Nanolevel solubilization technology.

You may want to consider a nanotechnology approach to creating ingredient delivery systems. More and more companies are harnessing nanotechnology to deliver their ingredients.

Zymes LLC, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, has successfully solubilized fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids--DHA, EPA and ALA. Zymes' solubilization technology, Ubisol-Aqua [TM], provides a platform for solubilizing omega-3 fatty acids and other water-insoluble lipophilic compounds for food, beverage, nutritional supplement, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

The technology, available for licensing, improves solubility, as well as enhances bioavailability and particle size reduction to the nanometer level. Zymes new water-soluble formulation of omega-3 fatty acids offers an alternative to companies looking to supplement their products with functional ingredients. The delivery system technology makes ingredients water-soluble and more bioavailable.

Solubility problems can affect the applicability and performance of a compound in a variety of ways. Poor water solubility can limit the range of formulations available for a bioactive compound. These compounds cannot readily be formulated for intravenous tablet or liquid administration. For the same reasons, insoluble nutrients are not useful for enhancing foods or beverages.

Poorly soluble compounds are likely to have limited bioavailability because they do not remain in solution at the site of action, once in the body. This results in lower absorption and, by definition, reduced efficacy. To counter this, administration of higher doses is often necessary. Due to a need for higher doses or complex formulations, the cost of drugs and nutrients to both manufacturer and consumer are increased.

Zymes' approach to sustained solubilization involves complexation and reduced particle size. There occurs complexation of the active with a hydrotrope, Ubisol-Aqua, to form micelles of nanometer size, which offer advantages over existing solubilization technologies. To achieve solubilization, Ubisol-Aqua uses nanotechnology and complexation to reformulate and improve the solubility of drugs, nutrient and cosmetic ingredients that are water-insoluble and difficult for the human body to absorb. The technology delivers new water-soluble omega-3 fatty acids with an average particle size of 34 nanometers.

"Achieving solubility of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids creates additional opportunities to bring our Ubisol-Aqua technology to the food, beverage and nutritional markets," says Benjamin Mamola, co-founder and executive vice president of global business development at Zymes. The technology makes it possible to more effectively deliver omega-3 fatty acids in foods and beverages.

Further information. Benjamin Mamola, Zymes LLC, 777 Terrace Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604; phone: 201-727-1520; fax: 201-727-1571; URL: www.zymesllc.com.