Discrete solid extruded particles and their production process, related uses and products comprising the same.

Abstract

ABSTRACT “PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DISCRETE SOLID EXTRUDED PARTICLES” The present invention relates to a process for the production of discrete solid extruded particles comprising emulsion droplets, for such particles, as well as to the use of such particles in food, feed, pharmaceuticals and personal care applications.

Description

1 / 34 Discrete solid extruded particles and their production process, related uses and products comprising the same.

[001] The present invention relates to a process for producing discrete solid extruded particles comprising emulsion droplets, for such particles, as well as to the use of such particles in food, feed, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications.

[002] There are many ways to formulate fat-soluble compounds. Fat-soluble compounds are, for example, oils and vitamins. The types of formulations are, that is, dependent on the use of these formulations in the final application, as well as the type of material (ingredients) that are used.

[003] One way to formulate fat-soluble compounds is by dry emulsions. The fat-soluble compound is emulsified in an oil-in-water emulsion where the aqueous phase contains a matrix material and / or a suitable emulsifier. After drying, the fat-soluble compound is incorporated into the matrix material.

[004] Known emulsification technologies include, for example, stator-rotor systems, high-pressure homogenizers, or ultrasound devices. One of the main disadvantages of these technologies is that a relatively low viscosity (typically below 1 Pas) is required, leading to high amounts of water in the emulsion, which must be removed at the end.

[005] Extrusion processes (and extruders) are well known in the field of formulations. They can be used for many different types of materials. The technology was first used in the rubber (gum) industry. Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, page 10 / 17 2 / 34 natural). But after some time, the food and animal feed industry adopted this technology for its own purposes as well.

[006] The main advantages of using extrusion technology are that highly viscous solutions can be formulated and less water can be used for dispersion, which then requires less drying. In addition, an extrusion process can be run as a continuous process.

[007] It can be found in the state of the art that emulsions comprising fat-soluble vitamins are extruded. US patent 2004 / 0201116 discloses pellets that are obtained by a combination of emulsion production using devices such as high-pressure homogenizers with subsequent extrusion or direct pelleting as a second process step.

[008] The objective of the present invention was to find a way to improve (also simplify) the production of extruded products comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets, comprising the fat-soluble compound(s), such as, for example, oils or vitamins.

[009] These extrudates must then also be formed into a good flowable form, which has a low fraction of oil-in-water emulsion droplets on the particle surface (low surface oil content).

[010] In the context of the present invention, the term extruded is defined as the shape of the product that is coming out of the extruder and that is not further processed.

[011] A new method for producing such discrete solid extruded particles has been found. 3 / 34 Surprisingly, it was discovered that when emulsification is carried out inside the extruder, and then the extrudates are further formed into discrete solid extruded particles, the process, as well as the extrudates obtained and the discrete solid extruded particles, are improved.

[012] When the emulsification is carried out in the extruder (extrusion apparatus), and where the extrudates are then further formed into discrete solid extruded particles: (i) very small average dispersion droplet sizes can be obtained; and (ii) a very narrow, monomodal droplet size distribution is obtained; and (iii) such a process can be easily carried out as a continuous process; and (iv) no organic solvent is used; and (v) less water can be used and therefore less energy is needed to dry the extrudate; and (vi) good flowability of the discrete solid extruded particles; and (vii) low oil content on the surface of the discrete solid extruded particles (less than 1%).

[013] As a consequence, the present invention relates to a process for producing discrete solid extruded particles, in which an extrudate comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets is produced in a first step, and after extrusion, the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid extruded particles.

[014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention 4 / 34 refers to a process as described above, in which oil-in-water emulsion droplets, comprising at least one fat-soluble compound and at least one emulsifier and water, and in which the emulsification process is carried out in the extruder.

[015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process as described above, in which the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid particles extruded by cutting and drying.

[016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process as described above, in which drying can be carried out before cutting, during cutting or after cutting, as well as a combination thereof.

[017] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process as described above, in which the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid extruded particles by a spheronization process.

[018] Any known and useful fat-soluble compounds can be used as fat-soluble compounds. Fat-soluble compounds are compounds that are soluble in nonpolar substances (such as ether, chloroform, and oils). Examples of fat-soluble compounds are, for example, oils and vitamins.

[019] Oils can be of any origin. They can be natural, modified, or synthetic. If the oils are natural, they can be vegetable or animal oils. Suitable oils are, for example, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, 5 / 34 hazelnut oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia oil, mongongo chestnut oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, sasha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis), walnut oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as triglycerides and / or ethyl ester, (e.g., arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and γ-linolenic acid and / or ethyl ester)) and oily nutraceuticals (such as rosemary extract, oregano extract, hop extract, and other lipophilic plant extracts).

[020] Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are classified according to the position of the double bonds in the carbon chain of the molecule as n-9, n-6, or n-3 type PUFAs. Examples of n-6 PUFAs are linoleic acid (C18:2), arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4), γ-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:13), and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, C20:3). Examples of n-3 PUFAs are α-linolenic acid (C18:13), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6).

[021] Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate, vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate), vitamin K (phytomenadione) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) are contemplated in the present invention. These vitamins are readily available from commercial sources. In addition, they can be prepared by conventional methods by a person skilled in the art. The vitamins can be used in pure form, or in a suitable diluent such as a fat or oil. 6 / 34

[022] Esters of vitamin A and / or retinyl, such as, for example, retinyl palmitate and / or retinyl acetate and vitamin E, or their esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate) are especially preferred.

[023] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process as described above, in which the fat-soluble compound is at least an oil and / or at least a fat-soluble vitamin.

[024] More preferably, it is a process in which one or more fat-soluble compounds are chosen from the group consisting of coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, cashew nut oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis), walnut oil, PUFAs (such as triglycerides and / or ethyl esters, for example, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and γ-linolenic acid and / or ethyl ester, as well as linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), oily nutraceuticals (such as rosemary extract, oregano extract, hop extract,and other lipophilic plant extracts), vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate), vitamin K (phytomenadione), and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). 7 / 34

[025] In a particularly preferred process, one or more fat-soluble compounds is selected from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate) and PUFAs (especially linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, di-homo-γ-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid).

[026] At least one emulsifier is used in the process according to the present invention. Any commonly known and used emulsifier can be used. The emulsifier can be chosen depending on the end use of the subsequently discrete solid extruded particles. This means that if the discrete solid extruded particles obtained by the process according to the present invention are used in food products or animal feed, the emulsifier must be food grade or food grade.

[027] And in the case of being used in pharmaceutical applications, the emulsifier must be of pharmaceutical grade.

[028] Suitable emulsifiers are, namely, modified starches (food grade), pectin, alginate, carrageenan, furcellaran, chitosan, maltodextrin, dextrin derivatives, celluloses and cellulose derivatives (e.g., cellulose acetate, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose), lignosulfonate, polysaccharide gums (such as acacia gum, gum arabic, linseed gum, ghatti gum, tamarind gum and arabinogalactan), gelatin (bovine, fish, pork, 8 / 34 poultry), vegetable proteins (such as, for example, peas, soy, castor beans, cottonseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed, safflower, lentils, nuts, wheat, rice, corn, barley, rye, oats, lupins and sorghum), animal proteins, including milk or whey proteins, lecithin, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, monoglycerides of fatty acids, diglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan ester, PG ester and sugar ester (as well as their derivatives).

[029] Starches can be modified chemically and physically. Pregelatinized starches are examples of physically modified starches. Acid starch esters, starch ethers, and modified, oxidized, crosslinked cationic starches are examples of chemically modified starches.

[030] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process in which at least one emulsifier is chosen from the group consisting of modified starches (food grade), pectin, alginate, carrageenan, furcellaran, chitosan, maltodextrin, dextrin derivatives, celluloses and cellulose derivatives (for example, cellulose acetate, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), lignosulfonate, polysaccharide gums (such as acacia gum, gum arabic, linseed gum, ghatti gum, tamarind gum and arabinogalactan), gelatin (bovine, fish, pork, poultry), vegetable proteins (such as, for example, peas, soybeans, castor beans, cottonseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, linseed, safflower, lentils, nuts, wheat, rice, corn, barley, 9 / 34 rye, oats, lupin and sorghum), animal proteins, including milk or whey proteins, lecithin, glycerol ester of polyfatty acids, monoglycerides of fatty acids, diglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan ester, PG ester and sugar ester (as well as their derivatives).

[031] A more preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process in which at least one emulsifier is a (modified) food starch. This means that the process can be carried out with only one emulsifier (which is a (modified) food starch) or with a mixture of emulsifiers, in which either all of them are (modified) food starches or at least one in the mixture.

[032] Water is also used in the process according to the present invention. But, as mentioned before, it is possible to carry out the process with less water, when compared with the processes generally used.

[033] No organic solvents are used in the process according to the present invention.

[034] It is also possible to add other ingredients (auxiliary agents) during the formulation process (extrusion).

[035] These auxiliary agents may be useful for the extrusion process and / or for the extruded product, and / or for the discrete solid particles, and / or for the product (or application) in which the discrete solid extruded particles are subsequently used.

[036] These auxiliary agents are, for example, antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or its salts, 10 / 34 tocopherol (natural or synthetic), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, tert-butyl hydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (such as gellan gum, xanthan gum); colorants; perfumes; fillers and buffers.

[037] These auxiliary agents are added optionally. When added, the amount of auxiliary agents then ranges from 1 to 85% by weight (%-w.), based on the total weight of the extrudate.

[038] All the preferences indicated above for fat-soluble compounds, emulsifiers and auxiliary agents also apply to the composition of extrusion products, as well as to discrete solid extruded particles.

[039] The quantities indicated for the emulsion are equivalent to the quantity of extrudate (and therefore the quantities that are fed to the extruder are those that form the emulsion in it), because there is almost no loss of material (especially water) during the extrusion process.

[040] In a preferred process according to the present invention, 5% by weight to 75% by weight, preferably 8% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of 11 / 34 emulsion, of at least one fat-soluble compound are used.

[041] In a preferred process according to the present invention, 5% by weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 8% to 80% by weight, and even more preferably 10% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one emulsifier are used.

[042] In a preferred process according to the present invention, 1% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of water are used.

[043] In a preferred process according to the present invention, 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one auxiliary agent is used.

[044] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for producing discrete solid extruded particles, wherein an extrudate comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets is produced, in a first step, wherein the emulsion comprises 8% to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one fat-soluble compound, and 8% to 80% by weight, preferably 10% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one emulsifier, and 1% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of water and 1% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one auxiliary agent, and wherein, after extrusion, the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid extruded particles.

[045] Therefore, a preferred version of the present 12 / 34 The invention relates to a process for producing discrete solid extruded particles, wherein an extrudate comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets is produced, in a first step, wherein the emulsion comprises 8% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one fat-soluble compound selected from the group consisting of coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, sasha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis), walnut oil, PUFAs (such as triglycerides and / or ethyl ester, (for example, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and γ-linolenic acid and / or ethyl ester;as well as linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, di-homo-γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), oily nutraceuticals (such as rosemary extract, oregano extract, hop extract, and other lipophilic plant extracts), vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate), vitamin K (phytomenadione) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and 8% by weight to 80% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one emulsifying agent selected from the group consisting of modified starches; 13 / 34 (food), pectin, alginate, carrageenan, chitosan, furcellaran, maltodextrin, dextrin derivatives, celluloses and cellulose derivatives (e.g., cellulose acetate, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), lignosulfonate, polysaccharide gums (such as acacia gum, gum arabic, linseed gum, ghatti gum, tamarind gum and arabinogalactan), gelatin (bovine, fish, pork, poultry), plant proteins (such as, for example, peas, soybeans, castor beans, cottonseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed, safflower, lentils, nuts, wheat, rice, corn, barley, rye, oats, lupin and sorghum), animal proteins, including milk or whey proteins, lecithin, esters of Polyglycerol of fatty acids, monoglycerides of fatty acids, diglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan ester, PG ester and sugar ester (as well as their derivatives), and 1 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion,of water and 1 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one auxiliary agent chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or its salts, tocopherol (natural or synthetic), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ascorbyl palmitate; propyl gallate; tert-butylhydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin, and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (preferably, 14 / 34 gellan gum and xanthan gum); dyes; perfumes; and fillers and buffers wherein, after extrusion, the extrudate is still formed into discrete solid extruded particles.

[046] Therefore, a more preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for producing discrete solid extruded particles, in which an extrudate comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets is produced, in a first step, wherein the emulsion comprises 8% to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one fat-soluble compound chosen from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A or its esters (for example, vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (for example, vitamin E acetate) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (preferably linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), and 10% to 80% by weight by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one emulsifier that is a food-grade starch (modified), and 1 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion,of water and 1 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of at least one auxiliary agent chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or its salts, tocopherol (natural or synthetic), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ascorbyl palmitate; propyl gallate; tert-butylhydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin, and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, 15 / 34 sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (preferably gellan gum and xanthan gum); colorants; perfumes; and fillers and buffers, wherein, after extrusion, the extrudate is still formed into discrete solid extruded particles.

[047] As explained above, the extrudate (which comes out of the extruder) has the same composition as the emulsion.

[048] One of the advantages of the present invention is that the size distribution of the average droplets of the oil-in-water emulsion inside the extrudate (and in discrete solid extruded particles) is narrow and monomodal. This means that the fat-soluble compound is almost homogeneously distributed within the extrudate (and in discrete solid extruded particles), which allows for very precise dosing afterwards. Furthermore, the process according to the present invention allows for the production of very small droplets of the oil-in-water emulsion inside the extrudate (and in discrete solid extruded particles). The average droplet size can be as small as 50 nm. Typically, the droplets are smaller than 1 μm.

[049] Preferably, the average droplet size (d3,2) of the oil-in-water emulsion inside the extrudate (and in the discrete solid extruded particles) is between 50 nm and 300 nm. Droplet sizes are measured using commonly known and standardized methods. Suitable methods are light scattering or laser diffraction.

[050] Preferably, the average size of 16 / 34 droplets (d3,2) of the oil-in-water emulsion inside the extrudate (and in the discrete solid extruded particles) is between 100 nm and 200 nm.

[051] The extrusion process is characterized by the fact that emulsification takes place inside the extruder. Typically, the three main ingredients (fat-soluble compound, emulsifier, and water) are added at different entrances to the extrusion process. These entrances are arranged separately from each other. When (optionally) auxiliary agents are added, they can be added together with one or more of the main ingredients or they can also be added at a separate stage.

[052] Normally the emulsifier is added first, then the water, and then the fat-soluble compound is added. It is also possible for an ingredient to be added through more than one inlet of the extrusion machine at different locations. Consequently, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a process in which the emulsifier (or a mixture of emulsifiers) is added first, then the water, and then the fat-soluble compound (or a mixture of fat-soluble compounds).

[053] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process in which the fat-soluble compound is vitamin A (or a derivative). In this case, vitamin A is added: (i) in the form of a liquid (molten) for the extruder; or (ii) in the form of a solid powder (optionally pre-processed) 17 / 34 mixed with at least one modified starch (food), and wherein the powder may be added to the process at the beginning of extrusion or at any stage).

[054] The temperature inside the extruder is normally between 20 and 220°C. Preferably, the temperature of the extrudate exiting the extruder is < 100°C, more preferably, the temperature inside the extruder is between 20 and 100°C. The total residence time for the ingredients in the extruder is normally between 1 and 400 s.

[055] The shear quantity of the extrusion process according to the present invention is generally 200-80,000 units.

[056] In addition, it is also possible to pump inert gas through the extruder. Inert gas is normally pumped into the extruder inlet. But it can also be pumped in at any stage of the extrusion process (also through multiple inlets at different locations). Inert gas can be useful for protecting sensitive ingredients.

[057] The extruder generally comprises one or more screw shafts on which various kneading or conveyor type screw elements are mounted.

[058] The material is transported by these elements through the extruder (optionally under high pressure and temperature). At the end (outlet) of the extruder there may be a die through which the extruded material is pressed. Then the extruded material is dried and cut (or vice versa). The extruder may have several inlets through which material can be added.

[059] In the case of the present invention, there are several inlets for adding the emulsifier(s), the 18 / 34 compound(s) soluble in fat, water and, optionally, auxiliary agents. An essential feature of the present invention is that the extrudate is (after the extrusion process) still formed into discrete solid extruded particles.

[060] This training stage can be carried out using various processes.

[061] It is appropriate to carry out this forming step by cutting and drying the extrudate. Drying can be carried out before cutting, during cutting or after cutting, as well as any other combination thereof.

[062] Cutting can be performed by any known device used in extrusion technology. Cutting conditions are related to the desired size of the discrete solid extruded particles.

[063] Drying can be carried out by any known device. The drying conditions are related to the desired size and desired final water content of the discrete solid extruded particles.

[064] It is also suitable to carry out this forming stage by a spheronization process. The spheronization process (“spheronization”) is a known process. During spheronization, the extruded cylindrical yarns are converted into solid spherical particles. In this process, the extruded yarns are broken into segments and then rounded until they have the desired shape. Finally, they are discharged from the spheronizer and transferred to an optional drying stage to obtain the final water content in the pellets.

[065] The present invention also relates to particles 19 / 34 discrete solid extrudates that can be obtained by a process (as described above), wherein the discrete solid extruded particles comprise emulsion droplets, wherein these emulsion droplets comprise at least one fat-soluble compound and at least one emulsifier and water, characterized in that, after extrusion, the extrudate is still formed in the discrete solid extruded particles.

[066] Preferably, the present invention also relates to discrete solid extruded particles that can be obtained by a process (as described above), wherein the discrete solid extruded particles comprise emulsion droplets, wherein these emulsion droplets comprise at least one fat-soluble compound and at least one emulsifier and water, characterized in that, after extrusion, the extrudate is still formed into discrete solid extruded particles, and wherein the emulsification process is carried out in the extrusion machine. All the preferences as described above also apply to such discrete solid extruded particles that can be obtained by the process of the invention.

[067] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to novel discrete solid extruded particles. These discrete solid extruded particles of the present invention comprise oil-in-water emulsion droplets having a very small average droplet size, and wherein the droplet size distribution is narrow and (almost) monomodal.

[068] In addition, these solid extruded particles 20 / 34 discrete particles have a low surface oil content.

[069] The oil content of the surface of the discrete solid extruded particles, according to the present invention, is less than 1% (defined by the amount of oil present on the surface, over the total oil content of the discrete solid extruded particles), more preferably less than 0.5%, more preferably less than 0.1%.

[070] The particle sizes of discrete solid extruded particles are less than 1000 µm, preferably less than 700 µm. Typically between 50 and 700 µm.

[071] It is also possible to produce discrete solid extruded particles that have a particle size between 50 and 500 µm or have a particle size between 100 and 400 µm.

[072] The particle size distribution of discrete solid extruded particles is quite narrow.

[073] The shape of the discrete solid extruded particles is preferably spherical.

[074] The size and shape of the particles are determined using well-known methods, such as optical microscopy, electron microscopy (scanning) or laser diffraction (for size only). The particle size in the context of the present invention is defined as the longest dimension of a particle (i.e., as the diameter, in the case of spherical particles, or, in the case of non-spherical particles, the diameter of an equivalent sphere).

[075] As a consequence, another modality of 21 / 34 The present invention relates to discrete extruded solid particles comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets, wherein these emulsion droplets comprise at least one fat-soluble compound and at least one emulsifier, and water, and optionally at least one auxiliary agent, characterized in that the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets within the discrete extruded solid particles is less than 300 nm (preferably, the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets is between 100 nm and 200 nm), characterized in that the extruded discrete solid particles comprise less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete extruded solid particles, of water (preferably less than 6% by weight).

[076] The average particle size of oil-in-water emulsion droplets is measured by laser diffraction, for example, with a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 and Hydro 2000 S sample scattering unit. The average particle size of oil-in-water emulsion droplets can also be determined by dynamic light scattering, for example, with a Malvern Zetasizer Nano.

[077] Preferred discrete solid extruded particles according to the present invention comprise: 5% by weight to 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one fat-soluble compound; and 5% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one 22 / 34 emulsifier; and less than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of water and, optionally; 1% by weight to 85% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one auxiliary agent; characterized by the fact that the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets inside the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 300 nm (preferably, the average particle size of the emulsion droplets is between 100 nm and 200 nm).

[078] The particle sizes of these discrete solid extruded particles are less than 1000 μm, preferably less than 700 μm. Typically between 50 and 700 μm.

[079] Most preferred are discrete solid extruded particles comprising: 8% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one fat-soluble compound, wherein the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia oil, mongongo nut oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil, walnut oil, PUFAs 23 / 34 (such as triglycerides and / or ethyl esters; for example, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), oily nutraceuticals (such as rosemary extract, oregano extract, hop extract, and other lipophilic plant extracts), vitamin A or its esters (for example, vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (for example, vitamin E acetate), vitamin K (phytomenadione) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol); and 8% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier is chosen from the group consisting of modified starches (food), pectin, alginate, carrageenan, furcellaran, chitosan, maltodextrin, dextrin derivatives, celluloses and cellulose derivatives (e.g., cellulose acetate, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), lignosulfonate, polysaccharide gums (such as acacia gum, gum arabic, linseed gum, ghatti gum, tamarind gum and arabinogalactan), gelatin (bovine, fish, pork, poultry), vegetable proteins (such as, for example, peas, soy, castor bean, cottonseed, potato, sweet potato, cassava, sesame, sunflower, sesame, linseed, safflower, Lentils, nuts, wheat, rice, corn, barley, rye, oats, lupins and sorghum), animal proteins, including milk or whey proteins, lecithin, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids,monoglycerides of fatty acids, diglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan ester, PG ester and sugar ester (as well as their derivatives), 24 / 34 derivatives); and less than 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of water; and 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one auxiliary agent, wherein the auxiliary agent is chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or salts thereof, tocopherol (natural or synthetic), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, butyl tert-hydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); Protective colloids (such as gellan gum and xanthan gum); dyes; perfumes; fillers and buffers; characterized in that the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets inside the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 300 nm (preferably, the average particle size of the emulsion droplets is between 100 nm and 200 nm) and in that the particle sizes of the discrete solid extruded particles are less than 1000 μm (preferably less than 700 μm, more preferably between 50 and 700 μm).

[080] In addition, discrete solid extruded particles comprising are preferred: 25 / 34 8% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one fat-soluble compound, wherein the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (preferably linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, di-homo-γ-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), and 8% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one emulsifier, which is a food starch (modified); and less than 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of water; and 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one auxiliary agent, wherein the auxiliary agent is chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or salts thereof, tocopherol (natural or synthetic)), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, tert-butyl hydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (such as 26 / 34 such as gellan gum and xanthan gum); dyes; perfumes; fillers and buffers; characterized in that the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets inside the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 300 nm (preferably, the average particle size of the emulsion droplets is between 100 nm and 200 nm) and in that the particle sizes of the discrete solid extruded particles are less than 1000 μm (preferably less than 700 μm, more preferably between 50-700 μm). The most preferred discrete solid extruded particles comprise: 8% by weight to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one fat-soluble compound, wherein the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (preferably linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid); and 25% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one food starch (modified); and less than 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of water; and 10% by weight to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of at least one 27 / 34 auxiliary agent, wherein the auxiliary agent is chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or salts thereof, tocopherol (natural or synthetic)), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), propyl gallate, tert-butyl hydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (such as gellan gum and xanthan gum); colorants; perfumes; fillers and buffers; characterized by the fact that the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets inside the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 300 nm (preferably, the average particle size of the emulsion droplets is between 100 nm and 200 nm) and in which the particle sizes of the discrete solid extruded particles are less than 1000 μm (preferably less than 700 μm, more preferably between 50-700 μm).

[081] Discrete solid extruded particles as obtained by the process as described above can be used in many fields of application. Preferably, discrete solid extruded particles as disclosed and described above are used in food, feed, pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

[082] As a consequence, another modality of 28 / 34 The present invention relates to the use of discrete solid extruded particles, as disclosed and described above, in food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals and / or personal care products. It should be mentioned that dietary supplements are part of our definition of food products.

[083] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to foods, feeds, pharmaceuticals or personal care products comprising discrete solid extruded particles, as disclosed and described above.

[084] The products obtained have good storage stability. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[085] Fig. 1: Schematic of the process for the production of extruded solid particles comprising active lipophilic emulsion.

[086] The following examples serve to illustrate the invention. All percentages and parts (unless otherwise indicated) are by weight. Temperature is given (unless otherwise indicated) in degrees Celsius. EXAMPLES Example 1

[087] The production of discrete solid extruded particles comprising emulsified vitamin A acetate was carried out according to the schematic process flow shown in Figure 1. The emulsifiers (modified food starch), as well as the additive (microcrystalline cellulose), were fed by gravimetry (Brabender Technology) into the first barrel of 29 / 34 a laboratory-scale co-rotating twin-screw extruder (Thermo Fisher Scientific, HAAKE Polylab OS twin-screw extruder with PTW16 / 40 OS). The extruder consisted of 10 barrels (electrically heated and cooled with water) and a die head (12 x 0.5 mm) with a screw diameter of 1 to 6 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio of 40. Demineralized water was injected into the second barrel. The temperature of barrels 2 and 10, as well as the die head, was regulated to 50°C. Melted vitamin A acetate at 70°C (optionally with added antioxidant such as d,l-alpha-tocopherol or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) was injected into barrel 5 and mixed with modified food starch / microcrystalline cellulose in downstream barrels. A typical composition of extruded yarn is shown in Table 1.Extruded yarns containing emulsified vitamin A acetate droplets were collected and transferred to a laboratory-scale spheronizer (R250, Gabler). After spheronization, the spherical solid particles were dried in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed dryer (Retsch TG 200) for 60 minutes at 50°C to obtain a final water content of 5% by weight.

[088] A few hundred milligrams of discrete solid extruded particles were dissolved in water under gentle stirring, and the droplet size distribution of vitamin A acetate oil was measured by laser diffraction with a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 sample dispersion unit and a Hydro 2000 S. The average diameter of the heavy oil droplets on the resulting surface (d3,2) was 484 nm. The oil content of the particle surface The 30 / 34 (as determined by cyclohexane extraction and defined as the content found by extraction relative to the total vitamin A acetate content of the particle) was very low, 0.04%. The size and shape analysis of the extruded particle was performed using a Malvern Morphologi G3S microscope and corresponding software. A 1x objective was used for the analysis of at least 6000 particles manually dispersed on four glass sample holders (plates). Perfectly spherical particles were defined with a Circularity HS > 0.91 in the Morphologi G3S software; thus, a fraction of 64% spheres was found. The mean CE diameter of the particle number distribution thus determined was 685 μm. TABLE 1: COMPOSITION OF EXTRUDED YARN AS WELL AS CONTENT OF DISCRETE SOLID EXTRUDED PARTICLES OF EXAMPLE 1 Ingredient | Composition of extruded yarn, % by weight of total | Solid particle content, % by weight | Food starch | 22 | 31 | Cellulose | 33 | 47 | Water | 33 | 5 | Vitamin A acetate | 12 | 17 Example 2

[089] The production of discrete solid extruded particles comprising emulsified vitamin A acetate was carried out according to the schematic process flow shown in Figure 1. The emulsifiers (modified food starch) as well as the feedstock (dextrin) were both gravimetrically fed (Brabender Technology) into the first barrel of a screw extruder. A 31 / 34 double screw laboratory scale co-rotating extruder (Thermo Fisher Scientific, HAAKE Polylab OS twin screw extruder with PTW1 6 / 40 OS) was used. The extruder consisted of 10 barrels (electrically heated and cooled with water) and a die head (21 x 0.5 mm) with a screw diameter of 16 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio of 40. Demineralized water was injected into the second barrel. The temperature of barrels 1-3 was set to 80°C, and barrels 4-10, as well as the die head, to 60°C. Vitamin A acetate melted at 70°C (optionally with added antioxidant such as d,l-alpha-tocopherol or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) was injected into barrel 5 and mixed with food starch / modified dextrin in downstream barrels. A typical extruded yarn composition is shown in Table 2.Extruded yarns containing emulsified vitamin A acetate droplets were cut directly on the die face using two rotary knives (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The discrete, cut solid particles were dried in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed dryer (RETSCH TG 200) for 60 minutes at 50°C to obtain a final water content of 6% by weight.

[090] A few hundred milligrams of discrete solid extruded particles were dissolved in water under gentle stirring, and the droplet size distribution of vitamin A acetate oil was measured by laser diffraction with a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 sample dispersion unit and a Hydro 2000 S. The average diameter of the heavy oil droplets on the resulting surface (d3,2) was 313 nm. The oil content of the particle surface 32 / 34 (as determined by cyclohexane extraction and defined as the content found by extraction relative to the total vitamin A acetate content of the particle) was very low, 0.1%. The size and shape analysis of the extruded particle was performed using a Malvern Morphologi G3S microscope and corresponding software. A 1x objective was used. Perfectly spherical particles were defined with a Circularity HS > 0.91 in the Morphologi G3S software, thus, a fraction of 8% spheres was found. The mean CE diameter of the particle number distribution thus determined was 695 μm. TABLE 2. COMPOSITION OF EXTRUDED YARN, AS WELL AS THE CONTENT OF DISCRETE SOLID EXTRUDED PARTICLES OF EXAMPLE 2 Ingredient | Composition of Extruded Yarn, % by weight of total | Solid Particle Content, % by weight of total | Food Starch 41 41.5 | Dextrin 41 41.5 | Water 7 6 | Vitamin Acetate 11 11 Example 3

[091] The production of discrete solid extruded particles comprising emulsified vitamin A acetate was carried out according to the schematic process flow shown in Figure 1. The emulsifiers (modified food starch) as well as the feedstock (dextrin) were both gravimetrically fed (Brabender Technology) into the first barrel of a laboratory-scale co-rotating twin-screw extruder (Thermo Fisher). 33 / 34 Scientific, HAAKE Polylab OS twin-screw extruder with PTW1 6 / 40 OS). The extruder consisted of 10 barrels (electrically heated and cooled with water) and a die head (12 x 0.5 mm) with a screw diameter of 16 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio of 40. Demineralized water was injected into the second barrel. The temperature of barrels 1-3 was set to 80°C, and barrels 4-10, as well as the die head, to 60°C. Vitamin A acetate melt at 70°C (optionally with added antioxidant such as d,l-alpha-tocopherol acid or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) was injected into barrel 5 and mixed with food starch / modified dextrin in downstream barrels. A typical extruded filament composition is shown in Table 3.The extruded yarns containing the emulsified vitamin A acetate droplets were collected and allowed to cool to room temperature (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and finally dried in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed dryer (RETSCH TG 200) for 60 minutes at 50°C to obtain a final water content of 6% by weight.

[092] A few hundred milligrams of discrete solid extruded particles were dissolved in water under gentle stirring and the droplet size distribution of vitamin A acetate oil was measured by laser diffraction with a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 sample dispersion unit and a Hydro 2000 S. The average diameter of the resulting surface-heavy oil droplets (d3,2) was 144 nm. No surface oil was found on the particles (as determined by cyclohexane extraction and defined as the content found by extraction in 34 / 34 in relation to the total vitamin A acetate content of the particle). The size and shape analysis of the extruded particle was performed using a Malvern Morphologi G3S microscope and corresponding software. A 1x objective was used. Perfectly spherical particles were defined with a Circularity HS > 0.91 in the Morphologi G3S software, thus a fraction of 20% spheres was found. The mean diameter CE of the particle number distribution thus determined was 498 μm. TABLE 3. COMPOSITION OF EXTRUDED YARN, AS WELL AS THE CONTENT OF DISCRETE SOLID EXTRUDED PARTICLES OF EXAMPLE 3. Ingredient Composition of extruded yarn, % by weight of total Extruded solids content, % by weight Food starch 62 65 Sorbitol 16 17 Water 10 6 Vitamin A acetate 12

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Process for producing discrete solid extruded particles, characterized in that an extrudate comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets is produced by extrusion in a first step, and after extrusion, the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid particles, wherein the oil-in-water emulsion droplets comprise one or more fat-soluble compound(s) and one or more emulsifier(s) and water, wherein one of the emulsifier(s) is modified starch and wherein the emulsification process is carried out in the extrusion machine.

2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid particles extruded by cutting and drying.

3. Process according to claim 2, characterized in that drying can be carried out before cutting, during cutting or after cutting, as well as any combination (sequence) thereof.

4. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the extrudate is further formed into discrete solid extruded particles by a spheronization process.

5. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fat-soluble compounds are oils or vitamins.

6. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, p.11 / 17 2 / 6 olive oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnut oil, almond oil, cashew oil, macadamia oil, mongongo chestnut oil, pracaxi oil, pecan oil, pine nut oil, pistachio oil, sasha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis), walnut oil, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as triglycerides and / or ethyl esters, for example, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, γ-linolenic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), oily nutraceuticals (such as rosemary extract, oregano extract, hop extract, and other lipophilic plant extracts), vitamin A or its esters (e.g., vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (e.g., vitamin E acetate), vitamin K (phytomenadione) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

7. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A or its esters (for example, vitamin A acetate and vitamin A palmitate), vitamin E or its esters (for example, vitamin E acetate) and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

8. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the other emulsifiers are chosen from the group consisting of modified starches (food), pectin, alginate, carrageenan, chitosan, furcellaran, maltodextrin, dextrin derivatives, celluloses and cellulose derivatives. Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, p.12 / 17 3 / 6 (e.g., cellulose acetate, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), lignosulfonate, polysaccharide gums (such as acacia gum, gum arabic, linseed gum, ghatti gum, tamarind gum and arabinogalactan), gelatin (bovine, fish, pork, poultry), vegetable proteins (such as, for example, peas, soybeans, castor beans, cottonseed, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, linseed, safflower, lentils, nuts, wheat, rice, corn, barley, rye, oats, lupin and sorghum), animal proteins, including milk or whey proteins, lecithin, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, monoglycerides of fatty acids, diglycerides of fatty acids, sorbitan ester, ester of PG and sugar esters (as well as their derivatives).

9. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that from 5% by weight to 75% by weight, preferably 8% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of one or more fat-soluble compound(s) are used.

10. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that 5% by weight to 80% by weight, preferably 8% by weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 10% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsifier emulsifier are used.

11. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that from 1% by weight to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, water is used.

12. Process, according to any of the claims 1 to 10 in Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, page 13 / 17 4 / 6, characterized by the fact that from 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, water is used.

13. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that 1% by weight to 85% by weight, preferably 1% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion, of one or more auxiliary agent(s) are used.

14. Process according to claim 13, characterized in that the auxiliary agent is chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid or its salts, tocopherol (natural or synthetic), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT); butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); ascorbyl palmitate; propyl gallate; tert-butyl hydroxyquinoline, ethoxyquin esters, and / or ascorbic acid esters of a fatty acid); plasticizers (such as fructose, glucose, glycerol, mannitol, invert sugar syrup, sorbitol, sucrose, xylitol, propylene glycol, citric acid ester, lactitol, erythritol and maltitol); stabilizers; humectants (such as glycerin, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol); protective colloids (such as gellan gum and xanthan gum); colorants; perfumes; Loads and plugs.

15. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the emulsifier (or a mixture of emulsifiers) is added first, then the water, and then the fat-soluble compound.

16. Process according to claim 15, characterized in that the fat-soluble compound is vitamin A (or a derivative thereof). Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, pp. 14 / 17 5 / 6 17. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fat-soluble compound is vitamin A (or a derivative thereof) and in that vitamin A is added to the process at the beginning and in liquid (melted) form.

18. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the fat-soluble compound is vitamin A (or a derivative thereof), and in which vitamin A is added to the process as a pure powder or in a mixture with one or more modified starch(es) (food grade), either at the beginning of the process or at any later stage.

19. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the temperature inside the extruder is between 20°C and 220°C.

20. Process, according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the total residence time in the extruder for the ingredients is between 1 and 400 s.

21. Discrete solid extruded particles produced by the process as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20 comprising oil-in-water emulsion droplets, characterized in that said discrete solid extruded particles comprise: 8% by weight to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of one or more fat-soluble compound(s), wherein the fat-soluble compound is chosen from the group consisting of corn oil, vitamin A, vitamin A esters, vitamin E, vitamin E esters and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 25% by weight to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, p.15 / 17 6 / 6 discrete solid extruded particles, of a modified food starch; and less than 6% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of water; and 10% by weight to 55% by weight, based on the total weight of the discrete solid extruded particles, of one or more auxiliary agent(s), wherein the auxiliary agent is chosen from the group consisting of antioxidants; plasticizers; stabilizers; humectants; protective colloids; colorants; perfumes; fillers and buffers; wherein the average particle size of the oil-in-water emulsion droplets within the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 300 nm and wherein the particle size of the discrete solid extruded particles is less than 1000 μm.

22. Particles according to claim 21, characterized in that they comprise a particle size smaller than 700 μm.

23. Use of particles defined in any of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that it is in a food, feed, pharmaceutical product or personal care product.

24. Food, feed, pharmaceutical product or personal care product, characterized in that it comprises particles defined in any of claims 21 to 22. Petition 870200146485, dated 11 / 19 / 2020, pp. 16 / 17

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