymeric coating to the capsules;
- and
- treating the polymeric coating and optionally applying a second coating to form capsules with improved water retention that exhibit water retention of at least 40% after three days at 23 degrees C. and 50% relative humidity,
- wherein the capsules further comprise a hydrophilic core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.