Clover License Food Science Australia Next Generation MicroMAX

06/06/2007

The next generation of microencapsulation technology will be utilised under an agreement between Clover Corporation Limited (Clover) and Food Science Australia (FSA). The royalty bearing license to the next generation MicroMAX icroencapsulation technology can be used by Clover to encapsulate omega-3 rich fish oils and selected microalgal oils. The major benefit of the new technology is the robustness of the encapsulation which allows for both a higher oil loading and the ability to withstand a variety of strenuous processing conditions. “Clover Corporation, through its joint venture Nu-Mega Ingredients Pty Ltd, will be using the next generation MicroMAX microencapsulation technology to improve the delivery and stability of its DRIPHORM® HiDHA® omega-3 rich fish oil and other ingredients, enhance the commercial efficiency of providing the bioactives in the fish oil and expand their application in foods andinfant formulations” indicated CEO Dr Ian Brown. Fish oil, a popular functional food, has long been recognised for its health benefits. Fish oil is rich in long chain omega-3 fats, which are essential nutrients for optimal brain health and development, but its use as an ingredient in processed foods has been limited by problems associated with taste and stability. The main difficulty of incorporating omega-3 fats in foods is that they are highly susceptible to oxidation. The presence of oxidized fats may affect the sensory properties of foods by impartinga 'fishy' flavour and aroma. 

The microencapsulation of fish oil as a source of omega-3 has been successfully used to deliver the beneficial fatty acids by better protecting the fat from oxidation, prolonging the shelf life of the food, and maintaining the desired taste and aroma.

Microencapsulation involves microscopic droplets of fish oil being enclosed in robust films that protect the oil from the environment and other ingredients. Nu-Mega is a market leader in the preparation and use of microencapsulated fish oils in a wide range of foods, including infant formula, dairy foods including long life milk, processed cheese and yoghurt, nutritious snacks and bars, retorted and canned foods, beverages including fruit juices and powders and frozen foods, using the original MicroMAXtechnology. This agreement significantly expands the existing relationship FSA has with Clover and will help Nu-Mega to broaden its product range and enter new international markets. It is also the first commercial agreement FSA has entered into for its second generation MicroMAX technology.  Clover looks forward to the continued development and productivity of its research and technical relationship with FSA. Nu-Mega is currently involved in commercial trials using ingredients prepared using the new MicroMAX microencapsulation technology. FSA is a joint venture of CSIRO and the Victorian Government and is Australia's largest and most diversified food research organisation. FSA, in collaboration with the CSIRO PreventativeHealth Flagship, has expanded work on encapsulation to allow for targeted delivery of bioactives such as omega-3 to different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This work has led to the new, more durable, microencapsulating technologies, and the CSIRO Food Futures Flagship has worked with FSA to understand the effects of processing on the microencapsulated products.  FSA continues to look for partners to use the MicroMAX technology in applications not covered by the current license. CSIRO’s Food Futures and Preventative Health are two of Australia’s National Research Flagships. The National Research Flagship program is one of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia. Specifically designed to integrate, focus and direct Australia’s scientific resources, the National Research Flagship program is primarily about building partnerships and delivering results. Nu-Mega Ingredients Limited is  dedicated to the provision of nutritionally important bioactives including marineoils rich in DHA and Nu-Soya® flavour improved soy ingredients. Nu-Mega is a world-class supplier of omega-3 DHA functional ingredients, including HiDHA® microencapsulated powdered tuna oil, for use in a wide range of foods, infant formula and supplements. For further information please contact:Dr Ian Brown Clover Corporation Limited Level 1, 160 Pitt StreetSydney, NSW 2000 Australia AustraliaTel: 02 9526 7893 ian.brown@clovercorp.com.au www.clovercorp.com.au  Michael GreenNu-Mega Ingredients Pty Limited53 Fairlawn StreetNathan, Qld 4111Tel: 07 3722 0567michaelg@nu-mega.comwww.nu-mega.comwww.dha-in-mind.com