Uhtcaps

Development of Thermostable Microencapsulated Systems Adapted for UHT (Ultra High Temperature) Processes.

Nucaps launches UHTCAPS, an R&D project with industrial applications that adapts its microencapsulation technology to address a key need in the food and nutraceutical market: incorporating probiotics and bioactive compounds into liquid foods subjected to UHT treatments without losing their functionality.

The innovation is based on the development of bi-structured microcapsules, resistant to temperatures above 130°C and featuring pH-dependent multi-stage release, capable of protecting sensitive ingredients during thermal processing and ensuring their efficacy after ingestion.

UHTCAPS paves the way for a new generation of long-shelf-life functional foods, such as plant-based beverages, UHT dairy products, or liquid supplements, which have been limited by the lack of viable technological solutions. The project includes validation, industrial scaling, and transfer to the agri-food sector, with high potential for international impact.

• Title: UHTCAPS.
• Identification Number: 0011-1365-2025-000309.
• Execution Period: September 2025–April 2027.
• Executing Entity: NUCAPS.

This company has received funding co-financed at 40% by the European Regional Development Fund through the Navarre ERDF Operational Programme 2021–2027.