Sustained-release microencapsulated delivery system

Abstract

Disclosed is a process for producing sustained-release powders that is fast, efficient, and economical. The process involves melting a naturally derived oil with a melting point above 110° F. in specially designed mixer through either the work energy input of the mixer shaft itself, or a specially fitted plow type mixer equipped with a heating tank, cooling unit, jacket for hot water circulation, and heated lines with nozzles for atomizing the hot oil to be sprayed on. The entire manufacturing process can be completed in about 5-30 minutes, and results in small, sustained-release particles that are free flowing and solid at room temperature. The preferred oil is a hydrogenated soy oil with a melting point range of 145° F. to 160° F. which is applied at about a 1% level by weight in a high shear mixer. Also included are sustained-release compositions for therapeutic agents such as drugs, botanicals, biological agents, fungicides, and fertilizers.

Description

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,593, issuing on Oct. 11, 2005 and filed on Feb. 1, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a sustained-release microencapsulated compositions that can be produced efficiently and result in a very high percentage of active substance at the composition core. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The benefits of producing sustained-release formulations for drugs or other therapeutic agents is now widely recognized in the medical literature and is utilized in many commercial products. It is important to distinguish at the out-set between solid monolithic dosage forms such as tablets and powders, and particles that are loosely packed into capsules. A sustained-release powder is typically made up of microparticles that are microencapsulated using a manufacturing process that enables them to be ingested as, for example, a powder...