Flavor Encapsulation: Melt Extrusion and Melt Injection

By: Mike Porzio

Posted: May 14, 2008, from the June 2008 issue of P&F magazine.

Each encapsulation system brings with it a number of constraints, and the choice of the best-suited process is critical to a successful delivery of the encapsulated flavor.2 Melt extrusion and melt injection are two similar process systems. Unfortunately, some juxtaposition of these terms has occurred in the literature, which can lead to confusion. This article discusses the strengths, limitations and various applications of these two flavor encapsulation processes.

Nomenclature

Terms referring to extrusion encapsulation have been used interchangeably for similar but distinct processes. These terminologies include: extrusion, extrusion encapsulation, melt-extrusion, hot-melt extrusion, polymer-melt extrusion, glass encapsulation, melt encapsulation, melt-injection and Durarome process. The major distinction lies in the use of either a twin-screw extruder (melt extrusion and extrusion encapsulation) or the hard candy syrup-boil process followed by injection and cooling of the syrup flavor into a solvent bath (melt injection and Durarome process). A profile comparison of the two systems is found in T-2.

Other topics discussed: Early Commercial Systems: Melt Encapsulation; Melt Extrusion (Extrusion Encapsulation); Melt Extrusion and Pressure Cooling; Commercial Product Lines; Melt Injection (Durarome Process); Melt Injection—Static Pressure Cool: Pop Rocks; Summary: Extrusion Encapsulation

This is only an excerpt of the full article that appeared in P&F Magazine, but you can purchase the full-text version.