Electrospun Nanofiber Technology for Compact Nutrient Delivery
NTP R&D Services is developing an electrospun nanofiber platform for compact oral nutrient delivery. The technology incorporates vitamins and bioactive ingredients into thin, dissolvable polymer films, offering potential advantages in ingredient stability, controlled release, and convenience over conventional capsules. Building on patent-pending vitamin B12 delivery work, the platform is being explored for micronutrient supplementation, including support for people using GLP-1 medications who may have reduced appetite.
Overview
NTP R&D Services is developing a compact oral nutrient-delivery platform based on its electrospun nanofiber technology. Electrospinning produces ultra-thin polymer fibers that capture vitamins and bioactive ingredients within dissolvable film matrices, creating small, easy-to-consume formats that offer an alternative to traditional capsules and tablets. The high surface area of the fiber matrices may improve ingredient stability and enable controlled release behavior customized through polymer selection and fiber architecture.
The platform is initially being explored as a nutritional-support format for people using GLP-1 medications, who often eat less and may struggle to meet their daily micronutrient needs. Targeted ingredients include vitamin B12, other B vitamins, and vitamin D3, delivered in a compact film that is practical to carry and consume.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- High-surface-area electrospun fiber matrices for efficient ingredient loading
- Thin, rapidly dissolving oral film formats
- Flexible polymer and formulation options to accommodate heat-sensitive compounds
- Tunable dissolution and release profiles through fiber structure and material choice
- Patent-pending technology extending from validated vitamin B12 transdermal delivery work
The proposed development roadmap follows four phases: selecting food-grade polymers and target ingredients; optimizing formulations for ingredient loading, film structure, and dissolution; evaluating stability, release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and preliminary safety; and benchmarking performance against conventional formulations to guide further development. Final ingredient selection and performance targets are designed to be agreed upon collaboratively with the industry partner.
Technology readiness level
The underlying electrospun nanofiber delivery platform has been demonstrated through clinical evaluations and commercial products, including transdermal patches and oral thin films. The specific application to compact oral nutrient delivery is at an early stage, with a structured feasibility study planned to validate ingredient loading, stability, and release before advancing to scale-up and product development.
About NTP R&D Services Ltd
NTP R&D Services Ltd, operating as NTP Research, is a Canadian nanotechnology company that specializes in the development and commercialization of electrospun nanofiber delivery platforms. The company bridges the gap between laboratory-scale research and industrial-scale manufacturing by providing a flexible technology platform that enables the creation of high-surface-area delivery systems. These systems are used to deliver active ingredients through oral mucosa or transdermal patches, offering advantages such as rapid dissolution, enhanced stability for heat-sensitive compounds, and improved absorption by bypassing gastrointestinal degradation. Their service model includes formulation support, prototype development, and scalable manufacturing pathways for partners across the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and skincare industries.
This technology is significant for customers seeking to improve the efficacy and user experience of their active ingredients. By moving away from traditional, less efficient delivery methods—such as large capsules or heavy creams—brands can offer consumers dissolvable, targeted solutions like the company's NFPatch for skincare recovery or oral thin films for supplements. The company supports partners from the conceptual stage through to production, assisting with customization of patch shapes, thicknesses, and active loading. NTP has demonstrated the viability of its platform through clinical evaluations and by helping brands successfully translate laboratory innovations into consumer-ready products.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.