US Patent 6953593 Sustained-release microencapsulated delivery system

Disclosed is a process for producing sustained-release powders that is fast, efficient, and economical. The process involves melting an animal or vegetable oil with a melting point above 110 degrees 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 145-160 degrees F. which is applied at about a 5% 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.