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Barrier technology - Migration of other components

4 important questions on Barrier technology - Migration of other components

Which components tend to migrate unwanted?

Components with the same degree of hydro/lipophilicity will tend to migrate to each other, especially if they are originally present in an environment that does not match closely with their lipophilicity. It is the difference in component activity that provides the driving force for migration.

How can unwanted migration be minimised?

Minimise the driving force, e.g. By not using a lipid-based barrier in a product that contains relatively high amount of fats or oil
Minimise the diffusivity. This can be achieved by for example using a bilayer film, where a secondary, hydrophilic coating provides an additional barrier for lipophilic product components

Why should antioxidants be incorporated at the surface?

Oxidation processes often start at the product surface, through light activation, and/or through the availability of oxygen.

It makes sense to create a reservoir of antioxidants at the surface, which releases the antioxidants slowly to the product.
Ultraviolet quencher or chelating agents (e.g. EDTA) that reduce the risks of oxidation of components in the product