IFF advances softgel technology for dietary supplement applications

Leading patented SeaGel^® technology achieves industry’s first encapsulation success with liquid curcumin

US-based firm International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has announced its encapsulation success with high viscosity liquid and semi-liquid nutritional ingredients in softgel dietary supplement applications. This technical breakthrough, a first in the industry, allows manufacturers to develop robust, high-quality, plant-based soft-shell capsules that match the performance of traditional animal-based gelatin for complex ingredients, and meets an increasing consumer need for plant-based supplements.

IFF’s latest capability to encapsulate NovaSOL^® Curcumin and NovaSOL^® Curcumin/Boswellia from AQUANOVA AG, a German-based B2B manufacturer of liquid colloidal formulations, demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment in addressing softgel technology challenges for dietary supplements. This is AQUANOVA’s first successful encapsulation of their products in a vegan softgel format.

Globally, SeaGel^® has been used in non-gelatin soft capsules containing a wide range of nutrient ingredients for decades. Its outstanding film strength, elasticity and performance match that of animal-derived gelatin, delivering superior encapsulation efficiency and excellent seal strength. Plant-based ingredients, however, can be difficult to deliver, especially in softgel applications due to complex development and formulation challenges.