Biodegradable microcapsules for controlled release of hydrophobic bioactives
Biodegradable, water-dispersible microcapsules use potato protein as a shell and plant oil as a core to encapsulate hydrophobic bioactives. The system targets high loading efficiency and capacity, improved bioavailability and colloidal stability, and protection of actives against thermal, UV, low-pH, and storage stress. Controlled release can be tuned via compositional and structural parameters while maintaining biodegradability, with demonstrated performance for carotenoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids.
Overview
This solution develops biodegradable microcapsules for controlled release of hydrophobic bioactive ingredients. Natural plant materials are used, with potato protein (PP) forming the shell and plant oil forming the core. The microcapsules can encapsulate a range of hydrophobic bioactives to produce water-dispersible microparticles.
The resulting particles are reported to show high loading efficiency and capacity, improving bioavailability and colloidal stability of the encapsulated bioactives. The approach is especially applicable for incorporating bioactives into vegetarian and vegan products, as PP is described as safe and non-allergenic.
Technical specifications
- Microcapsule Composition: Shell made of potato protein; core made of plant oil
- Encapsulation Efficiency: High loading capacity for hydrophobic bioactives with particle size under 6 micrometers (d(50)<6µ)
- Stability and Protection: Protection of bioactives during thermal treatment, UV exposure, low pH, and storage
- Controlled Release: Release rates can be adjusted by modifying compositional and structural parameters without reducing biodegradability
- Bioactives Tested: Carotenoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids; additional testing is planned to extend the encapsulation system to other bioactives and refine release control while maintaining biodegradability and safety
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating laboratory validation. Future work includes adapting the encapsulation system for different bioactives and further testing to refine release control mechanisms while maintaining biodegradability and safety.
About Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology is a leading public technological university in Haifa with a STEM‑intensive, entrepreneurial culture and a globally engaged research community. Companies engage via co‑located labs and shared core facilities on campus, with access to prototyping and fabrication shops and contract research. The medical faculty’s integration with major teaching hospitals enables clinical studies and translation, and the campus lies within Israel’s high‑tech corridor, linking partners to startups and multinational R&D centers. Research is backed by national funding from the Israel Science Foundation and the Israel Innovation Authority, plus European programs like Horizon Europe and binational foundations; a dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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