Patent ID: 7935418

Claim:
Method for the preparation of a polymeric support matrix having particulate material entrapped in said support matrix in which the polymeric support matrix is porous and the particles are well accessible and maintain their functionality after preparation, said method comprising providing a mixture of polymeric material and particulate material in a solvent for the polymeric material and extruding said mixture into a fibre and solidifying said fibre by a two-step phase inversion process, wherein the two-step phase inversion process comprises: (i) utilizing a spinneret to allow a controlled flow of a liquid mixture comprising a solvent and a non-solvent for said polymeric material, along an exterior medium of the nascent fibre, resulting in a first phase separation of the exterior of the nascent fiber; and (ii) entering of said fiber into a coagulation bath, resulting in further phase separation and arrest of the structure of said fiber, to obtain a hollow or solid fiber containing about 60-95 wt % of particulate material.