Method for producing nutraceutical delivery system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system. The method includes the steps of screen printing a base paste and curing the base paste. The method further includes the steps of screen printing a first paste separate from the base paste and curing the first paste.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number CN201880084837.5 (PCT / EP2018 / 085756), application date December 19, 2018, and invention name “Production method of nutritional product delivery system”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system. Preferably, the nutraceutical delivery system produced by the method according to the present invention is configured to administer one or more active nutraceutical ingredients to the body, preferably the human body, in a controlled manner, further preferably systemically. The present invention also relates to a system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system. Background Art

[0003] Nutritional supplements are often used to provide additional health benefits. An active nutritional ingredient can be part of any nutritional supplement that produces its effect, particularly any desired health benefit. Certain nutritional supplements may contain multiple active nutritional ingredients to provide different health benefits or to act in different ways. Thus, one or more active nutritional ingredients can be delivered by the nutritional supplement. Nutritional supplements can even deliver larger amounts of nutritional ingredients.

[0004] The delivery of nutrient can refer to, as needed, nutrient compound and / or composition transported into the consumer body to achieve the effect of its expectation, particularly the health effect of its expectation safely. Nutrition can be delivered or administered to the consumer, especially the human body, in various ways. Possible route of administration can include, for example, oral route. In the case of delivering or administering via oral route to the consumer body, corresponding nutrient is provided by the consumer's oral cavity, so as to enter or enter the gastrointestinal tract via the oral mucosa to arrive at the blood compartment (blood compartment) by the stomach or intestinal mucosa.

[0005] Nutraceuticals can be provided in different dosage forms. Dosage forms may include, for example, pills, tablets, capsules, solutions, dispersions and / or emulsions.

[0006] Tablets can be nutraceutical dosage forms. Tablets can be solid unit dosage forms of a nutraceutical with an active nutraceutical ingredient, with or without suitable excipients. Tablets can generally be produced by molding or by compression. The manufacture of tablets generally requires providing an appropriate amount of active nutraceutical ingredient in each tablet. This may be essential in view of the safety and effectiveness of each tablet. Therefore, all ingredients of the tablet should be thoroughly mixed. Thus, a uniform mixture of ingredients can be obtained. Subsequently, a specific amount of the mixture can be compressed to obtain a tablet. Therefore, the active nutraceutical ingredient is generally evenly distributed within the tablet and / or throughout it, or within a portion thereof.

[0007] When the tablet is administered, for example when taken orally, the tablet can dissolve. The active nutritional ingredient can thus be released. It can then reach the blood compartment through the intestinal mucosa and finally reach the active tissue. For commonly produced nutritional delivery systems, such as commonly produced tablets, the concentration of the active nutritional ingredient in the blood compartment can usually be higher than the efficacy threshold of a given active nutritional ingredient within a given period of time. During this period of time, the release of the active nutritional ingredient from the nutritional delivery system into the gastrointestinal tract may usually be much higher than the actual required level. Any excess active nutritional ingredient may not be able to pass through the membrane in sufficient quantity and cannot be absorbed by the body. Therefore, such excess active nutritional ingredient can be discharged from the corresponding body. In addition, it is possible that excess active nutritional ingredient reaches the blood compartment and / or tissue and may cause harmful effects.

[0008] In particular, the release of active nutraceutical ingredients from conventionally designed and / or manufactured tablets is primarily driven by the size of the disintegrating tablet, particularly the size of the surface area exposed to the surrounding fluid. Thus, it can be predetermined and fixed by the tablet's form and size, for example with a high release rate initially that decreases over time. Consequently, blood and / or tissue concentrations of the active nutraceutical ingredient can be significantly above their respective efficacy thresholds, resulting in a desired concentration period above said threshold.

[0009] This release profile is particularly unfavorable for active nutraceutical ingredients with a narrow window of effectiveness. That is, where there is little difference between an effective dose and a harmful or excessive dose, the release profile of a conventional tablet may be particularly unfavorable. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One problem underlying the present invention is to provide a method for producing a more efficient nutraceutical delivery system which allows a controlled administration of one or more active nutraceutical ingredients to the body and / or has a release profile that is specific for the application and / or the active nutraceutical ingredient.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing a nutraceutical delivery system, the method comprising the steps of: screen printing a base paste; curing the base paste; screen printing a first paste, the first paste being separate from the base paste and comprising a first active nutraceutical ingredient; and curing the first paste.

[0012] According to the method described above, the nutritional product delivery system is produced layer by layer.

[0013] According to the method described above, the base paste and the first paste are screen printed such that the resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system includes both the base paste and the first paste.

[0014] According to the method described above, the planar layer of the nutritional delivery system is produced by the following steps: screen printing and curing the base paste to partially form the planar layer; screen printing and curing a first paste separate from the base paste to partially form the planar layer.

[0015] According to the method described above, after the production of the planar layer is completed, another planar layer is produced on top of the completed planar layer.

[0016] According to the method described above, the base paste is screen-printed on and / or by a screen printer, and / or the first paste is screen-printed using a separate screen printer.

[0017] According to the method described above, the base paste and the first paste are cured by a shared and / or identical curing device.

[0018] According to the method described above, the base paste and the first paste are soluble in body fluids.

[0019] According to the method described above, the pastes are screen printed such that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the first paste is unevenly disposed within and / or throughout the base paste.

[0020] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system the base paste is provided as a three-dimensional body and / or the separate first paste is unevenly arranged within and / or throughout the base paste.

[0021] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient varies within and / or throughout the nutrient delivery system.

[0022] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is relatively high and / or highest in the center, edge, or middle region of the nutraceutical delivery system.

[0023] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration gradient of the first active nutraceutical ingredient increases towards or away from the center of the nutraceutical delivery system.

[0024] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutritional ingredient within and / or throughout the nutritional delivery system includes a smooth transition to areas and / or portions of increased concentration.

[0025] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutritional ingredient within and / or throughout the nutritional delivery system includes more than one area and / or portion of increased concentration.

[0026] The paste is screen printed according to the method described above so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutritional ingredient within and / or throughout the nutritional delivery system varies by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably about 100%.

[0027] According to the method above, wherein the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutritional ingredient within and / or throughout the nutritional delivery system varies by at most about 100%, preferably at most 95%, more preferably at most 90%, more preferably at most 85%, more preferably at most 80%, more preferably at most 75%, more preferably at most 70%, more preferably at most 75%, more preferably at most 65%, more preferably at most 60%, more preferably at most 55%, more preferably at most 50%, more preferably at most 45%, more preferably at most 40%, more preferably at most 35%, more preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25%, more preferably at most 20%, more preferably at most 15%, more preferably at most 10%, more preferably at most 5%.

[0028] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutrient ingredient is such that when the nutrient delivery system is applied, the first active nutrient ingredient is released from the nutrient delivery system with a predetermined release characteristic and / or release profile, and the predetermined release characteristic and / or release profile preferably includes a portion with a constant rate of release.

[0029] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that upon application of the nutraceutical delivery system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released in two or more doses, and / or the release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in one dose begins preferably 1 second to 24 hours, more preferably 5 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 10 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 20 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, and most preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes before the release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in another dose.

[0030] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that the base paste encapsulates and / or closes the resulting nutrient delivery system, and / or the first paste is not arranged on the outer surface of the resulting nutrient delivery system and / or the outer surface of the resulting nutrient delivery system is free of the first paste.

[0031] According to the method described above, the method further comprises the steps of: screen printing a second paste, the second paste being separate from the base paste and the first paste and comprising a second active nutraceutical ingredient; and curing the second paste.

[0032] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that the resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system comprises the base paste and the first paste and / or the second paste.

[0033] According to the method described above, the planar layer of the nutritional product delivery system is produced by the following steps: screen printing and curing the base paste to partially form a planar layer; screen printing and curing the first paste separate from the base paste to partially form a planar layer; screen printing and curing the second paste separate from the base paste and the first paste to partially form a planar layer.

[0034] According to the method described above, the second paste is soluble in body fluids.

[0035] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the second paste is unevenly disposed within and / or distributed throughout the base paste.

[0036] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutritional ingredient throughout the nutritional delivery system and / or within the nutritional delivery system is different from the concentration distribution of the second active nutritional ingredient throughout the nutritional delivery system and / or within the nutritional delivery system.

[0037] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that upon application of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient begins before release of the second active nutraceutical ingredient, and / or release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient begins preferably 1 second to 24 hours, more preferably 5 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 10 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 20 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, and most preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes before release of the second active nutraceutical ingredient.

[0038] According to the method described above, the paste is screen printed such that upon application of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the release profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is different from the release profile of the second active nutraceutical ingredient.

[0039] According to the method described above, the first paste is screen printed to form a geometric shape, wherein the shape is preferably a tube, a spot, an oval, a plate and / or a polygon.

[0040] According to the method described above, the resulting nutraceutical delivery system has the form of a tablet, capsule, disk, film, pellet or granule.

[0041] According to the method described above, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is selected from the list consisting of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, or dietary substances for human use to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a nutritional product delivery system produced according to the method of any one of the preceding claims.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for producing a nutritional product delivery system, comprising an apparatus for performing the method according to the above.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system, the system comprising: an apparatus for screen printing a base paste; an apparatus for curing the base paste; an apparatus for screen printing a first paste, the first paste being separate from the base paste and comprising an effective amount of a first active nutraceutical ingredient; and an apparatus for curing the first paste.

[0045] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system that enables controlled administration of several active nutraceutical ingredients to the body. A specific object is controlled administration such that the active nutraceutical ingredients are released in a defined manner relative to one another, preferably with a desired and / or adjusted active nutraceutical ingredient-specific release profile.

[0046] It may be considered that a more general object of the present invention is to provide an improved technology for producing nutrient delivery systems that enables high-quality advanced nutrient delivery systems to be produced in large quantities.Any advanced nutrient delivery system can optimize the kinetics and dynamics of the respective active nutrient ingredients.

[0047] These and other objects that will become apparent from the following description are solved by the method of producing a nutritional delivery system according to claim 1. A nutritional delivery system is defined by claim 33. A system for producing a nutritional delivery system is defined by claims 34 and 35.

[0048] The present invention relates to a method for producing a nutraceutical delivery system for delivering active nutraceutical ingredients to a consumer's body, preferably a human body, as needed to safely achieve a desired effect and / or multiple desired effects.

[0049] Nutritional product delivery systems according to the present invention can include an active nutritional product ingredient, or several active nutritional product ingredients, or other ingredients. The nutritional product delivery system can be a bioerodible nutritional product delivery system. Therefore, when the nutritional product delivery system is applied to the consumer's body, it may erode. Therefore, for example, in the consumer's oral cavity, the nutritional product delivery system can dissolve when applied.

[0050] The nutraceutical delivery systems produced according to the present invention can be particularly suitable for the controlled administration of one or more active nutraceutical ingredients to the body. The body can be the body of a consumer, such as a human. The body can also be the body of an animal.

[0051] The nutrient delivery system produced according to the present invention can be used to orally administer one or more active nutrient ingredients to the body. The nutrient delivery system can be dissolved in the consumer's oral cavity. Therefore, utilizing the nutrient delivery system produced according to the present invention, active nutrient ingredients can be administered in a controlled manner. The controlled administration method can depend on specific application scenarios and / or the health effects to be achieved.

[0052] According to the present invention, the method for producing a nutritional product delivery system comprises the step of screen printing a base paste. The base paste may, for example, comprise and / or consist of water, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, stearate, silicic acid, glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, cellulose caramel, ethylene glycol, crystalline gelatin, collagen, hydroxyapatite, bicarbonate, lactide, lactic acid, silicon dioxide, polaxamer, xylitol, erythritol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, triacetin, aspartame, sodium bicarbonate and / or acetone. The viscosity of the base paste may, for example, be between 1×10-2 to 1×10 14 mPa·s, preferably within the range of 1×10 -1 to 1.10 8 The viscosity of the base paste may be more preferably in the range of 1×10 0 to 1×10 7 The range of mPa·s is more preferably 1×10 1 to 1.10 6 mPa·s. For screen printing of the base paste, for example, a corresponding printing screen can be used. Such a printing screen allows the base paste to be provided according to the desired printing profiles. Thus, only certain areas of the resulting nutritional supplement delivery system can be formed from the base paste.

[0053] The method according to the present invention further comprises a step of curing the base paste. The base paste can be cured to harden it. The curing temperature and curing time may depend, for example, on the composition of the base paste. The base paste can be cured, for example, at a temperature of 30°C to 180°C, preferably 35°C to 150°C, more preferably 40°C to 110°C, more preferably 45°C to 90°C, and even more preferably 50°C to 70°C. A curing time of 10 seconds to 1 hour, preferably 30 seconds to 30 minutes, and even more preferably 1 minute to 10 minutes can also be applied.

[0054] The method according to the present invention further comprises the step of screen-printing a first paste, which is separate from the preferably cured base paste. Thus, the first paste can be provided separately from the base paste. This allows the first paste to be arranged separately from the base paste, i.e., preferably without any overlap. This is due to the fact that the first paste can be screen-printed so as to be arranged in a location where the base paste has not been screen-printed. In other words, the first paste can be screen-printed so as to be arranged in a location where no base paste has been applied.

[0055] According to the present invention, one or more components of the first paste are not mixed in a classical manner with one or more components of the base paste to form a homogeneous mixture. Instead, the first paste is provided separately from the base paste. Within the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the base paste can therefore be distinguished from the first paste. The first paste may, for example, comprise and / or consist of water, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, citric acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, stearate, silicic acid, glycerol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, cellulose caramel, ethylene glycol, crystalline gelatin, collagen, hydroxyapatite, bicarbonate, lactide, lactic acid, silicon dioxide, polaxamer, xylitol, erythritol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, triacetin, aspartame, sodium bicarbonate and / or acetone. The viscosity of the base paste may, for example, be in the range of 1×10 -2 to 1×1014 mPa·s, preferably within the range of 1×10 -1 to 1×10 8 The range of mPa·s is more preferably 1×10 0 to 1×10 7 The range of mPa·s is more preferably 1×10 1 to 1×10 6 The printing screen may be used to screen print the first paste. The printing screen may allow the first paste to be provided according to a desired printing configuration, such that, for example, only certain areas of the resulting nutritional product delivery system are formed from the first paste.

[0056] The method according to the present invention also includes a step of curing the first paste. The curing temperature and curing time may, for example, depend on the composition of the first paste. The first paste may, for example, be cured at a temperature of 30°C to 180°C, preferably 35°C to 150°C, more preferably 40°C to 110°C, more preferably 45°C to 90°C, more preferably 50°C to 70°C. Furthermore, a curing time of preferably 10 seconds to 1 hour, more preferably 30 seconds to 30 minutes, more preferably 1 minute to 10 minutes may be applied. The first paste may, for example, be cured together with the base paste. Alternatively, the screen printing and curing of the first paste may be performed after curing the screen-printed base paste.

[0057] According to the present invention, the first paste comprises an effective amount of a first active nutraceutical ingredient. Thus, the first paste may comprise an active nutraceutical ingredient that is to be delivered or administered via the resulting nutraceutical delivery system. Furthermore, the first active nutraceutical ingredient may be uniformly distributed within and / or throughout the first paste. It is understood that the first paste may comprise several active nutraceutical ingredients. Several active nutraceutical ingredients may again be uniformly distributed within and / or throughout the first paste. The base paste may also comprise an active nutraceutical ingredient.

[0058] The method according to the present invention enables the production of an enhanced nutrient delivery system. According to the present invention, the base paste and the first paste can be provided in the nutrient delivery system in such a manner that a particularly desired and / or regulated release of the first active nutrient ingredient can be achieved. By controlling the placement of the first paste relative to the base paste during the respective screen printing steps, i.e., by selecting an appropriate printing configuration, it is possible to control when and at what rate the first active nutrient ingredient is released from the nutrient delivery system. This allows the production of a nutrient delivery system that is capable of achieving optimal release of active nutrient ingredients for controlled administration of various active nutrient ingredients to the body.

[0059] The use of screen printing technology allows for mass production of nutrient delivery systems while ensuring high precision. For example, nano-sized geometries of the first paste and, therefore, the first active nutrient ingredient can be printed. The placement of the first active nutrient ingredient within and / or throughout the resulting nutrient delivery system can be controlled with high precision.

[0060] Screen printing technology also allows the first paste to be provided in a manner that forms a particularly preferred geometry in the cured state and / or in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system. The use of screen printing technology also allows for the parallel production of several nutraceutical delivery systems. For example, during screen printing of a base paste, a large number of nutraceutical delivery systems can be produced simultaneously by using a corresponding printer with a mesh that allows the base paste to be printed to form a 100×100 tablet array. Similarly, the first paste can be printed to ultimately form a 100×100 tablet array simultaneously. This 100×100 tablet array can also be cured simultaneously.

[0061] The resolution of screen printing pattern can for example depend on the composition of paste.For example, 10dpi to 10000dpi, preferably 100dpi to 5000dpi, more preferably 200dpi to 2000dpi, more preferably the resolution in the scope of 500dpi to 1000dpi can be provided.Therefore, the first active nutritional component can finally be arranged in the nutritional product delivery system in a refined manner.Therefore, the two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure formed by basic paste and the first paste in the nutritional product delivery system can have for example, 10dpi to 10000dpi, preferably 100dpi to 5000dpi, more preferably 200dpi to 2000dpi, more preferably the resolution in the scope of 500dpi to 1000dpi.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nutrient delivery system can be produced layer by layer. By producing the nutrient delivery system layer by layer, a layer can be formed on top of another layer. Thus, a nutrient delivery system can be established. The first layer of the nutrient delivery system can be produced, for example, by screen printing and curing the base paste and the first paste. Subsequently, another layer can be produced on top of the first layer. This sequence can be repeated several times.

[0063] According to another preferred embodiment, the nutritional supplement delivery system can be produced using a movable platform. The platform can, for example, be positioned below a printing screen. After each layer is completed, the movable platform can be lowered vertically by a corresponding step length. Subsequently, the next layer can be produced on top of it. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the first paste that may be cured relative to the base paste that may be cured can be different in adjacent layers.

[0064] According to another preferred embodiment, the paste is screen printed in such a way that the resulting planar layer of the nutrient delivery system contains both a solidified base paste and a solidified first paste. Therefore, the planar layer of the resulting nutrient delivery system can contain a solidified base paste. The planar layer can also contain a solidified first paste, which is separated from the base paste. Therefore, the two pastes (both in a solidified state) may be distinguished from the other pastes. This is because a uniform mixture is not provided.

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment, the planar layer of the nutrient delivery system can be produced by screen printing and curing a base paste to partially form the planar layer, and by screen printing and curing a first paste, which is separated from the base paste, to partially form the planar layer. By producing the planar layer, the paste can be screen printed in a non-overlapping manner. Therefore, a part or a piece of the resulting planar layer can be formed by screen printing and curing the base paste. Subsequently, another part or another piece of the resulting planar layer, preferably the remaining part or the remaining piece of the resulting planar layer, can be formed by screen printing and curing the first paste. As an example, the resulting planar layer can include an area or part where only the base paste is arranged, such as in an outer area or part of the layer. The resulting planar layer can also include an area or part where only the first paste is arranged, such as in an inner area or part of the layer. Therefore, the pastes do not necessarily form a continuous area. On the contrary, these pastes may form separate areas, such as "islands".

[0066] According to another preferred embodiment, after the production of the planar layer is completed, another planar layer can be produced on top of the completed planar layer. In this way, different arrangements or printing configurations can be selected. Thus, a desired three-dimensional arrangement of the first paste relative to the base paste can be achieved. As a result, the desired three-dimensional distribution of the first active nutritional ingredient throughout the resulting nutritional delivery system can ultimately be achieved.

[0067] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a screen printer can be used to screen print the base paste, and a separate screen printer can be used to screen print the first paste. Therefore, multiple screen printers can be arranged in each production line. The screen printers can each be configured to print a single paste, such as the base paste or the first paste. By inserting or removing a separate printer from the production line, the production line can be modified to produce different nutritional product delivery system designs according to the present invention. Therefore, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved through this modular arrangement.

[0068] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shared or identical curing device can be used to cure the base paste and the first paste. Thus, a production line may only require one curing device to produce the nutrient delivery system according to the present invention. Even if several separate screen printing machines can be used to produce the nutrient delivery system, the constructs can be transferred to a shared curing device to cure the individual pastes. This can save costs.

[0069] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic paste (the basic paste in a solidified state) and the first paste (the first paste in a solidified state) are soluble in body fluids. Body fluids within the meaning of the present invention can, for example, include blood and / or body tissue fluids. The body fluids encountered may vary depending on the route of administration. After oral ingestion of the nutrient delivery system, the composition of the outer layer can determine whether the dissolution of the nutrient delivery system will begin in the oral cavity, whereby its dissolution begins in saliva, or subsequently travels along the device through the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach, thereby dissolving in an acidic environment, the ileum, the jejunum or other places. It is understood that the paste, that is, the solidified paste, and the dissolution characteristics of the nutrient delivery system obtained therefrom can be selected or adjusted so that the release of suitable active nutrient ingredients can be obtained according to respective applications. Quite instantaneous or quite slow dissolution can be selected or adjusted accordingly.

[0070] The first paste (i.e. the first paste of solidification) and the basic paste (i.e. the basic paste of solidification) can be dissolved in a similar manner. Basic paste and the first paste can preferably be dissolved in the same body fluid. By screen printing the first paste and the basic paste separated from each other, and in view of their solubility characteristics, it is possible to well control the first active nutrient component at what time and at what rate to be released from the nutrient delivery system of gained to corresponding health or body fluid. The release of the active nutrient component can preferably only be determined by the solubility characteristics of the solidified paste and / or the form and / or shape of the gained nutrient delivery system. Other releasing agents may not be needed, for example, the permeation agent for releasing the active nutrient component.

[0071] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, paste can be screen-printed so that in the gained nutrient delivery system, the first paste (that is, the first paste of solidification) is unevenly arranged in the base paste (that is, the base paste of solidification). Therefore, in the gained nutrient delivery system, the base paste and the first paste can not be provided as a uniform mixture. On the contrary, the base paste and the first paste can be provided separately from each other, and preferably, in this way, the first paste is unevenly arranged in the base paste. The first paste can be provided unevenly or discontinuously in the base paste or throughout the whole base paste along one, two or more preferably three spaces or orthogonal directions. Thus, the first paste can be arranged in the gained nutrient delivery system in a controlled, regulated and / or desired manner so that in the gained nutrient delivery system or throughout the whole gained nutrient delivery system, there is no uniform distribution of the first paste and therefore the first active nutrient component. On the contrary, inhomogeneity can specifically be composed of the specific arrangement of paste. Since the base paste and the first paste are provided as separate pastes, in particular by screen printing the base paste and the first paste separately, preferably without overlapping, the first paste can be unevenly distributed within and / or throughout the matrix formed by the base paste. For example, the amount of the first paste distributed within and / or throughout the base paste can gradually increase along a particular direction of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system and / or a portion of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen-printed so that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the base paste, in particular the solidified base paste, can be provided as a three-dimensional body or can be viewed as a three-dimensional body. In addition, the first paste, in particular the solidified first paste, can be arranged unevenly within the base paste and / or throughout the base paste. Thus, the main body of the resulting nutrient delivery system can be formed by the base paste, and one or more specific parts of the nutrient delivery system, which can, for example, have only a very small size, can be formed by the first paste.

[0073] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first component can be arranged unevenly in a three-dimensional manner. Therefore, the first component can be arranged unevenly in the base component and at the same time can provide an uneven arrangement in the three-dimensional direction, that is, in the entire three-dimensional range of the base component.

[0074] Furthermore, the base paste and the first paste may be arranged on a virtual two-dimensional or three-dimensional grid. Each pixel of the grid may be occupied by the base paste or the first paste. Thus, the first paste may preferably be arranged in a non-uniform manner within and / or throughout the base paste. Thus, the first paste may be arranged non-uniformly within and / or throughout the resulting nutrient delivery system itself. The size or volume of such a pixel may be on the order of 1 μm. 3 Up to 1cm 3 within the range, preferably within 10 μm 3 Up to 100mm 3 More preferably, within the range of 100 μm 3 Up to 10mm 3 and even more preferably about 1 mm 3 .

[0075] According to the present invention, the principle of evenly distributing active nutritional ingredients in the whole nutritional delivery system can be suspended. Therefore, it is possible to provide a specific arrangement of active nutritional ingredients in the resulting nutritional delivery system and / or throughout the whole nutritional delivery system, so as to obtain a nutritional delivery system with a special adjustment or customized active nutritional ingredient release curve. The paste with the active nutritional ingredient can be arranged, for example, in a manner that the active nutritional ingredient is stably released. The release can preferably cause blood tissue concentration to be higher than or slightly higher than the efficacy threshold of the active nutritional ingredient. Compared with the nutritional delivery system with evenly distributed active nutritional ingredients that are usually produced, the preferred nutritional delivery system produced according to the present invention requires a smaller amount of effective nutritional ingredients. In addition, the same physiological results and / or desired health effects are maintained, while the side effects are lower.

[0076] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the uneven distribution of the active nutritional product ingredients in the nutritional product delivery system produced according to the present invention can be utilized in a standardized manner. Specific arrangement and / or adjustment can be selected or set according to the needs of the respective application. Such a concept allows the production of nutritional product delivery systems with favorable release curves or release characteristics as described herein. Standardization, definition and / or specifications of the paste arrangement, and therefore, standardization, definition or specifications of the unevenness of the active nutritional product ingredients, make it possible to uniformly produce such nutritional product delivery systems in large quantities, while also allowing large-scale production.

[0077] For example, the release profile and / or release characteristics of the active nutritional ingredient can be configured and / or adjusted so as to provide a constant rate of release of the active nutritional ingredient over an extended period of time. In other cases, a particularly slow release of the active nutritional ingredient to the body can be provided, with a release rate slightly above the efficacy threshold of the active nutritional ingredient. In this case, the release rate can be roughly independent of time. According to another preferred embodiment, the release profile and / or characteristics can be configured to release the active nutritional ingredient intermittently at specific intervals, for example over a period of time. According to another preferred embodiment, several active nutritional ingredients can be provided to be released one after another, or simultaneously at separate release rates, in particular with release profiles and / or characteristics specific to the active nutritional ingredient.

[0078] It will be appreciated that by screen printing and curing the base paste, processes such as cross-linking within the base paste may occur. Ultimately, the base paste itself may be altered in this manner. It will be further appreciated that, even though the viscosity of the cured base paste may have significantly changed, it may still be considered that the resulting structure is substantially formed by the corresponding base paste. Therefore, when reference is made to a base paste in the resulting nutritional product delivery system, it may be understood that the base paste may be the corresponding cured base paste. This also applies to other pastes in the system.

[0079] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient varies within the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system. In particular, the concentration may vary within the entire body defined by the base paste. For example, a printing configuration can be selected to allow the first paste to be screen printed only in the central portion of the nutrient delivery system. Thus, specific areas or portions of the resulting nutrient delivery system can be identified that have a relatively high concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient. On the other hand, specific areas or portions can be identified that have a relatively low or even no concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient. While taking into account the specific form and / or shape of the nutrient delivery system and the solubility characteristics of the base paste and the first paste, it is possible to precisely control when and how the active nutrient ingredient is ultimately released.

[0080] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient is relatively high or highest at the center, edge or middle area of the nutrient delivery system. As an example, if the resulting nutrient delivery system is provided in tablet form, the first paste can be arranged or screen printed in such a way that a peak concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient is provided at the center or center portion of the tablet. With the administration of such a tablet and the subsequent dissolution of the base paste and the first paste, the release of the first active nutrient ingredient increases over time. The release of the first active nutrient ingredient may also remain approximately constant over time. This may depend on the shape of the nutrient delivery system. In this way, a specific and / or desired release of the active nutrient ingredient can be obtained.

[0081] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration gradient of the first active nutrient ingredient increases towards or away from the center or central portion of the nutrient delivery system. For example, the printing configuration can be selected in such a way that the amount of the screen-printed first paste increases towards the center or central portion of the nutrient delivery system. If the resulting nutrient delivery system is provided in the form of a spherical tablet, and if the concentration increases towards the center of the tablet, the arrangement of the first paste and therefore the first active nutrient ingredient can be provided in such a way that the release rate is approximately constant with the application of the nutrient delivery system. The release profile of the active nutrient ingredient can be well controlled by adjusting the printing configuration during the corresponding screen printing step or multiple screen printing steps to adjust the concentration profile of the active nutrient ingredient within the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system.

[0082] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, within the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutrient ingredient includes a smooth transition to an area or portion with increased concentration. For example, the printing configuration can be selected in such a way that the amount of the screen-printed first paste gradually increases towards the center or central portion of the nutrient delivery system. Therefore, the concentration distribution can have a smooth transition between an area with low or even no concentration on the one hand and an area with high or relatively high concentration on the other hand. A smooth transition within the meaning of the present invention can be defined by the absence of any sudden or discontinuous steps in the resulting concentration distribution. Within the meaning of the present invention, a concentration distribution can represent a concentration distribution of the first active nutrient ingredient diagonally across the resulting nutrient delivery system. The concentration distribution can, for example, represent the distribution of concentration from one edge of the nutrient delivery system to its center or central portion, or a concentration distribution that may extend through the entire nutrient delivery system. As described above, in the case of a smooth transition, a steady start of release of the active nutrient ingredient will be possible as the corresponding solidified paste dissolves.

[0083] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, in the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutrient ingredient includes more than one relatively high concentration or concentration-increasing area. Utilizing this resulting nutrient delivery system, several doses of active nutrient ingredients can be applied over time. More preferably, due to the various printing configurations during screen printing, the deposition of the first active nutrient ingredient along the dissolution direction, i.e., from the periphery to the center, in the nutrient delivery device and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery device can be discontinuous and / or repeated in the manner of an onion skin type. In each such housing of the nutrient delivery system, the first paste can be provided unevenly. Therefore, the release of the first active nutrient ingredient may preferably not start in a sudden manner. Alternatively, the release can be set in such a way that it gradually starts and / or ends. Thereby, the release of the active nutrient ingredient can be provided in different waves. Therefore, after the high release interval of the first active nutrient ingredient, there can be a low release or no release interval. Furthermore, the active nutraceutical ingredient can be administered in several stages over time. These stages, and in particular their onset, can be controlled by controlling the placement of high concentration areas or areas of increased concentration within and / or throughout the nutraceutical delivery system, in particular by selecting or appropriately adjusting corresponding printing configurations during screen printing.

[0084] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste may be screen printed such that the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system varies within and / or throughout the system by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more preferably about 100%.

[0085] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient within and / or throughout the system varies by up to about 100%, preferably up to 95%, more preferably up to 90%, more preferably up to 85%, more preferably up to 80%, more preferably up to 75%, more preferably up to 70%, more preferably up to 75%, more preferably up to 65%, more preferably up to 60%, more preferably up to 55%, more preferably up to 50%, more preferably up to 45%, more preferably up to 40%, more preferably up to 35%, more preferably up to 30%, more preferably up to 25%, more preferably up to 20%, more preferably up to 15%, more preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%. Thus, the concentration variation can be set in a controlled manner, in particular by using screen printing technology by providing respective localized arrangements of the first paste relative to the base paste, so as to ultimately obtain a desired and / or specific controlled application of the first active nutraceutical ingredient. Within the meaning of the present invention, the change in concentration of the first active nutritional ingredient can be defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum concentrations of the active nutritional ingredient within the nutritional ingredient delivery system. In this context, the concentration can be, for example, a mass ratio concentration. The respective sampling volume used to measure the concentration can be any suitable volume. Suitable, for example, can be 1 μm 3 As an example, if, on the one hand, the highest concentration within the sampled volume in the nutritional delivery system is approximately 80%, and the lowest concentration within the sampled volume in the nutritional delivery system is approximately 10%, the variation may therefore be 70%. For example, the concentration of the first active nutritional ingredient may be at least 10% throughout the nutritional delivery system. In the central portion of the nutritional delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutritional ingredient may increase to 80%.

[0086] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutrient ingredient is such that when the system is applied, the first active nutrient ingredient is released from the system with a predetermined release profile. The release profile can more preferably include a portion with a constant release rate. Due to the specific screen printing configuration, the first paste can be arranged in the base paste in such a way that by applying the resulting nutrient delivery system and by dissolving the solidified base paste and the solidified first paste, a specific or specifically adjusted release profile of the active nutrient ingredient can be obtained. According to a preferred embodiment, the release profile can include a constant release portion.

[0087] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the first paste is arranged in the base paste so that, when the nutrient delivery system or the solidified paste dissolves, respectively, the total amount of the first active nutrient ingredient on the outer surface of the nutrient delivery system remains approximately constant within a predetermined time. The predetermined time can preferably be in the range of 1 second to 24 hours. For example, a printing configuration can be selected that allows the first paste to be screen printed in such a way that the amount of the printed first paste increases only towards the center or central part of the nutrient delivery system. It will be appreciated that, depending on the respective application and the form of the nutrient delivery system, relatively longer or shorter release times can be applied.

[0088] If the nutrient delivery system is produced in tablet form, the active nutrient component can be released within a period of up to 12 hours. Preferably, the predetermined time of approximate constant release can be in the range of 5 seconds to 24 hours, more preferably 10 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 6 hours, more preferably 10 minutes to 1 hour. In the exemplary case of spherical tablets, the concentration gradient of the first active nutrient component can point to the inside. Therefore, when the nutrient delivery system dissolves, that is, when the volume and surface of the system shrink, the amount of the active nutrient component on the nutrient delivery system surface can remain constant. Therefore, the first paste can be arranged in this way so that the concentration of the final first active nutrient component depends on the distance to the nutrient delivery system outer surface. Therefore, the constant release of the first active nutrient component can be set by using screen printing technology to non-uniformly arrange the first paste in the base paste.

[0089] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the paste can be screen printed in such a manner that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that, upon application of the system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released in two or more doses. Release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in one dose preferably begins 1 second to 24 hours, more preferably 5 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 10 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 20 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, and even more preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes prior to release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in another dose.

[0090] For example, the printing configuration may be selected in such a way that the first paste is provided at a plurality of separate locations towards the center or a central portion of the nutraceutical delivery system. If the nutraceutical delivery system is provided, for example, in the form of a tablet, and the tablet is administered orally, the first active nutraceutical ingredient may be released as a first dose shortly after administration. Thus, the first dose may be released before the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released at a later time as a second dose. The doses may be uniform or different from each other. The duration of release of any active nutraceutical ingredient mentioned herein may be measured by a dissolution test. The dissolution test may be performed, for example, according to the USP guide "General <711> Dissolution (General Chapter <711> Dissolution)”.

[0091] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the base paste surrounds and / or encloses the system, and the first paste is not arranged on the outer surface of the system. That is, the outer surface of the system can be free of the first paste. In other words, the first paste with the first active nutrient ingredient can be provided in such a way that it cannot be accessed from the outside or outer surface of the system, at least before the nutrient delivery system is applied. Therefore, the first active nutrient ingredient can be sealed and / or protected from environmental influences, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.

[0092] In the case of producing the nutrient delivery system in tablet form, for example, oral administration may delay the dissolution of the first paste. The result of this fact is that the base paste must first dissolve or at least partially dissolve. Therefore, delayed administration of the first active nutrient component can be obtained respectively. The nutrient delivery system can preferably be produced in the following manner so that the first active nutrient component is released 1 second to 24 hours, preferably 10 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 30 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 4 hours, more preferably 10 minutes to 2 hours, more preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour after the corresponding nutrient release system is applied.

[0093] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method may further comprise the steps of screen printing a second paste separate from the base paste and the first paste, and curing the second paste. The second paste may, for example, contain an effective amount of a second active nutritional ingredient. Thus, the method allows the production of a nutritional delivery system that enables controlled administration of several active nutritional ingredients in a specific application. After the individual pastes are dissolved, the active nutritional ingredients may interact with each other. Thus, the ingredients may provide synergistic or different synergistic effects in the consumer's body. The first and second active nutritional ingredients may preferably differ in form and concentration. The ingredients may also have the same form and concentration. The cured second paste is preferably also soluble in body fluids. The corresponding provisions and explanations given for the first paste and the base paste may be applied similarly to the second paste.

[0094] It will be understood that the provisions and explanations herein regarding the screen printing and curing steps of the base paste and the first paste, as well as the provisions and explanations regarding the first active nutrient ingredient, can be similarly applied to the second paste and the second active nutrient ingredient. It will be further understood that the method can include additional steps of screen printing and curing additional pastes having additional active nutrient ingredients, for example, a third paste comprising a third active nutrient ingredient and / or a fourth paste comprising a fourth active nutrient ingredient. Additional pastes having additional active nutrient ingredients can be screen printed and subsequently cured.

[0095] According to another preferred embodiment, the paste can be screen printed so that the resulting planar layer of the nutrient delivery system includes all of the cured base paste, the cured first paste, and the cured second paste. Thus, the resulting planar layer of the nutrient delivery system can include the cured base paste, the cured first paste separated from the base paste, and the cured second paste separated from the base paste and the first paste. Therefore, all of the cured pastes can be distinguished from each other. This is because a uniform mixture is not provided.

[0096] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system may be produced by screen printing and curing a base paste to partially form the planar layer, screen printing and curing a first paste separate from the base paste to partially form the planar layer, and screen printing and curing a second paste separate from the base paste and the first paste to partially form the planar layer.

[0097] By producing a planar layer, the paste is preferably screen-printed without overlapping. By screen-printing and curing the base paste, a portion of the resulting planar layer can be formed separately. Another portion of the resulting planar layer can then be formed by screen-printing and curing the first paste. Another portion of the resulting planar layer, which is preferably the remainder of the resulting planar layer, can then be formed by screen-printing and curing the second paste. As an example, the resulting planar layer may include an area where only the base paste is arranged, an area where only the first paste is arranged, and an area where only the second paste is arranged. The area where only the base paste is arranged may, for example, be an outer area of the layer. The area where only the first paste is arranged may, for example, be an inner area of the layer. The area where only the second paste is arranged may, for example, be a middle area of the layer. The pastes do not necessarily have to form continuous areas. Instead, the pastes may form separate areas, such as "islands".

[0098] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the solidified second paste is unevenly arranged in the solidified base paste. Therefore, the release of the first active nutrient ingredient and the second active nutrient ingredient from the nutrient delivery system can also be controlled relative to each other. This can be achieved by controlling the uneven arrangement of the first and second pastes in the base paste. The above explanation about the uneven arrangement also applies here.

[0099] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutrient ingredient within the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system is different from the concentration distribution of the second active nutrient ingredient within the nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system. For example, the printing configuration can be selected so that the amount of the screen-printed first paste increases toward the center or center portion of the nutrient delivery system. In addition, the amount of the screen-printed second paste can decrease toward the center or center portion of the nutrient delivery system. Therefore, the nutrient delivery system can be designed and / or produced in such a way that the first active nutrient ingredient and the second active nutrient ingredient are released to the respective bodies of the consumer in different doses.

[0100] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pastes can be screen printed in such a way that they are ultimately arranged in the resulting nutrient delivery system and / or throughout the entire nutrient delivery system in a discontinuous manner. The discontinuous manner can make the first active ingredient release in different time periods as the dissolution of the nutrient delivery system begins. The beginning of dissolution usually occurs at its periphery. For example, in the case of an onion skin type arrangement, a layer with the first paste can be adjacent to another layer without an active nutrient component or with a second active nutrient component. The release of the active nutrient component can be controlled by changing parameters such as the thickness of each layer, their composition, and the distribution of the active nutrient component in the layer.

[0101] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one layer of the nutrient delivery system can resist dissolution in certain body fluids or certain body environments and / or can dissolve in certain body fluids or environments in a delayed manner. It is also possible that at least one layer of the nutrient delivery system can resist dissolution in certain body fluids or environments and can dissolve in other body fluids or environments. Therefore, at least one layer can have resistance to dissolution or delayed solubility. A plurality of such layers can be provided. Such layers can, for example, be arranged on both sides of a possible third layer in a sandwich configuration. In this case, for example, the third layer can only dissolve from the narrow side or its edge. Due to the arrangement of the other layers that do not dissolve or only dissolve in a delayed manner in the respective body fluids or environments, the remaining sides or surfaces are protected from being contacted by body fluids or tissues. This can further improve the possibility of controlling the application of one component or different components.

[0102] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pastes can be screen printed in such a manner that, in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the first and second pastes are arranged in such a manner that the first active nutrient ingredient begins to be released before the second active nutrient ingredient is released upon application of the nutrient delivery system. For example, the printing configuration can be selected such that the second paste is printed closer to the center or central portion of the nutrient delivery system. Simultaneously, the first paste can be printed further to the edge of the nutrient delivery system.

[0103] Preferably, release of the first active nutritional ingredient may begin 1 second to 24 hours, preferably 5 seconds to 12 hours, more preferably 10 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 20 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, and most preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes prior to release of the second active nutritional ingredient.

[0104] Due to the specific uneven or discontinuous arrangement of the first and second pastes in the base paste, in particular with respect to the dissolution direction, it is possible to control when the respective first and second active nutritional ingredients are released relative to each other. Depending on the spatial arrangement of the first and second active nutritional ingredients in the layer, the release of the two active nutritional ingredients can be separated by a defined time interval. Similarly, depending on the spatial arrangement of the first and second active nutritional ingredients in the layer, the release of the first active nutritional ingredient can continue when the release of the second active nutritional ingredient begins. This can achieve a synergistic effect of the active nutritional ingredients. In principle, the active nutritional ingredients can be released into the body within seconds, minutes and / or hours. This may depend on the individual form of application.

[0105] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed in such a way that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the first paste and the second paste are arranged so that, when the nutrient delivery system is used, the release profile of the first active nutrient ingredient is different from the release profile of the second active nutrient ingredient. For example, the first active nutrient ingredient can be released at a fairly constant rate. In contrast, the second active nutrient ingredient can be released, for example, intermittently. Thus, an elaborate nutrient delivery system can be designed.

[0106] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the first active nutritional ingredient in the first paste of the resulting nutritional delivery system may be 1 μg to 100 g, preferably 10 μg to 10 g, more preferably 100 μg to 1 g, more preferably 500 μg to 500 mg, more preferably 1 mg to 100 mg, more preferably 10 mg to 50 mg. It will be understood that any description or explanation regarding the first active nutritional ingredient may also apply to possible second or further active nutritional ingredients that may be provided in the second or further pastes of the nutritional delivery system.

[0107] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the one or more pastes may contain ceramics, metals, polymers, preferably polymer acrylates, and / or any type of mineral.

[0108] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more pastes may contain a disintegrant. Such a disintegrant can promote the dissolution of the corresponding paste, i.e., the solidified paste. The disintegrant may, for example, include cellulose, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, crospovidone, starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium starch glycolate, and / or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The cellulose may preferably be microcrystalline cellulose. The starch may preferably be modified starch.

[0109] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more pastes can comprise one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of coloring agents, sweeteners, flavoring agents, antimicrobial preservatives, chemical stabilizers that can be preferably used to improve the chemical stability of active nutritional ingredients, viscosity modifiers that can be used to reduce the sedimentation of particles, and cellulosic materials that can be used as viscosity enhancers in suspensions. Antimicrobial preservatives can preferably comprise sorbic acid, benzoic acid, parabens, sucrose, and / or benzalkonium chloride. Chemical stabilizers can for example comprise antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid or sodium metabisulfite, and / or chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Viscosity modifiers can for example comprise polymeric materials or inorganic materials, such as clay. Cellulosic materials can for example comprise cellulose, cellulose ether, and / or alginic acid.

[0110] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more pastes may comprise an excipient or excipients selected from the following list: fillers, solution binders, dry binders, glidants. Fillers may, for example, include lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate and / or cellulose. Solution binders may, for example, include gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose derivatives and / or polyethylene glycol. Dry binders may, for example, include cellulose, polyethylene glycol and / or methylcellulose. glidants may, for example, include silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and / or talc.

[0111] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first paste can be screen printed to form a geometric shape. The shape can preferably be a tube, such as a hollow tube, a spot, such as a local, small cluster and / or agglomeration, an oval, such as an open circle or an elliptical oval, a plate, and / or a polygon, such as a square. Thus, the first paste can be provided in such a shape that the release of the desired first active nutritional ingredient can be obtained. With respect to other active nutritional ingredients provided in other pastes of the system, it is even possible to obtain the desired release. The concentration of the active nutritional ingredient can vary within a specific geometric shape.

[0112] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resulting nutrient delivery system can have the form of tablets, capsules, disks, films, implants, subcutaneous implants, patches, pellets or particles. The nutrient delivery system produced according to the present invention can accordingly have various forms. Depending on the given application, this allows the desired administration and the release of the desired active nutrient ingredients to be achieved.

[0113] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paste can be screen printed so that the resulting nutrient delivery system can have the characteristics of a structured surface. For example, a printing configuration can be selected so that protrusions and / or depressions are formed in the surface of the resulting nutrient delivery system. This can appropriately expand the surface of the resulting nutrient delivery system. Ultimately, in this way, a high release or release rate of the corresponding active nutrient ingredient can be obtained.

[0114] According to another preferred embodiment, the nutritional product delivery system may not contain any fluorescent components.The nutritional product delivery system may also include fluorescent components, for example, in order to mark different parts of the system.

[0115] It will also be appreciated that the nutraceutical delivery system produced according to the present invention may not be limited to a specific active nutraceutical ingredient. In principle, any suitable active nutraceutical ingredient may be used according to the present invention, which may be provided in a respective paste that is unevenly arranged in a base paste.

[0116] Active nutritional ingredients can be, for example, dietary supplements, particularly vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, dietary substances for human use that supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake, or concentrates, metabolites, constituents, extracts or combinations of any of the above ingredients. For example, the botanical can be a seed, berry, leaf, root, flower or bark. As another example, the active nutritional ingredient can be an animal extract, such as a fatty acid. It will be appreciated that this list is not restrictive. The nutritional product delivery system produced according to the present invention can also include other components or substances, such as additives, etc.

[0117] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nutraceutical active ingredient can be a dietary supplement. Further preferably, the nutraceutical active ingredient can be a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for human use to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any of the above ingredients.

[0118] In another preferred embodiment, the nutrient delivery system does not contain any active pharmaceutical ingredients. In another preferred embodiment, the nutrient delivery system does not contain any medicinal drugs. In another preferred embodiment, the nutrient delivery system does not have any therapeutic effect.

[0119] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the nutritional product delivery system can be formed and / or manufactured from multiple layers, preferably more than 2 layers, preferably more than 3 layers, preferably more than 5 layers, preferably more than 10 layers, preferably more than 15 layers, preferably more than 20 layers, preferably more than 25 layers, preferably more than 50 layers, preferably more than 75 layers, preferably more than 100 layers. The nutritional product delivery system can also be formed from up to 500 layers, up to 400 layers, up to 350 layers, up to 300 layers, up to 250 layers, up to 150 layers, up to 100 layers, up to 75 layers, up to 50 layers, up to 25 layers or up to 15 layers.

[0120] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one or more layers or all layers of the nutraceutical delivery system may have a constant thickness and / or a constant concentration of any ingredient or component.At least two or more layers may have the same composition and / or size.

[0121] The present invention also relates to a nutraceutical delivery system produced by the method described herein.

[0122] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for producing a nutrient delivery system. The system or production system may include an apparatus for producing a nutrient delivery system in the manner described herein. The production system for producing a nutrient delivery system according to the present invention may include an apparatus for screen printing a base paste, an apparatus for curing the base paste, an apparatus for screen printing a first paste, the first paste being separate from the base paste and comprising an effective amount of a first active nutrient ingredient, and an apparatus for curing the first paste. It will also be understood that within the concept of the present invention, for example, the production system may further include an apparatus for screen printing a second paste, the second paste comprising an effective amount of a second active nutrient ingredient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar features are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0124] Figures 1a to 1d shows a portion of a production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 2 A production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0126] Figure 3 A production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0127] Figure 4 A production system for producing a nutraceutical delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0128] Figure 5 The design of the nutritional product delivery system produced according to the present invention and the corresponding concentration distribution are shown;

[0129] Figure 6a shows the active nutraceutical ingredient release profile of a commonly produced nutraceutical delivery system;

[0130] Figure 6b and 6c Several active nutraceutical ingredient release profiles of nutraceutical delivery systems produced according to the present invention are shown;

[0131] Figures 7a to 7i Other embodiments of nutraceutical delivery systems produced according to the present invention are shown;

[0132] Figures 8a to 8d Other embodiments of nutraceutical delivery systems produced according to the present invention are shown;

[0133] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a nutraceutical delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention is shown; and

[0134] Figure 10 A structured nutritional delivery system produced in accordance with the present invention is shown. Example

[0135] FIG1 shows a part of a production system for producing a nutritional product delivery system according to the present invention. As can be understood, a screen 10 is provided, which is configured for screen printing a paste within the meaning of the present invention. The screen 10 can, for example, be suitable for screen printing a basic paste. The screen 10 can therefore include a corresponding mask 11. The mask 11 can be a specific mask part for screen printing a desired pattern, which represents a corresponding printing configuration. The screen 10 can also include a blade 13. The blade 13 can absorb the material or paste 12 to be printed onto the screen, in particular onto the mask 11.

[0136] from Figure 1a It will be further understood that the movable platform 20 may be provided below the screen 10. A build 40 may already be provided on the platform 20. The build 40 may have been produced layer by layer according to the present invention.

[0137] As from Figure 1b As will be appreciated, the blade 13 can draw the paste 12 along the screen 10. Thus, another layer of the paste 12 can be screen printed onto the construct 40. The mask 11 can mask several portions in such a way that the paste 12 is printed only at specific locations or portions on the construct 40. Thus, the placement of the paste 12 in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system can be precisely controlled.

[0138] from Figure 1c It will be further understood that the screen 10 can then be lifted and the platform 20 with the construct 40 including the additional layer of screen printing paste can be moved horizontally to place the construct 40 under the dryer 30. The screen printing layer can be cured by the dryer 30. The printed paste can thus be hardened in this way.

[0139] The platform 20 can then be moved to another screen at another printing station to complete further portions of the layer by screen printing and curing further pastes.

[0140] from Figure 1d It will be appreciated that after the layer is completed, the platform can be returned to the printer and screen 10 as shown. The corresponding paste 12 can then be printed again on top of the construct 40. The height of the platform 20 can be lowered by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the previously constructed layer. The screen 10 can be moved to its lower printing position so that another layer can be provided on top of the cured layer.

[0141] Figure 2-4 Different embodiments of a production system for producing a nutritional product delivery system according to the present invention are shown. Figure 2 A dryer 30 is provided between the two screen printers 10a and 10b. During operation of the printer 10a, the base paste according to the present invention can be printed. The base paste can then be cured by the dryer 30. The first paste can then be printed by the printer 10b, particularly on portions or patches not covered by the base paste. The first paste can then likewise be cured by the dryer 30. The construct can then be moved back to the first printer 10a to begin production of a new layer. In particular, by varying the grid or printing configuration of the printers 10a and 10b, respectively, the three-dimensional layout of the paste in the resulting nutritional supplement delivery system can be varied.

[0142] according to Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, five printers 10 can be arranged in addition to a single dryer 30. Each of these printers can be used to screen-print a different paste, so as to ultimately form a single continuous layer. This layer can then be cured in one step with the aid of a single dryer 30. A new layer can then be produced on top of it.

[0143] according to Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, several printers 10 can be arranged together with several dryers 30. Thus, three consecutive printers 10 can print a first complete planar layer. This layer can then be cured using its own dryer 30. Another planar layer can then be printed on top. This subsequent layer can be different from the previously printed and cured layer. It will be appreciated that the corresponding procedure can be repeated using additional printers and dryers.

[0144] Figure 5 An embodiment of a nutritional product delivery system produced according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 It will be appreciated that the planar layers of the nutrient delivery system may extend across the nutrient delivery system. The paste 50 containing the active nutrient ingredient and the base paste 52 may be arranged on a grid-like structure. Each "pixel" may be defined by either the active nutrient ingredient paste 50 or the base paste 52. As will be further appreciated, the two pastes 50 and 52 may be arranged in such a way that the density of "active nutrient ingredient pixels" may be higher in the center portion or central part of the nutrient delivery system. Figure 5 This is also evident in the concentration profile of the active nutraceutical ingredient shown in Figure 1 . This profile includes a peak of high active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the center of the system. The system also includes relatively low active nutraceutical ingredient concentrations at the edges of the system. Furthermore, a smooth transition is achieved from the low active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the edges to the high active nutraceutical ingredient concentration at the center. This smooth transition does not present any abrupt steps. The release profile of this nutraceutical delivery system as the two pastes dissolve can be adjusted or configured in a particularly desired manner.

[0145] Figure 6a Shown is the release profile of a typical nutraceutical delivery system containing a uniform distribution of active nutraceutical ingredients. Figure 6b and 6c Two release profiles of a nutraceutical delivery system produced according to the present invention are shown. Figures 6a to 6b , the designs of the corresponding nutrient delivery systems are shown next to the graphs. The nutrient delivery systems can be arranged in a circular shape. Each nutrient delivery system can be, for example, a tablet that dissolves when administered orally. These figures each show the release of the active nutrient ingredients in the corresponding nutrient delivery system over time.

[0146] about Figure 6aAs can be seen from the graph in Figure 1, the design of each nutrient delivery system is such that the active nutrient ingredient is evenly distributed within and / or throughout the nutrient delivery system. This principle of uniformity, which is a key feature of common nutrient distribution systems in the prior art, stems from the corresponding manufacturing process. The corresponding active nutrient ingredient is released as the classical nutrient delivery system dissolves. Due to the dissolution properties of the homogeneous system and the shape of the nutrient delivery system, a specific and fixed release profile can be obtained. Figure 6a As can be understood from the curve in FIG, the release of active nutritional ingredients gradually increases with time, then reaches a maximum value, and then gradually decreases.

[0147] Taking into account the inhomogeneous arrangement of the active nutraceutical ingredients according to the present invention, different release profiles can be obtained as appropriate. Figure 6b The implementation plan is different from Figure 6a In the embodiment of the invention, the active nutritional ingredient is arranged at the edge of the nutritional delivery system. Therefore, the principle of uniform distribution of the active nutritional ingredient in the nutritional delivery system can be suspended. In particular, the active nutritional ingredient can be arranged unevenly in the nutritional delivery system. In the present case, a high concentration can be provided at the edge of the nutritional delivery system. The concentration of the active nutritional ingredient can be steadily reduced towards the center or central part of the nutritional delivery system. By applying Figure 6b In a related nutraceutical delivery system, the release of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be relatively high or substantially high initially. The release may then gradually decrease. Such a high initial release of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be beneficial for certain applications.

[0148] In accordance with Figure 6c In certain embodiments, the active nutritional ingredient may accumulate in the center or central portion of the nutritional delivery system. Thus, the concentration of the active nutritional ingredient may be relatively high or highest in the center or central portion of the system. A concentration gradient may be directed from the edge of the system toward the center or central portion thereof. Figure 6c As can be understood from the curve in Figure 1, the release increases roughly gradually over an extended period of time. Figure 6a The maximum release rate may be delayed in time compared to the conventional design shown. Compared to the conventional design, it is expected that the release of the active nutritional ingredient will be more constant, especially over an extended period of time. It is understood that such a release profile may be beneficial for certain applications.

[0149] Figures 7a to 7i Nine design options for a nutritional product delivery system produced according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown. Figures 7a to 7iIt will be understood that all of these designs include a base paste that forms the entirety of the respective nutritional product delivery system. The base paste and / or the entirety can be considered a matrix. Within the matrix, other pastes can be arranged. Figures 7a to 7i In the present invention, these other pastes are labeled as Paste A, Paste B, Paste C, and Paste D, respectively. Each of the pastes may contain an effective amount of a separate active nutraceutical ingredient. Therefore, within the meaning of the present invention, each of Pastes A to D may be considered a first paste. The base paste and Pastes A to D are soluble in body fluids.

[0150] like Figure 7a As shown, according to Figure 7a The design of the nutritional product delivery system has a circular shape. Figure 7a The nutritional product delivery system can be in the form of tablets, discs, etc. Figure 7a The system shown may have a specific diameter D. The diameter D may be, for example, 15 mm. Figure 7a In the case of a nutrient delivery system, a first paste A having a first active nutrient ingredient, a second paste B having a second active nutrient ingredient, and a third paste C having a third active nutrient ingredient can be provided within and / or throughout the base paste. It will be appreciated that the respective active nutrient ingredients are not uniformly distributed within and / or throughout the nutrient delivery system. Alternatively, the active nutrient ingredients may be unevenly arranged within the base paste. This is due to the fact that pastes A, B, C are provided at specific locations within the nutrient delivery system. Pastes A, B, C may be provided in a polygonal shape and / or include a hexagonal cross-section.

[0151] By applying Figure 7a The nutrient delivery system is arranged such that it dissolves, the base paste may dissolve first, since dissolution may start at the edge of the system. After a while, paste C and then paste B may start to dissolve. Thus, the corresponding active nutrient ingredient may be released. Subsequently, paste A may finally start to dissolve. Thus, the corresponding first active nutrient ingredient provided therein may be released. Due to the specific arrangement of the pastes in the nutrient delivery system, different nutrient ingredients may be released in different doses at different stages after administration of the nutrient delivery system. Figure 7a The specific arrangement of the different pastes in the nutraceutical delivery system of the embodiments allows each active nutraceutical ingredient to be released at a specific time after application of the nutraceutical delivery system. Thus, a specific and individual active nutraceutical ingredient-specific release profile can be achieved.

[0152] according to Figure 7bThe nutrient delivery system of the embodiment in the embodiment is formed as a tablet. The height of the tablet can be, for example, 2.5 mm. The diameter of the tablet can be, for example, 15 mm. Two pastes B and C can be provided in a base paste, each paste containing an active nutrient ingredient. According to the present invention, pastes B and C can be provided in a base paste in a non-uniform manner. By applying the nutrient delivery system, a specific release profile of the active nutrient ingredients in pastes B and C can be obtained. The release profile can be characterized, for example, by a smooth transition between stages of increased release.

[0153] according to Figure 7c The nutritional product delivery system is similar to that based on Figure 7a However, according to Figure 7c , the nutraceutical delivery system may comprise only two pastes B and C in addition to the base paste. Pastes B and C may each contain an active nutraceutical ingredient. Figure 7c By using a nutraceutical delivery system, a specific release profile of the active nutraceutical ingredients contained in pastes B and C can be obtained. The release profile can be characterized by a smooth transition between phases of increasing release.

[0154] In accordance with Figure 7d In a nutraceutical delivery system, two pastes having active nutraceutical ingredients can be provided in a tubular shape. The pastes can also be provided in the form of stacked plates.

[0155] according to Figure 7e The nutraceutical delivery system of has a design in which the paste with the active nutraceutical ingredient can be provided as spots in a base paste. By applying this nutraceutical delivery system, a specific release profile of the active nutraceutical ingredient contained in pastes B and C can be obtained. The release profile can be characterized by a smooth transition between phases of increasing release.

[0156] according to Figure 7f The nutraceutical delivery system is designed to have a specific height H. The height H can be, for example, 25 mm. Furthermore, only one paste with active nutraceutical ingredients can be arranged unevenly, in particular in a tubular manner, in the base paste. The paste can also be provided in the form of a plate.

[0157] according to Figure 7g The nutritional product delivery system is similar to that based on Figure 7e However, in accordance with Figure 7g In an embodiment of the present invention, the paste having the active nutraceutical ingredients may be arranged in a more random manner. Figure 7g With a system of , it is possible to obtain specific release profiles of the active nutraceutical ingredients within pastes B and C. The release profiles may be characterized by smooth transitions between phases of increasing release.

[0158] according to Figure 7h The nutrient delivery system can have a design in which the paste with the active nutrient ingredient is provided or arranged in a circular form within the base paste and / or throughout the paste. By applying the nutrient delivery system, the base paste and the first paste can be dissolved in an alternating manner. The dissolution can occur in an alternating manner so that the first active nutrient ingredient A is released intermittently, for example in a rather periodic manner. After the first active nutrient ingredient is completely released, the second paste B can begin to dissolve. Thus, the second active nutrient ingredient B can be released. It will be understood that the circles of paste A are not concentric. The circles also do not have a uniform thickness. In view of this particularly uneven arrangement, a specific release curve can be obtained. The release curve can be characterized by a smooth transition between stages of increased release.

[0159] according to Figure 7i The nutraceutical delivery system has a design in which a paste with active nutraceutical ingredients is provided in a specific pattern within a matrix of additives. The latter are arranged in a base paste.

[0160] Figures 8a to 8d Other embodiments of the nutritional product delivery system produced according to the present invention are shown. The overall shape of the system can be in the shape of a disc, in particular with a diameter of 5-25 mm, preferably 20 mm or 15 mm. The thickness of the disc is 0.5-15 mm in total, preferably 2 mm or 6 mm. Figures 8a to 8c In FIG. 5 , a cutout 54 in the tablet is provided to allow observation of the arrangement of the paste within or inside the tablet.

[0161] according to Figure 8a The design of the nutraceutical delivery system has a first paste 56 having a first active nutraceutical ingredient in the center portion or center section of the tablet. The center portion or center section of the tablet may be surrounded by a base paste 58. The entire tablet may be wrapped with a coating 60. The coating 60 may be a hydrophilic coating or be configured to have hydrophilic properties. The coating 60 may, for example, provide enteric properties. The concentration of the active nutraceutical ingredient in the tablet may be relatively high and / or highest in the center of the tablet. The concentration profile of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be such that it includes a smooth transition, particularly a smooth transition from the edge of the tablet to the center of the tablet. The smooth transition is provided by Figure 8a The different hatching types are represented in .

[0162] according to Figure 8bThe design of the nutrient delivery system has a first paste 62 containing a first active nutrient ingredient and a second paste 64 containing a second active nutrient ingredient. The first paste 62 and the second paste 64 are disposed within a base paste 58. Similarly, a coating 60 may be provided. The second paste 64 may be arranged in a spherical form. The concentration of the second active nutrient ingredient may be relatively high or highest on the surface 66 of the sphere. The concentration may decrease smoothly toward the center of the sphere. The first paste 62 may be disposed within the sphere formed by the second paste 64. By applying the tablet and dissolving the pastes 62 and 64, the second active nutrient ingredient may be released before the first active nutrient ingredient. Both active nutrient ingredients may be released during a transition period.

[0163] according to Figure 8c The design of the nutraceutical delivery system can have two different active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68. The second active nutraceutical ingredient 68 can be provided in the center portion or central portion of the tablet. The first active nutraceutical ingredient 66 can be provided around the second active nutraceutical ingredient 68. At the interface region 70 between the two active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68, there can be an overlap of the active nutraceutical ingredients. As a result, both active nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68 can be arranged in this interface region 70. Thus, a smooth intersection can be achieved. The nutraceutical ingredients 66 and 68 and the interface region 70 are Figure 8b In addition, a layer 72 extending through the system may be provided. The layer may be a hydrophobic layer or may have hydrophobic properties.

[0164] according to Figure 8d The design of the nutraceutical delivery system is not provided with any coating and may not have any coating. The active nutraceutical ingredient 76 may be unevenly arranged within the tablet and / or distributed throughout the tablet. As a result, areas or regions having different concentrations of the active nutraceutical ingredient may be formed or provided.

[0165] Figure 9Another design option for a nutrient delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system can be arranged in a spherical shape. The system can also have a hydrophobic coating 60. The coating 60 can, for example, include hydrophilic pores 78, preferably having a size in the range of 1 μm to 500 μm. A base paste 58 and three different active nutrient ingredients can be provided within the nutrient delivery system. The active nutrient ingredients can be active nutrient ingredient A, active nutrient ingredient B and active nutrient ingredient C. Active nutrient ingredient C can be provided in a central part or central portion of a nutrient delivery system having a peripheral pattern. Active nutrient ingredient C may be surrounded by the other two active nutrient ingredients A and B. Thus, active nutrient ingredient B can be provided as a hollow sphere, in particular with a uniform distribution of active nutrient ingredients. Active nutrient ingredient A can be further unevenly distributed. Active nutrient ingredient A can surround active nutrient ingredient C. The concentration of active nutrient ingredient A can correspondingly decrease towards the edge of the nutrient delivery system shown. The concentration of active nutrient ingredient A decreases at Figure 9 Indicated by different hatching types.

[0166] Figure 10 A cross-section of a nutritional product delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 It is understood that the surface of the nutrient delivery system can be structured. Shown is a diagram of six projections and corresponding recesses formed on one side of the system. The surface can be increased or expanded in this way. The dissolution of the nutrient delivery system can be enhanced in this way, thereby enhancing the release of active nutrient ingredients. It is understood that the entire surface of the nutrient delivery system can be structured. It is also possible that only one or several parts of the system are structured.

[0167] It is to be understood that, in the nutrient delivery system produced according to the present invention, one or more active nutrient components can be arranged in the nutrient delivery system and / or spread over a specific uneven distribution in the whole nutrient delivery system.Thus, the release of one or more active nutrient components desired can be achieved.It is also to be understood that the quick release or delayed release of the active nutrient component can be obtained.In addition, it is possible to release a specific single active nutrient component with different dosages over a long period of time.For example, a specific single active nutrient component can be released intermittently.Thus, the release of the active nutrient component of a specific phase can be obtained.

[0168] With a single nutraceutical delivery system produced according to the present invention, it is also possible to obtain the release of different active nutraceutical ingredients at different stages. For example, it is possible to design the nutraceutical delivery system in such a way that a first active nutraceutical ingredient is released before a second active nutraceutical ingredient.

[0169] It will be appreciated that the use of screen printing technology according to the present invention allows for high quality and at the same time high volume production of such a sophisticated nutrient delivery system.Thus, the nutrient delivery system can be produced in a mass production context.

[0170] The concept of providing a non-uniform arrangement of one or more active nutraceutical ingredients creates many design options. It will be appreciated that the above examples can be combined to obtain further refined designs or embodiments with release profiles optimized for a particular application or desired effect.

Claims

1. A method for producing a nutritional product delivery system, the method comprising the steps of: Screen printing base paste; curing the base paste at a temperature of 30° C. to 180° C. for a curing time of 30 seconds to 30 minutes; screen printing a first paste separate from the base paste and comprising a first active nutraceutical ingredient, wherein the first paste and the base paste are screen printed separately without any overlap; and wherein the total amount of the first active nutraceutical ingredient on the outer surface of the nutraceutical delivery system is constant, and the first paste is cured at a temperature of 30° C. to 180° C. for a curing time of 30 seconds to 30 minutes; wherein the two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure is formed by the base paste and the first paste, the two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure having a resolution in the range of 10 dpi to 10,000 dpi, wherein the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the first paste is unevenly disposed within and / or throughout the base paste; wherein the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutrient ingredient varies within and / or throughout the nutrient delivery system; and wherein the paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that upon application of the nutraceutical delivery system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released in two or more doses, with release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in one dose beginning 5 seconds to 12 hours before release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in another dose.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The nutraceutical delivery system is produced layer by layer.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The base paste and the first paste are screen printed such that a resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system includes both the base paste and the first paste.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system is produced by the following steps: Screen printing and curing the base paste to partially form the planar layer, screen printing and curing a first paste separate from the base paste to partially form the planar layer; and / or After the production of the planar layer is completed, another planar layer is produced on top of the completed planar layer.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The base paste is screen printed on and / or by a screen printer.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first paste was screen printed using a separate screen printer.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The base paste and the first paste are cured by shared and / or identical curing equipment.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The base paste and the first paste are soluble in body fluids.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The paste was screen printed such that the base paste was provided as a three-dimensional body in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is relatively high and / or greatest in the center, edge, or middle region of the nutraceutical delivery system.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration gradient of the first active nutraceutical ingredient increases towards or away from the center of the nutraceutical delivery system.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutrient ingredient within and / or throughout the nutrient delivery system includes smooth transitions to regions and / or portions of increased concentration.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutritional ingredient within and / or throughout the nutritional delivery system includes one or more regions and / or portions of increased concentration.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutrient delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutrient ingredient is such that upon application of the nutrient delivery system, the first active nutrient ingredient is released from the nutrient delivery system with a predetermined release characteristic and / or release profile including a portion having a constant rate of release.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the concentration profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is such that upon application of the nutraceutical delivery system, the first active nutraceutical ingredient is released in two or more doses, and / or release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in one dose begins preferably 10 seconds to 6 hours, more preferably 20 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably 1 minute to 1 hour, and most preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes before release of the first active nutraceutical ingredient in another dose.

16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: screen printing a second paste, the second paste being separate from the base paste and the first paste and comprising a second active nutraceutical ingredient; as well as curing the second paste; and / or screen printing the paste such that the resulting planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system comprises the base paste and the first and / or second paste.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The planar layer of the nutraceutical delivery system is produced by the following steps: Screen printing and curing the base paste to partially form a planar layer, screen printing and curing the first paste separately from the base paste to partially form a planar layer, The second paste is screen-printed and cured separately from the base paste and the first paste to partially form a planar layer.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The paste is screen printed such that in the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the second paste is unevenly disposed within and / or distributed throughout the base paste.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The paste is screen printed so that in the resulting nutritional delivery system, the concentration distribution of the first active nutritional ingredient throughout and / or within the nutritional delivery system is different from the concentration distribution of the second active nutritional ingredient throughout and / or within the nutritional delivery system.

20. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The paste is screen printed such that upon application of the resulting nutraceutical delivery system, the release profile of the first active nutraceutical ingredient is different from the release profile of the second active nutraceutical ingredient.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first active nutraceutical ingredient is selected from the list consisting of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, or dietary substances for human use to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake.

22. A nutraceutical delivery system produced according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A system for producing a nutritional product delivery system, comprising an apparatus for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-21; and / or comprising: a device for screen printing a base paste; means for curing the base paste at a temperature of 30°C to 180°C and a curing time of 30 seconds to 30 minutes; means for screen printing a first paste, the first paste being separate from the base paste and comprising an effective amount of a first active nutraceutical ingredient; wherein the means for screen printing the first paste is provided to screen print the first paste and the base paste separately without any overlap; and wherein the means for screen printing the first paste is provided to screen print the first paste such that the total amount of the first active nutraceutical ingredient on the outer surface of the nutraceutical delivery system is constant, and means for curing the first paste at a temperature of 30°C to 180°C and a curing time of 30 seconds to 30 minutes.

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