Cost, encapsulating matrix

Low Cost-Reliable Supply. Maltodextrins and corn syrup solids carry a much lower cost than almost all other encapsulating matrix ingredients, They are produced both in the U.S. and in foreign countries by several suppliers, so they are readily available. When used alone or as one of a combination of encapsulation matrix ingredients, maltodextrins and corn syrup solids are an effective part of the encapsulating system. 

To overcome these limitations, HME technology offers some distinct advantages over traditional methods of encapsulation. Notably, HME is generally a solvent free (or minimal amount of solvent) technique, is cost efficient, entails a small equipment footprint, is a continuous (melting, mixing, and shaping) process, and is snitable for numerous matrix materials and encapsulants. 

These encapsulation methods are used for large spectra applications. The protective efficiency of the two systems is highly different, with much more efficient barrier action in the core system, compared to easier release, and lower cost in the matrix system. 

Carbohydrates are used extensively in spray-dried encapsulations of food ingredients as the encapsulating support—that is, the wall material or carrier. The ability of carbohydrates to form a protective matrix, complemented by their diversity and low cost, makes them the first choice for encapsulation. The main limit for their application is their high water sensitivity and fast hydration when in contact with water. 

UPE resins can be used as clear castings or in combination with particulate fillers or fibres. The resin was developed to meet the demand of lightweight materials in military application. The first functional use of UPE was in radome. Because of the obvious advantages of easy processability and low cost, it was used in a wide range of applications in civil sectors such as tanks, pipes, and electronic gears. Some of the important products based on cast UPE resins are encapsulation of electronic assembly, buttons, door handles, knives, umbrellas, industrial wood and furniture finishing. A filled resin system using limestone, silica, and china clay are used for floor tiles. The major use of UPE is as a matrix for fibre-reinforced composites. Such composites have wide applications in automobile and construction industries such as boats, water-skis and television antennae. Examples of applications of UPE resins are presented in Table 2.7. 

Microencapsulation by spray-drying is a low-cost commercial process which is mostly used for the encapsulation of fragrances, oils and flavors. Core particles are dispersed in a polymer solution and sprayed into a hot chamber (Fig. 1.15). The shell material solidifies onto the core particles as the solvent evaporates such that the microcapsules obtained are of polynuclear or matrix type. Very often the en-... 

The primary weakness that still plagues this product is poor emulsion stability in final applications. The materials used in encapsulation generally have no inherent emulsification properties (exceptions would be when modified starches or gum Arabic is used as a wall component) and the emulsion must be formed in an exceptionally viscous matrix. Both factors work against forming a small enough emulsion size to yield a stable emulsion in a finished product, i.e., beverage. Nevertheless, major improvements have been made in this process that lower costs and improve performance. Thus, flavorings produced in this manner will likely have increased market share in the future. 

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