MXPA97002597A

MXPA97002597A - Aspartame about a sopo

Info

Publication number: MXPA97002597A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/002597A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Franciscus Wijnandus Vleugels Leopold
Original assignee: Holland Sweetenercompany Vof
Priority date: 1996-04-10
Filing date: 1997-04-09
Publication date: 1998-04-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to aspartame having particles less than 100æm can be deposited on an edible support material, by mixing in dry form, in amounts clearly exceeding 10% by weight, if the aspartame has a free bulk density 350 kg / m3 or less, and is obtained through, successively, crystallization from an aqueous medium with forced convection, granulation and subsequent mechanical reduction, the mixing being carried out in a weight ratio of aspartame and support material of at most 1 : 1, but not less than 1:

Description

ASPRRTFiriE ABOUT A SUPPORT The invention relates to a method for depositing a cr-L-as-aartyl-L-femlalamine-rnetyl ester in an edible support material which has a particle size which is mainly less than 100 μm, by mixing the ester cr -L-as? Art? IL-fen? Lalan? Na-rnet it and the sopor material + e in a dry form. Such a method is known from Japanese Patent No. 93007983. Said Japanese Patent discloses that the α-aspartyl-L-emlalanine-ethyl ester in the form of fine powder (compound hereinafter also referred to as aspartarne or or RPM) can be deposited homogeneously on the surface of a granular sucrose (sugar cane) by mixing the RPM and the granular sugar cane. As it is apparent from said pa + en + e, the RPM and the granular sugar cane to be used must have particle sizes of less than 100 u (RPM) and in the range of 0.01 to 3 mm (sugar cane). sugar), respectively. However, the method is absolutely unsuitable for depositing more than 10% by weight of RPM on sugarcane and preferably it is recommended to make products containing only 0.5 to 55! by weight of RPM. In the case of higher RPM concentrations in the compositions obtained, a considerable proportion of the RPM remains in the composition in its free form. This can be detrimental to the homogeneity of the composition and its flow properties, which is expressed at a poor angle of repose, and can also cause problems related to the formation of dust. There is also often excessive adhesion of the RPM particles to the walls of the equipment used and / or the packaging materials and the particles of free FPPM can agglomerate, which has an adverse effect on the dissolution time of the RPM in the composition get L a. The ester a-L ~ as? Art? I-L-phen? Lalan? Na-rne +? Lo (asparta e; RPM) is a dipépti or sweetener with a sweetening power that is + á about 200 times the power of sugar. Aspartame is widely used as a sweetener in a wide variety of edible products, soft drinks, confectionery, medicines and in table and similar sweeteners. RPM is frequently used in the form of dry mixes, such as instant powdered drinks and instant dessert products, and the like. The use of the RPM (and / or of mixtures thereof with a different sweetener), in particular of powder RPM, is frequently hampered in relation to the handling of the same because the products in question are insufficiently dust-free (ie they contain many fine particles), exhibit poor flow behavior (which can be partially caused by light electrostatic charges of the products), or have a relatively long dissolution time, eg to the formation of agglomerates. Consequently, disadvantages are often experienced in the use of flPM in terms of the behavior related to the formation of dust, the unwanted adherence to the surfaces of the equipment used and the poor time of dissolution of RPM. To reduce these problems in, for example, the foodstuffs industry, efforts have been made to find methods for transforming RPM and edible support materials (eg, citric acid, rnaltodextrins, etc.) into compositions. In addition to the method of the Japanese Patent indicated above, which method according to said publication proves to be more or less limited in terms of the concentrations of RPM achievable in the composition (generally at most 5% by weight but at 10% by weight as a whole). much more), simple methods for preparing such compositions, or compositions having higher concentrations of OPM, not involving auxiliaries, for example wetting agents, or laborious process steps, have not been described or are otherwise known. For example, various publications are known in which compositions of RPM and other substances are prepared, also with concentrations of RPM that are higher than 10% by weight. According to several such publications, the majority of the RPM in the resulting product is however not deposited on the support material and then usually less than 50% by weight of the RPM, but often less than 15% of the RPM, is limited to the surface of the support material and / or the method involves the use of laborious additives or e + apas. The following methods can be highlighted as examples: - dry pulverize, or spray the support material with a concentrated RPM solution, followed by drying (ZR-9205142); - cold drying (US-R-3922369); - mixed with wetting, followed by drying (US-fl-5114726); mixed in the presence of binders, with wetting, followed by drying (JP-fl-59059173); the so-called "high-cut mixing", also known as micro-mixing, ie mixing with an application of al + to energy and spray conditions (3P-B-89016142); this patent discloses that the RPM may be homogeneously distributed among the other components or a part thereof, optionally before the high-cut treatment, mixing in for example a dump mixer (which becomes surrounded by particles of the other material in the process). , so to speak), in order to avoid the agglomeration of the RPM; however, in this method the RPM is certainly not deposited on the support material but rather a physical mixture of powders is obtained; Although the opposite is claimed in this patent, the problems of segregation, etc., remain inherent. grinding a mixture to obtain a mixed product with a homogeneous distribution of particle size (NL-fl-7404428). Such methods often require specific equipment or special process control devices and laborious stages and / or stages that involve extra risks of RPM decomposition that is relatively sensitive to temperatures. Mixing with high energy input is usually disadvantageous, not only due to the problems of dust formation and dust release that occur in the final products obtained, but also due to the energy consumption involved. None of the above methods result in advantages in terms of reduction in the adhesion of the RPM to the walls and the like. There is still a need for a simple and efficient method for converting RPM and edible support materials, through mixing to energy, in a composition in which all or a sufficient amount of RPM , or almost all, that is, at least 50% (a sufficient amount), but preferably at least 85% (almost all), is deposited on the surface material in amounts that can clearly exceed 10% by weight, giving as a result a homogeneous product with good dissolution and handling properties. It is considered to be particularly advantageous if the method in question can also be carried out under very dry conditions, for example, at a relative humidity of 70% or less, using very dry non-hygroscopic support materials. Surprisingly, it has now been found that the α-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanin-methyl ester has a particle size which is mainly less than 100 μm and which can be deposited in an edible + support material by mixing the ester cx. -L-aspar + il-L-phenylalanine-methyl and the support material, in a dry form, if (l) the α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-methyl ester used (a) consists of particles formed in spontaneous agglomeration that they are mainly within a size of less than 100 μm and / or of individual particles that are mainly less than 50 μm, and (b) has a free bulk density of 350 Kg / m3 or less, and (c) is obtained through of, successively, crystallization of ester aL-aspar + il-L-femlalamna-me + yl from an aqueous medium with forced convection, granulation and subsequent mechanical reduction of the formed particles, giving as a result a fraction having the relevant properties, and (2) that the cr-L-aspartyl ester -L-phenylalanine-rnetyl is brought into contact for a short time with particles of the edible + soporum material having a particle size of between 20 and 2,000 μm, in a weight ratio of at most 1: 1, but not less than 1:30, with respect to the sopor + e material, under mild mixing conditions. In this way a simple method is provided for depositing RPM in an edible support material, in a form that involves the low energy application * and does not need the use of additional additives, auxiliaries or moisturizers. In comparison with the physical mixtures of powders that have RPM or compositions in which an insufficient amount of RPM is deposited in a support material, the compositions obtained have a low angle of repose and improved creep properties; moreover, they do not involve a virtual risk of formation and they have more than enough dust and show only a very small tendency to adhere to the walls and the like. Depending on the chosen support material, they can be used up to a maximum of 50% by weight of RPM in the support. The compositions obtained according to the invention + amb? Show an excellent behavior in the solution. R through the present method extremely homogeneous and suitable compositions, in which the highest * par + e of the RPM is deposited in the edible support material, they are obtained within a short period of time, for example within 0.5 to 20 minutes and with only very little energy consumption. A particular advantage of the present method is that it results in excellent compositions, wherein high concentrations of RPM are entirely or entirely limited to the support material, also under very dry conditions, for example, in the case of a relatively low humidity (for example, example less than 70% or even 40% or less) or in the case of the use of non-hygroscopic or slightly hygroscopic support materials. It has been found that the rne + odo according to the invention has the additional advantage that the (originally) ob + enidas compositions containing relatively high concentrations of RPM bound to the support material can be converted, in a simple manner, through a or more simple and additional mixing operations, requiring little energy, with extra support material - either with or without the presence of additional dyes, flavorings and / or other ingredients required for the specifically desired final products -, in homogeneous compositions with low or even very low, for example 0.5 to 5% by weight, of concentration levels of RPM, wherein the RPM is bound to the support material, without adversely affecting the properties of the composition in terms of subfluence and behavior to dissolution and in terms of its low risk of formation and release of dust and the like. In this additional process the originally obtained compositions, containing relatively high concentrations of fiPM linked to the support material, can, as they were, be referred to as a master batch type or premix of supported RPM. The weight ratio of the originally obtained composition and the additional support material is preferably between 1: 1 and 1:20. A final advantage of the present method can be mentioned is that the mixing operation according to the invention involves a risk of so-called over-mixed, due to the mild conditions employed. The "ezclado envelope" is understood to be the phenomenon of secondary segregation of a composition already well mixed when the actual mixing time is for some reason another longer than the time strictly required for mixing. Powder compositions that show the tendency to segregate secondarily to longer mixing times are also known as segregation powders. When dust segregation does not occur, the compositions are also known as cohesive powders. The compositions obtained according to the method of the invention can then be indicated as cohesive powders. For additional information required to the behavior of cohesive and segregation powders reference is made to N. Harnby et al., In "Mixing in Process Industries", second edition, 1992, p. 10-16, Hutterwor + h S Hememann Ltd., Oxford. A person skilled in the art sometimes distinguishes between cohesive powder (or mixtures) and free-flowing powder (mixture or mixtures); The creep behavior of the compositions obtained by the present method is to an important degree determined by the characteristics and particle size of the support material and will often be free flowing. The RPM that can be used in the rne + odo according to the invention can be any solid RPM consisting of particles formed in spontaneous agglomeration that are mainly within a size smaller than 100 μrn and / or of individual particles of size mainly less than 50 μm, as it is obtained through crystallization, from an aqueous medium, by forced convection, followed by granulation and drying, and additional processing to obtain an RPM particle fraction with a free bulk density of 350 Kg / rn3 or lower. The "spontaneous agglomeration" is understood in this pa + en + e as meaning that small RPM parcels are agglomerated spontaneously, in a dry form, without the need of a specific stage of the process. "Principally less than 100 μm" is understood herein to mean that at least 99% by weight of the RPM (including agglomerated) par + iculas is not greater than 100 μm. The particle size of RPM obtained after crystallization, separation, drying, granulation and reduction, which is used in the method according to the present invention, is such that at least 99% by weight of the particles, including those formed in spontaneous agglomeration, is less than 100 μ, at least 85% by weight of the particles preferably is less than 80 μm and preferably, 99% by weight of the particles is less than 80 μm, with at least 85% of the particles having less than 60 μm; in particular, 99% by weight of the particles is less than 50 μm and much more preferably 99% of the particles is less than 25 μm. If the RPM which is used in the method according to the invention consists entirely or partially of RPM agglomerates, those RPM agglomerates must consist of individual RPM couplers which are mainly less than 50 μm, preferably at 40 μm, and particularly in the form preferable lower than 25 μrn. Exceptionally good results were obtained with such RPM products. The best results in terms of small risk of degreasing + or dust, dissolution time, flow behavior and the like are obtained when the RPM used has a par + particle size that is mainly less than 25 μrn. As the support material, a large group of known food solid ingredients can be used which are used in combination with intensive sweeteners, for example as filling agents. Examples of such ingredients are rnonosaccharides, such as glucose, which + arnben is indicated as dextrose or grape sugar, and fructose; disaccharides such as sucrose, which is not indicated only as sucrose but also as sugar cane or beet, lactose and maltose; oligosaccharides such as + aquinosa or raffinose; polysaccharides, such as starch, maltodextpnas, cyclodextrins, fructans, including for example inulma (polyfructose) and polydextrose; sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, mam oi, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol and isomalt; and also o +. carbohydrates and polyols; several of the above-mentioned products are also available in a hydrated form, for example dextrose monohydrate; Food acids such as lactic acids, apple acid, citric acid, or salts of such edible acids, or protein hydrolysates and other dry nutrients such as vanilla and the like may also be used as the support material. The solid support material which is usually used in the method according to the invention commonly has a particle size with a narrow relative variation, e.g., a maximum difference of about 500 μm between 10% of the larger particles and 10% of the smallest particles, within a total range of 20 to 2,000 μrn. The support material with which at least 90% by weight of the product is + ≤ den of the range of 20 to 500 μm is most preferable. Depending on the nature of the support medium, the products having the aforementioned particle size are already available as such in commercially obtainable products, or they can be simply separated as a fraction of the particle size of commercially available products, through methods known to a person skilled in the art, for example by sifting, optionally preceded by a grinding operation. In the case of various support materials, for example citric acid or maltodextrins, it is also possible to use the support material with a particle size larger than 500 μm, for example from about 1,200 to about 2,000 μm.

It is preferable to choose the particle size distribution of the support material in a way that is more stringent than the aforementioned range of 20 to 2,000 μr or even narrower than the aforementioned range of 20 to 500 μm. In the case of narrower particle size ranges, for example such that at least 80% by weight of the supporting rna + epal falls within a range whose upper and lower limits differ by no more than 200 μm, A still more advantageous product is obtained in terms of the edulcor-an + e power of the individual particles and in terms of the external appearance of the composition. The behavior of the flow will then be, in the usual way, the best too. In fact, it is also possible to use a mixture of different support materials as a sopor + e material. Before being used in the method according to the present invention, the soporum material + e may be pre-mixed with the total amount or with a portion of one or more colorants or flavorings that may be present in a desired final product. sweetened with RPM. Depending on the support material chosen, for example with regard to its hygroscopicity, and the additives that are to be optionally used, such as colorants and flavorings, minor adjustments may be required in the recipe for processing or at the supported RPM. A person skilled in the art will be able to find that minor adjustments can be made easily through a proper choice of process conditions and equipment. The classification and test method proposed in harrnaeuropa, Vol. 4 (3), p. 28-230, 1992, provides a good impression of the hygroscopicity of the sopor + e materials used. According to this classification, materials that absorb more than 15% humidity on exposure, at 25 ° C, with air at a relative humidity of 79%, are called hygroscopic materials. Such materials can be used as a support material in the context of the present invention, but it is considered that in all cases the adhesion to the support material will only take place under the influence of available moisture, which in other words is comparable with the methods known in the state of the art in which use is made of humectants. The materials that absorb between 2 and 15% humidity are called hygroscopic; Those that absorb less than 0.2% moisture are called non-hygroscopic. Materials that absorb 0.2% to 2% moisture (at 25 ° C and 79% relative humidity) are said to have a slightly hygroscopic character. When the support material is more or less hygroscopic, the advantages of the present invention will be more evident. These will also be apparent if the method is carried out at a relative humidity that is relatively low, for example less than 70%. Particularly hygroscopic soporum materials are in fact usually less suitable for so-called "dry substance" applications, for example in instantaneous powder measurements, etc., so, in practice, the fact of not using such materials does not impose no real limitation on the applicability of the invention. Support materials that are suitable for use include at least materials with a hygroscopicity + to that of sorbitol or lower *, for example, but certainly not exclusive - xylitol, maltitol, sucrose, isomalt and lac + itol. As already described above, the RPM that can be used in the method according to the invention must be obtained, among others, by means of crystallization to pair + go of an aqueous medium with forced convection. The methods for crystallization of RPM with forced convection are known as such for a person skilled in the art; in the context of the present invention there are no exceptions to these methods, provided they are carried out in an aqueous medium. The RPM can also be obtained through crystallization neutralization from corresponding salts + is, such as salt RPM.HCl. The "aqueous medium" should be understood in this context as water containing a limited concentration, up to for example at most 25% by weight, of lower alcohol (C -C3). Forced convection can be performed for example through circulation of (part or all of) the solution used for crystallization, or by keeping the solution used for crystallization in motion by stirring or other technique. The crystallization can be effected for example by direct or indirect cooling, or by removing the aqueous solvent through evaporation. Of course, the RPM that has been obtained at + crystallization without forced convection (ie obtained through the so-called crystallization is + attic) can also be converted into RPM that is usable in the context of the present method, through of recrystallization with forced convection. The solid RPM that is formed in the crystallization can then be separated from the remaining aqueous medium in any manner known to a person skilled in the art and then can be dried and granulated, also in a known manner, and then reduced, for example by grinding. Examples of drying methods that are suitable for use are: fluid bed drying, vacuum drying microwave drying, etc. Examples of granulation methods which are suitable for use are wet granulation, granulation by compaction, etc. The drying and granulation sequence is not important as long as the granulated and dried reduced RPM obtained has a free bulk density in the order of 350 Kg / ma or less. Drying and granulation may also be combined in one process, for example by the use of a high speed paddle dryer. If the majority, that is at least 85% by weight, of the particle size distribution of the RPM that is subsequently obtained does not fall within the relevant limits, a fraction of the RPM that meets the size distribution criterion The particle must be provided first, for example by means of grinding, before the method according to the invention is used. Various methods are available to persons skilled in the art for this purpose; the simplest is the separation into a sifted fraction that has the desired upper limit and / or grinding. The reduction (optionally through a grinding operation) can be carried out with the aid of for example a ball mill or a crusher of the type of nails or bolts. The dried, granulated and subsequent reduced RPM, thus obtained, usually + e +? Has a free bulk density in the order of 350 Kg / m3 or less. The free bulk density is determined according to the RSTM rule D1895-89 (1990). The support material and the RPM which are used in the method of the invention are both used in dry form. In the case of the RPM in "dry form" it is understood that it means that up to 4.5% by weight of the moisture (through the dry loss method: 4 hours of heating + 105 ° C) is present in or on the RPM. It is difficult to provide a general rule for the moisture content of the support materials, due to the great diversity of support materials that can be used. As a main principle, the moisture content indicated by the producers in the product specifications can be used as the upper limit; they can still show values of has + to 15% by weight. Another rule of importance that can be used is that the support material used does not show visible adhesion moisture and feels dry. As mentioned above, certain support materials can also be used in a hydrated form, it can be mentioned here, for example, that substances such as dextrose monohydrate have a moisture content of about 9.1% by weight and Maltr? na-M500 can contain proxirnadarnen + e 13% by weight of water and can still be seen dry. The ratio of that of the RPM and the sopor material + e is not very critical in the method according to the invention. SL the weight ratio of the RPM and the support material is relatively low, not all the particles of the support material will be entirely occupied with RPM, but almost all of them, that is, frequently more than 95% by weight, but for at least 85% by weight of the RPM will be linked to the support material. This can be observed visually in a simple way, for example under a microscope. If the weight ratio of the RPM and the support material is very high, for example greater than 1, it will be impossible for the entire RPM to be bound to the support material. More than 70% by weight of the RPM particles, at least, will remain in the composition as a free product, which is considered insufficient with respect to the properties of the product +, + al as the properties of creep, (in) homogeneity of the product (and the associated risks of segregation) and problems of dust release. In that case, the dissolution time of the RPM is also adversely affected. All this means that the method according to the invention will result in compositions of sufficient quality in a range of weight ratio of the RPM and the support material of up to co or maximum 1. With the method according to the present invention the relationship The weight of the RPM and the support material is then usually at most 1: 1 and at least 1:30. If the weight ratio of the RPM and the support material is lower, it is advisable to choose a slightly longer mixing time, within the usual range of mixing times between 0.5 and 20 mmu + .os. The weight ratio is +. Preferably in the range of from 1: 3 to 1: 8, since it usually results in excellent compositions, in which at least 85% by weight of the RPM is bound to the + a support. This means that a degree of charge of the sopor + e that clearly exceeds 10% is easily viable. With the method according to the present invention the RPM is brought into contact with the support material + e under conditions of gentle mixing, without an increase in the energy, for a short length of time, for example from 0.5 to 20 minutes. Actually, segregation does not occur either in longer mixing times. The type of mixer to be used is not critical, but preferably mixers + ales are used as tiltable mixers or ribbon mixers. Such mixers do not bring, or do not virtually do so, risks of particle reduction with dusting, and the RPM continues to adhere in good condition to the support material after the mixing process. Such a mixing process can simply be mimicked on a laboratory scale by stirring the RPM and the support material with a spatula, for example for 5 minutes. The advantages of the method according to the invention are particularly evident without the method being carried out under conditions which humidity can not, or can hardly, affect the binding of the RPM to the edible support material. Es + e is the case in particular if the mixing process is carried out under conditions of a relative humidity ba, for example 70% lower dry, or even with the relative humidity of 40% or less using very dry support materials . It is believed that a higher relative humidity, or in the case of highly hygroscopic substances, a significant portion of RPM adhesion to the support material is also caused by the formation of water sources or the like used. Such linking mechanism is not possible with low relative humidity and in the case of dry product. Under those particular conditions, the method according to the invention differs from the procedures in which the RPM is used with different specifications. This is very surprising. The description will be described hereinafter with reference to some examples and comparative experiments, without being in any way limited by this description and experiments.

Where relevant, use will be made of the following techniques and equipment: The results obtained in + érm? S of the deposition of the RPM on the support material were estimated by means of morphological analysis under an inspection microscope Mops + e, which consists of a video microscope plus a monitor; the microscope was provided with an adjustable magnifying lens step by step, with magnifications of 35x, 50x, 75x, lOOx, 125x, 150x and 210x; Samples were examined with the help of an obliquely incident halogen light. The 35x, lOOx and 210x exposures gave a good + or + view, a detailed image and an impression of the smallest particles, respectively. Based on + ales exposures it is possible to estimate if from 0 to 15, from 15 to 50, from 50 to 85 or more than 85% of the RPM is linked to the sopor + e material. In Table 1 that is seen below is + or is + á indicated by means of + and - codes. The dissolution time of the RPM was determined with the help of an in-line UV photometer spectrum: the change in UV absorption at 254 nm was followed in the time it had reached a stable level when 0.5 g ( RPM content) of one millimeter was added to 500 ml of agitated stirred water that was free of dust and particles (pH = 7, temperature 23 ° C), in an American model 1000 rnl laboratory bucket (vortex depth) 2.5 cm). The dissolution time was determined in minutes. The degree to which the times of 00 The dissolution of the RPM in the compositions is shorter or longer than those of the torque product + indicated in Table 2 included below by means of codes + and -. The flow properties of the compositions obtained can be determined by determining the angle of repose, in accordance with DIN ISO 4324. A lower angle of repose usually involves an improvement in flow behavior, which may for example be important in the dosage of a product to some system from a hopper. In such cases the best flow compartment + also implies a reduction in the risk of bridge formation. The following starting materials were used in the following examples and comparative experiments: Rl. RPM ob + enido through crystallization by agi + ación; except for drying at 3% moisture by weight without additional treatment; particle size range of to 200 μm; free bulk density of 176 Kg / rn3. Microscopic investigation showed that the particles were partly the result of spontaneous agglomeration. R2. RPM obtained through crystallization by agitation, followed by granulation and drying and fractionation; two products were prepared, which had the following properties (moisture content, particle size range, free bulk density): R2a: 3.0%, 200 to 700 μm, 525 Kg / rn3 R2b: 2.5%, 500 to 250 μm, 475 kg / rn3. Microscopic investigation showed that the particles were partly the result of spontaneous agglomeration. R3. RPM obtained through Christianization by agitation, granulation and drying, followed by reduction to + milling raves; Six products were obtained which were characterized as follows, in terms of moisture content (indicated in the respective column with reference LOD), particle size distribution and free bulk density (indicated in the last column with reference FBD). Microscopic research has shown that the particles were partly the result of spontaneous agglomeration. LOD < 80μM < 50μM < 20μM FBD ((%%)) ((%%)) (%) (%) Kg / rn 3 R3a. 3.4 96.6 95 51 223 R3b. 2.5 91 80 43 283 R3c. 3.0 98.8 98 55 218 R3d. 2.7 98 95 57 259 R R33ee .. 2 2..66 1 10000 98 58 289 R3f. 3.4 95 85 52 238 03g. 4.5 100 100 97 161 R4 RPM obtained through static crystallization; no additional treatments except for drying; Two products were obtained which were characterized as follows in terms of moisture content (indicated in the first column with reference LOD), particle size distribution and free bulk density (indicated in last column with reference FBD): LOD < B0μM < 50μM < 20μM FBD (%) (%) (%) (%) Kg / rn 3 R4a. 2.4 100 100 95 237 R4b. 2.5 100 95 50 344 R5 RPM obtained through static crystallization, followed by wet granulation and drying, which results in a product that was characterized in terms of moisture content (indicated as LOD), particle size distribution and free bulk density (indicated as FBD) : LOD < 80μrn < 50μM < 20μM FBD (%) (%) (%) (%) Kg / rn R5. 3.4 99 2 1 592 R6 RPM obtained through static crystallization; wet granulation and drying, followed by reduction by means of grinding; a product was obtained which was characterized as follows in terms of moisture content (indicated in the first column with reference LOD), particle size distribution and free bulk density (indicated in the last column with reference FBD): LOD < 80μM < 50μM < 20μM FBD (%) (%) (%) (%) Kg / rn R6. 3.5 100 100 80 232 Bl. Dextrose monohydrate; moisture content 9.2% by weight, particle size from 10 to 300 μm (of which 32% is less than 100 μm, 50% is between 100 to 200 μm, 12% is 200 to 250 μm μm and 6% is greater than 250 μrn). B.2 Citrus citrus; moisture content less than 0.1% by weight, particle size between 100 to 500 μm (of which 0.4% is less than 100 μm, 7.2% is between 100 to 200 μm, 50%) , 2% is 200 to 300 μm, 42.1% is greater than 300 μm and 0.3% is greater than 500 μm). B3 Mal + odextrin; equivalent dextrose ("DE value") 10 to 15; moisture content 5.6% by weight; particle size between 10 to 300 μm (of which 10% is lower than 20 μm, 16% is between 20 and 50 μm, 16% is 50 to 80 μm, 16% is 80 to 100 μm) μm, 33% is 100 to 200 μm, 5% is 200 to 250 μm and 4% is greater than 250 μm). In the examples (ie those experiments in which one of the R3 products was used) and in the other comparative experiments 1, part by weight of RPM and the indicated number of parts by weight of the support material were mixed in each case . This was done (at room temperature and at a relative humidity of 40 to 50%) either by stirring for 5 minutes with a spatula in a polyethylene sample bottle, or by mixing for 20 minutes on a laboratory tape mixer from 4 liters (Pfleiderer) to 40 rprn, or by mixing for 10 minutes in a tumbling nezclamer (50 rm) under atmospheric conditions and a main relative humidity of 50 to 85%. The resulting compositions were then inspected with the help of a Moris + e inspection microscope to determine the morphological aspects. Then it was easy to estimate if, and to what extent, the RPM had been deposited in the support material or to what extent it is still present particles of free RPM or agglomerated RPM. The compositions obtained were also subjected to further tests, as described above, which is evident in the tables. The results of the various experiments and comparative experiments are summarized below, in the form of tables, in the + terms of: 1. Microscopic evaluation of the amount of RPM deposited in the support: Table 1. The estimates included in this table are indicate by + and - as follows: no particle of RPM has been deposited on the support material. - less than around 15% of RPM has been deposited in the support. +/- approximately 15 to 50% of RPM has been deposited in the support. + approximately 50 to 85% of RPM has been deposited in the support. ++ 85% or more of RPM has been deposited in the support. 2. Evaluation of the dissolution time of the RPM in the composition with respect to the dissolution time of the RPM of the starting product: Table 2. The indication of what is found is summarized in Table 2 and is based on a comparison of dissolution times 0.5 g of RPM in the starting product and in the composition, as follows: - the dissolution time in the composition is much longer (2x or more) - the dissolution time in the composition is longer go (1, 1 to 2x) +/- the dissolution time in the composition is the same (0.9 to, lx) + the time of dissolution in the composition of cor + o (0.5 to 0.9x) ++ the dissolution time in the composition is much more cor + o (0.15x or less). All of the experiments and experiments described above in Tables 1 and 2 were carried out with a relative humidity of 40 to 50%. The experiments marked with a (*) were carried out both through mixing by spatula and with the help of a cin + a mixer. No differences were found in the results ^.

TQBLft 1 TR Lfí 2 Moreover, a few experiments were carried out in a dump mixer. For this purpose, a homogenous mixture of equal volumes of products R3a, R3b, A3c and R3d was first made. Then portions of that mixture, of 1.0 Kg each, were mixed in a dump mixer (Indola, type KVBV415RC, 3.8 liters) at 50 rpm for 10 minutes, with each of the support materials Bl, B2 and B3 (in a weight ratio between the RPM and the support from 1 to 5). In each case the compositions with excellent flow properties were obtained and showed that they had no problems of dust formation and detachment. One of the compositions obtained (the one containing B2) was then used as a pre-mix and was mixed with a quantity 5 times of Bl for 10 minutes in the. same dump mixer. The morphological investigation by using the Moriste inspection microscope showed that almost all the RPM in the composition thus obtained was bound to the support material, and was proportionally distributed between the support particles B2 and Bl. The last mixture + had excellent flow properties and showed no problems of dust formation and detachment.

Claims

NQVEDñP PE LR INVENTION REVINDICTIONS

1. - Method for depositing on an edible support material an aL-aspart? LL-phen? Lalan? Na-rnet ester having a particle size that is ppcipalmen + e smaller than 100 μm, by mixing the ester or -L ~ aspart? L-l-fen? Lalan? Nanene? And sopor material + e in a dry form, characterized by the fact that (l) is + er aL-aspartil-L-phenylalanine -methyl used consists of particles formed by spontaneous agglomeration that are mainly smaller than 100 μm and / or of individual particles that are mainly less than 50 μm, and (b) has a free bulk density of 350 Kg / m3 or smaller, and (c) is obtained a + from, successively, crystallization of ester aL -aspar + il-L-phenylalanine-methyl to pair + go from an aqueous medium with forced convection, granulation and subsequent mechanical reduction of the formed particles, resulting in a fraction that has the relevant properties, and that (2) the α-aspartyl-L-fem ester lalanin-me + ilo is for a short time taken to come into contact with particles of the ma + epal of sopor + ea edible that has a particle size of 20 to 2000 μm, in a weight ratio of at most 1: 1 , but not less than 1:30, with respect to the support material, under mild mixing conditions.

2. - A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ester cr-L-aepar +? L-L -femlalanine-methyl +? Has a particle size which is mainly less than 80 μrn.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the + er a-L-aspar + il-L-phenylalanma-methyl has a particle size that is mainly less than 50 μm.

4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ester or-L-aspartyl-L-femlalamine-me + ilo has a particle size that is mainly less than 25 μm.

5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support material is chosen from the groups comprising rnonosacapdos, disacapdos, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, sugar alcohols, carbohydrates and polyols, food acids and their salts, protein hydrolysates and other dry nutrients, such as vanilla.

6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the difference between 10% of the largest particles and 10% of the smallest particles of the support material do not exceed 500 μm.

7. A method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least 80% by weight of the support material falls within a range of particle size whose upper and lower limits do not they are more than 200 μm.

8. A method according to any of claims 7, characterized in that the aL-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-methyl ester and the support material are mixed in a weight ratio in the range ranges from 1: 3 to 1: 8.

9. A method for depositing on an edible support an α-α-aspartyl-L-phenylala-na-methyl ester having a particle size that is mainly less than 100 μm by mixing the α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-rnetyl ester and the support material in a dry form, characterized in that a composition obtained according to any of claims 1 to 8 is, in a subsequent process step, during a short period, led to enter con + act with an additional amount of sopor + e material, under mild mixing conditions, in a weight ratio of the originally obtained composition and the additional sopor + e material that is in the range that goes from 1: 1 to 1:20.

10. A method according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mixing in a dry form is done at a relative humidity of 70% or less.