European patent granted for long-life softgel capsule for probiotics and oil
Until now, soft gel capsules had to be manufactured at high temperatures and humidity, leading to the destruction of probiotics, making softgel probiotic formulations unviable.
Ayanda claims to have spent 10 years perfecting its gentle method, whereby the survival rate of probiotics is "vastly increased". The innovation enables the manufacture of softgel capsules comprising uncoated probiotic bacteria alongside at least one oil – e.g. fish oil with DHA and EPA, and vitamins.
Creation of the patented process was achieved by 'optimally adjusting to the specific characteristics of probiotics' to minimise the loss of viable cells during production.
Ahead of the innovation unveiling at Vitafoods Europe, Dr. Dominique Baum, managing director at Ayanda, said: “The industry has spent a long time trying to develop a product like this, and using this new production method we are able to balance the survival of probiotics and the formation of an intact softgel capsule – so it is a big achievement.
"It will enable Ayanda to offer unique softgel probiotics coupled with an additional oil – crucially reducing the number of dosages consumers need to get their supplement needs. With this new technology, we expect to see a large interest from nutraceutical brand owners, as it opens up many possibilities for truly novel products.”
The European Patent Office has published the listing in the European Patent Bulletin for “an improved process for producing a softgel capsule comprising viable probiotic bacteria and a softgel comprising viable probiotic bacteria with a long shelf life”.
Ayanda’s core business is the development and manufacture of complex softgels containing up to 10 or more ingredients. This new technology forms part of a wider innovation strategy and corporate culture at Ayanda and Sirio – following the announcement of the company’s enhanced global R&D group in early April – with both European and China teams currently undertaking proactive research on a number of projects. These include the creation of new nutraceutical dosage forms and formulations to help customers advance products to market faster.
“We started this particular project with the simple goal of trying to combine the advantages of Omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics in one single softgel capsule.
"For consumers there is a clear gap in the market, as at present they need two different dosages. But for brand owners, this opens-up many customer segments from the ‘unborn child and mother’ to all adults thoughtful of preserving vitality, vision and vascular health. Making both components available in one capsule represents a valuable addition to healthcare,” added Baum.
