Morro Nutri: Enterically released microencapsulation technology

Overview

Morro Nutri is an innovative microencapsulation technology that utilizes food-grade plant proteins to create a protective shell around valuable vitamins and active compounds, such as Vitamin D. This technology is specifically designed to remain stable in low pH beverages and withstand environmental factors like UV exposure, ensuring the active ingredient is protected until it reaches the upper intestine for enteric release. The technology shows promise for applications involving probiotics, as it offers protection during harsh processing conditions and extended shelf life.

Technical specifications

The core of Morro Nutri's technology lies in its ability to form microcapsules that are resistant to gastric digestion. Extensive in-house stability tests have demonstrated the microcapsules' durability in conditions such as beverages with a pH lower than 3, UV degradation, flash pasteurization, and high-pressure pasteurization. Third-party testing has confirmed that approximately 75% of the microcapsule contents survive the gastric phase and are released in the intestine. Future validation will involve testing with probiotics to confirm compatibility and optimize viability under various processing conditions.

Technology readiness level

Morro Nutri is at Technology Readiness Level 3, indicating experimental proof of concept. Additional testing and validation phases are planned, including compatibility studies with probiotics, CFU analysis, and processing condition simulations. The technology is poised for further development towards commercial applications.