Poly(-amino ester) Microparticles for Micronutrient Fortification

Technology 

Microencapsulation ensures the efficient release of protected micronutrients from the delivery platform, resulting in high bioavailability for absorption into the digestive system. MPs fabricated from biodegradable, natural product-based polymers can reduce regulatory barriers from a safety perspective and mitigate long-term environmental risks associated with large-scale implementation. Encapsulation of various micronutrients in biodegradable polymers dramatically improves stability during storage and exposure to high temperatures. Micronutrient release is triggered by stomach acids, providing excellent selectivity for the digestive system.  

Problem Addressed 

Globally, micronutrient deficiencies affect approximately two billion people, causing up to two million childhood deaths per year. Despite global initiatives to address these micronutrient deficiencies, specific micronutrient stability issues continue to hinder food fortification efforts. MPs encapsulating micronutrients offer a protective layer that shields the unstable cargo from the external environment. These free-flowing powders can be easily incorporated into food matrix processing, delivering essential micronutrients directly to the human digestive system.   

Advantages 

• Stabilizes micronutrients for fortification of food products. 
• Addresses global micronutrient deficiencies. 
• Provides a safe, biodegradable delivery method for micronutrients. 
• Microparticles offer exceptional stability for micronutrients during storage and cooking, ensuring they remain biologically active. 
• Made from biodegradable, natural product-based polymers, reducing regulatory barriers and long-term environmental risks. 
• Microencapsulation ensures efficient dissociation in the digestive system, leading to high bioavailability for human absorption. 
• Suitable for delivering a wide range of agents, making it suitable for various health interventions. 

Publications

Anselmo, Aaron C., et al. "A Heat-Stable Microparticle Platform for Oral Micronutrient Delivery." Science Translational Medicine 11 (2019): eaaw3680. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aaw3680.