This invention relates to inducible release vehicle comprised of crosslinked carbohydrates or proteins and an active ingredient. The release is induced by an external stimulus, e.g. an enzyme such as amylase. Such a vehicle can particularly be used in an applications for preventing microbial decay or combating microbial infections. Other uses are for oral applications such as providing anti-caries or flavoring compounds and for pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical applications.