Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for the delivery of bioactive agents, and methods of preparing the formulations. More specifically, the present invention relates to a formulation for delivery of a bioactive agent comprising a hydrogel matrix that is the product of a reaction between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), acrylic acid (AAc) and N,N?-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), and methods of preparing the formulations.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of reducing the enzymatic digestion rates of starch granules in food, particularly rice-based food. The method is carried out by encapsulating the starch granules with a reaction compound formed by the chemical reaction of at least a crosslinkable polysaccharide that has been pre-mixed with the ingredients for food production, and at least a crosslinking agent. The invention also relates to a process of preparing food products by incorporating the method of the present invention and food products produced by the present method.

Abstract: A spread is provided which is a water-continuous dispersion comprising a continuous aqueous phase and optionally a dispersed fat phase. The continuous aqueous phase comprises a gelling maltodextrin and an aggregate-forming proteinaceous gelling agent. The dispersed fat phase, if present, contains no more than 20% of fat by weight of the spread. The components of the spread are selected so that the spread has a ratio of plastic stress to maximum stress (.sigma.p/.sigma.max) in the range 0.95 to 1, when measured by compression analysis at 5.degree. C., typically using samples of cylindrical shape, measuring 26 mm in length and 26 mm in diameter, which are compressed at a rate of 0.8 mm per second. The spreads show characteristic rheological parameters comparable to those of an idealised plastic dispersion, and have good spreading properties at all temperatures from 4.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. They are suitable for use as a substitute for butter or margarine and show good microbiological stability.