Plant Upgrades

LTI did some upgrades to the plant this summer including lots of new paint and a new floor coating in the wet production area. Here are the before and after photos…

Some FAQs on Microencapsulation

1. What are the mechanisms of rupture for your microcapsules?
There are many different ways to rupture our microcapsules and the following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of the most common methods of rupture:

• Mechanical Shear
• pH
• Temperature (Melting or Bursting due to internal pressure)
• Slow release over time
• Dissolution when a solvent/chemical is added
• Pressure

2. How do we know what the best microencapsulation system to use is?
That is where our expertise comes in to play. We will speak to you about your custom application and ask you some very specific questions about your expectations and desires and we will determine the best system for you to begin your evaluation. The first microcapsule sample we send you may not be exactly what you need, so we encourage open communication with our customers. We work the best when our customers offer us honest feedback and results from their testing so that we can determine how we can make adjustments on our end to find a solution for you.

3. Why would I want to use microencapsulation?
Each different type of microcapsule has its own properties which contribute to its benefits, limitations and advantages. In general, when a material has been microencapsulated it is to provide the following types of benefits:

• To provide oxidation stability
• To hold onto volatile materials
• To separate incompatible materials
• To convert a liquid to a solid
• To provide a targeted or sustained release of a substance
• To improve flow characteristics / Ease of use
• For functionality or for pure aesthetics

We will have a discussion with you on your final application and we will take into consideration all of the chemical and physical obstacles that the microcapsule will need to endure and we will help you to choose the best microcapsule to start your evaluation, while taking into consideration the features, benefits and limitations of the microencapsulation system

For more facts visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Lipobead / Microbeads

LipoBead –
This product line is made via an extrusion / spheronization process. It is a pigmented semi-solid matrix that can contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic core materials. They are primarily composed of cellulose and lactose (mannitol can also be used in place of the lactose as a non-animal derived option). They are available in two sizes 700 microns avg. & 1500 microns avg. These are great for high speed filling lines or high shear processes that may rupture the traditional microcapsules.

Some Facts on Lipobead:

• Supplied as dry microbeads
• Hydrate in aqueous formulations in approx 4-6 hours
• When the product is applied, microbeads disappear upon rub out
• Can withstand high shear processing without breaking
• Two size ranges:
  • 700 microns average
  • 1500 microns average
• Can contain hydrophobic or hydrophilic core materials.
• Popular internal phases:
  • Vitamins A, E and C
  • Natural oils such as Tea Tree Oil
  • Antibacterial agents such as Triclosan.
• Lipobeads™ contain a maximum load of 5%.

Visit this page of our web site for additional information: http://www.lipotechnologies.com/lipobead.htm

“Congratulations Arica!”

Food makers see cost savings in microencapsulation

The increasing economic viability of microencapsulation technology has led to significant interest within the food and beverage industry.

And according to market analyst Frost & Sullivan, this has opened the door to new ingredients and the development of novel food properties.

"Microencapsulation has the ability to facilitate protected and targeted nutrition in a number of processed food products," said Frost & Sullivan industry manager Kathy Brownlie.


"It is fast becoming the most successful delivery systems that is enabling food ingredient companies to tap into consumer health trends."


Microcapsules are tiny particles that contain an active agent or core material surrounded by a shell or coating, and are now increasingly being used in food ingredients preparation.


Indeed, with the fear of commodification continuously looming, food manufacturers are turning to microencapsulation technologies as a way of achieving much-needed differentiation and enhancing ...

Read Full Article Here

By Anthony Fletcher --- NutraIngredients.com