In this study we developed an agent-based model that simulates the release process of encapsulated flavour in different situations. Our model was built in the NetLogo platform, which is a multi-agent programming language and modelling environment with a good documentation, user-friendly environment and visualization abilities. The main aim of the work presented is to provide a model that will easily predict the release of encapsulated flavour. In this work we use the model developed to evaluate the flavour-release properties (such as release time and rate) dependent upon input parameters. Release data of the encapsulated diacetyl (2,3-butanedione) from alginate-whey-protein concentrate microcapsules were then used for model validation. Results show that this model can simulate the release-flavour process well, and there is a good correlation between experimental and model release data. Results also suggested that the flavour-release process can easily be predicted using this agent-based model. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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