Controlled intestinal release

Proteins, plant extracts, enzymes, lipids, pharmaceuticals, probiotics

In response to elevated pH conditions, similar to intestinal conditions, the alginate microgels swells and starts to disintegrate. This initiates the release of active from within the microgels. How quickly the contents are release can be modulated by the concentration of calcium used to gel the microgels. The concentration of calcium used to gel the alginate gel is proportional to gel strength and cross-linking density. Release of the contents is rapid when a low concentration of calcium is used but delayed when a higher calcium concentration is used.