MicroencapsulationProtection and controlled release of ingredients and active compounds

Food Industry

Among the numerous applications this technology offers to the food industry, the following stand out:

• Adaptation of active compounds and ingredients for incorporation into food matrices, thereby producing enriched or functional foods with advanced properties.
• New functional ingredients with improved nutrient absorption and bioavailability in health supplements (e.g., bread with microencapsulated iron).

At AINIA, we have worked on products such as:

• Incorporation of probiotics and use of bioactive peptides in dairy products
• Fortification with omega-3 in bakery products
• Addition of natural antioxidants, calcium, and vitamins in beverages
• Fibre enrichment in meat products
• Addition of vitamins and minerals in processed foods
• Use of plant extracts in energy bars
• Bread with microencapsulated iron
• Taste masking of unpleasant-tasting actives and controlled release in the intestine

Cosmetics

At AINIA, we leverage the latest advances in microencapsulation solutions for cosmetic products, including the combination of different technologies (spray drying, gelation, supercritical fluid encapsulation, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc.) as well as the potential for various coating materials, considering factors such as odour masking, efficiency, and improved shelf life of ingredients.

At AINIA, we have developed products such as:

• Odour masking for strong-smelling extracts and vitamins
• Enhancement of properties such as taste, colour, and flavour
• Targeted release to specific cells
• Micro and nanocapsules to improve topical penetration
• Protection of extracts, polyphenols, etc.

Agriculture

The European Green Deal’s main objective is to promote efficient resource use through a clean and circular economy. One of its key initiatives is the “Farm to Fork“ strategy, aimed at “ensuring safe and nutritious food and feed, a high degree of animal and plant health and welfare, and clear information on food origin, content, labelling, and usage.“

Among the steps to achieve this is a 50% reduction in the use of agricultural pesticides by 2030. Additionally, the goal is to reduce fertiliser use by 20% by that year. The production of biofertilisers, natural pesticides, elicitors, and agricultural biocontrol agents represents the most promising solution that microencapsulation offers to this sector.

At AINIA, we have developed products such as:

• Biofertilisers and control agents
• Controlled-release natural pesticides
• Protected microorganisms that remain active and viable over time
• Elicitors

Packaging

Microencapsulation is highly useful in the development of active, intelligent, and functional packaging with enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial properties.

At AINIA, we have worked on products such as:

• A prototype of active bio-packaging made from sugars in juice wastewater. We developed microcapsules with antioxidant compounds, which were incorporated into the material (PHB) used to produce an active packaging that slows down the oxidation process of the packaged juice.
• Extracts and additives incorporated into the polymer before the extrusion process for controlled release and resistance to thermal conditions.