Method and apparatus for forming composite pellets for the controlled release of the active ingredient in the treatment of humans or animals and composite pellets thereof

摘要

A method for forming composite pellets containing active ingredients encapsulated in encapsulating material for the controlled release of the active ingredient in the treatment of humans, animals or plants comprises the following steps: producing solid granules containing encapsulating material and active ingredient; generating a flow of granules; heating the granules in flight so as to melt a portion of encapsulating material located at the surface of each granule, of melted encapsulating material spreading on the surface of each granule to form a substantially uniform surface layer so as to confer on the granules the form of pellets; cooling the pellets in flight so as to solidify at least the surface layer; collecting the pellets. The invention further relates to a corresponding apparatus and to the pellet made by such apparatus, the pellet having a core in which the active ingredient is present in greater concentration than in the surface layer, preferably containing a percentage weight of active ingredient that is greater than or equal to 70%.