The production of dietary supplements and nutraceutical products requires stable, easy-to-handle ingredients with suitable technological properties. Liposoluble substances—such as vitamins A, D, E, K, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential oils—pose significant challenges due to their oily consistency and poor flowability.

IPS, a provider of microencapsulated active ingredients, has developed solutions to improve the manageability and stability of these compounds, optimizing their use in formulations.

One of the key benefits of microencapsulation for liposoluble ingredients is the improvement of flowability, a crucial parameter in manufacturing processes. This refers to the ability of a powder or granulate to flow smoothly during mixing, transport, and dosing phases, especially when filling capsules or sachets.

Liposoluble ingredients in liquid or viscous form tend to adhere to surfaces and form agglomerates, disrupting machine performance. Consequences may include:

• Buildup or blockage in production machines, reducing overall line efficiency
  ● Difficulties and slowdowns during the manufacturing process
  ● More frequent machine stops for cleaning and sanitization
  ● Uneven distribution of the active ingredient, possibly affecting product effectiveness

Through microencapsulation, IPS transforms these ingredients into solid forms, coating them with protective matrices that enhance processability. The result is a more free-flowing, stable, and easily dosable powder. This not only enables smoother production but also ensures a more uniform distribution of the active compound in the final product.

Another major benefit is improved dosing accuracy: each unit (capsule, tablet, sachet) contains a consistent and homogeneous amount of the active, enhancing both product efficacy and consumer experience.

Microencapsulation is a key technology for optimizing liposoluble ingredients, making them easier to handle during production and preserving their integrity until consumption.