Abstract: A method of producing a denatured pea protein solution comprises the steps of mixing pea protein with an alkali solvent to provide a 1-10% pea protein solution (w/v) having a pH of at least 10, resting the pea protein solution for at least 15 minutes, heating the pea protein solution under conditions sufficient to heat-denature the pea protein without causing gelation of the pea protein solution, and rapidly cooling the denatured pea protein solution to prevent gelation, wherein at least 90% of the pea protein in the denatured pea protein solution is soluble. Also described is a method of producing microparticles having a denatured pea protein matrix, the method comprising the steps of providing a denatured pea protein solution according to the invention, treating the denatured pea protein solution to form microdroplets; and cross-linking and chelating the droplets to form microparticles.

Abstract: A method of producing microparticles by spray drying comprises the steps of providing a spray-drying feedstock solution comprising water, a volatile divalent metal salt, weak acid, 5-15% dairy or vegetable protein (w/v) and 1-20% active agent (w/v). The feedstock solution is adjusted to have a pH at which the volatile divalent metal salt is substantially insoluble. The feedstock solution is then spray-dried at an elevated temperature to provide atomised droplets, whereby the volatile divalent metal salt disassociates at the elevated temperature to release divalent metal ions which crosslink and aggregate the protein in the atomised droplets to produce microparticles having a crosslinked aggregated protein matrix and active agent dispersed throughout the matrix.

Abstract: A microcapsule includes an active component encapsulated within a polymerized hydrolyzed protein shell. The microcapsule has an average diameter that is less than one hundred micrometers as determined by a laser diffractometer.

Abstract: A cold-gelated mono-nuclear microencapsulate comprises a unitary liquid core encapsulated within a gastro-resistant, ileal-sensitive, polymerized denatured protein membrane shell, wherein the liquid core comprises a GLP-1 release stimulating agent in a substantially solubilised form. The GLP-1 release stimulating agent is a native protein selected from native dairy protein, native vegetable protein or native egg protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a gelated mono-nuclear microencapsulate comprising a lipid emulsion core encapsulated within a gastro-resistant, ileal sensitive, polymerized chitosan membrane shell, wherein the lipid emulsion core comprises denatured or hydrolysed protein and carbohydrate. In one embodiment of the invention, the emulsion is a micro-emulsion, and typically comprises a surfactant and a co-surfactant or at least two carbohydrates, for example sucrose and a maltodextrin. In one embodiment of the invention, the lipid is a marine derived lipid such as fish oil, krill oil, or nutraceutical fatty acids. In other embodiment, the lipid is a fatty acid such as DHA or ARA, or a lipid derived from seeds, nuts or eggs.

Abstract: A process for producing microencapsulates comprising an active component such as creatine encapsulated within a polymerized hydrolyzed whey protein matrix is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a suspension of hydrolyzed whey protein and an active component in a carboxylic ester, treating the suspension to generate droplets of the suspension, and immediately curing the droplets by immersion in a basic curing solution, wherein the ester in the suspension reacts with the basic curing solution to release a salt that polymerizes the hydrolyzed whey protein encapsulating the active component in the presence of black pepper extract, glycerol, phosphate and optionally, astaxanthin and alpha lipoic acid.

Abstract: A cold-gelated mono-nuclear microencapsulate comprises a unitary liquid core encapsulated within a gastro-resistant, ileal-sensitive, polymerized denatured protein membrane shell, wherein the liquid core comprises a GLP-1 release stimulating agent in a substantially solubilised form. The GLP-1 release stimulating agent is a native protein selected from native dairy protein, native vegetable protein or native egg protein.

Abstract: A method of producing a denatured pea protein solution comprises the steps of mixing pea protein with an alkali solvent to provide a 1-10% pea protein solution (w/v) having a pH of at least 10, resting the pea protein solution for at least 15 minutes, heating the pea protein solution under conditions sufficient to heat-denature the pea protein without causing gelation of the pea protein solution, and rapidly cooling the denatured pea protein solution to prevent gelation, wherein at least 90% of the pea protein in the denatured pea protein solution is soluble. Also described is a method of producing microparticles having a denatured pea protein matrix, the method comprising the steps of providing a denatured pea protein solution according to the invention, treating the denatured pea protein solution to form microdroplets; and cross-linking and chelating the droplets to form microparticles.