Iron-free deoxygen composition

Abstract

The invention provides an iron-free oxygen removal composition. The iron-free deoxidizing composition comprises ascorbyl palmitate, a natural antioxidant, activated carbon, adsorption silica gel, a 4A molecular sieve and water. The natural antioxidant comprises lycopene, ginger, orange and lemon powder. In the composition, the ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder to other components (activated carbon, adsorption silica gel with the water activity of 0.47-0.60 and a 4A molecular sieve) is maintained to be 3.2: 1.1: 1.4. The iron-free deoxidant composition has enhanced oxygen uptake capability, and can remove oxygen, moisture and peculiar smell in the package at the same time. The iron-free deoxidant composition is environment-friendly, and can prolong the shelf life of medicines, foods and nutritional health-care products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oxygen scavenging composition, and more particularly to an iron-free oxygen scavenging composition. Background Art

[0002] Oxidative degradation is the chemical process by which a substance deteriorates due to its interaction with oxygen. In the presence of oxygen, oxidation reactions begin, which can severely impact product stability, safety, and quality. Oxidative degradation in foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals can lead to a variety of adverse effects.

[0003] Oxidative deterioration, primarily caused by aerobic bacteria and oxidation processes, can significantly impact the quality and safety of these products. Oxidative processes, often facilitated by oxygen, can lead to the degradation of key ingredients in foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. This degradation can alter the color, flavor, nutritional content, and quality of a product, making it less appealing and potentially unsafe. Furthermore, oxidation of pharmaceutical products can reduce the potency of active ingredients, compromising their therapeutic value.

[0004] To extend the shelf life of packaged foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, protecting them from oxidative deterioration is crucial. To mitigate these issues, minimizing or eliminating these products' exposure to oxygen during the packaging process is crucial. Furthermore, oxygen must be excluded from the packaging environment to minimize or prevent oxidative deterioration, extend product shelf life, and maintain product quality. Furthermore, advanced packaging solutions are being developed to create an oxygen-free or low-oxygen environment during the packaging process as a barrier against oxidative processes.

[0005] Numerous approaches have been employed in the field to reduce the exposure of food, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements to oxygen. Traditional methods, such as refrigeration, vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), nitrogen displacement, and the use of antioxidants, have been used to prevent oxidative degradation. However, these methods are not suitable for all products and are quite costly. Furthermore, these methods cannot completely remove oxygen from the packaged product or prevent product deterioration.

[0006] Another approach is to package the product in a sealed container with an oxygen absorber. Oxygen absorbers known in the art include iron powder, salts, and other ingredients that react with oxygen to reduce or eliminate it in a sealed environment. They are commonly used in food packaging to prevent spoilage and the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi. They are also used in the packaging of various products, such as pharmaceuticals, medicines, cosmetics, and electronic components. The oxidation process, initiated by exposure to oxygen, consumes the available oxygen within the sealed package, causing the iron powder to form iron oxide, while salts and other ingredients help accelerate this reaction. By removing oxygen from the package, they create an anaerobic environment that inhibits the growth of aerobic microorganisms and slows the oxidation of fats and oils, helping to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. The popularity of iron powder-based oxygen absorbers is attributed to their cost-effectiveness and oxygen absorption capacity.

[0007] European Patent Application No. EP1506719A1 by Takashi Nakata et al. discloses an oxygen-absorbing composition comprising iron powder and an accelerator comprising an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt, the accelerator having low moisture transmission properties. PCT Application No. WO2017169036A1 by Ryuichiro Kawai et al. teaches an oxygen-absorbing composition comprising a hydrocarbon resin, iron particles, and an aldehyde absorbent. This composition has the ability to absorb oxygen and suppress odors.

[0008] However, iron powder-based oxygen absorbers have been found to have various disadvantages, such as: (1) metal detectors may detect iron in packaging lines for food, medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronic parts, etc.; (2) consumers object to the direct incorporation of iron particles into consumer products; and (3) heating of packages containing iron-based oxygen absorbers in microwave ovens is restricted due to the potential risk of fire.

[0009] Furthermore, these absorbents have limited capacity due to their iron content, cannot be reused once opened and resealed, require proper packaging for optimal effectiveness, may be incompatible with products high in oil content, and require activation and reaction time to initiate the absorption process.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an iron-free oxygen scavenger. In addition, there is a need for an iron-free oxygen scavenging composition to prevent product oxidative deterioration and address the limitations of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention describes an iron-free deoxidizing composition comprising 50% to 55% ascorbyl palmitate, 10% to 15% natural antioxidant, 5% to 7% activated carbon, 4% to 10% adsorbed silica gel (water activity between 0.47 and 0.60), 5% to 20% 4A molecular sieve, and 5% to 15% water.

[0012] The natural antioxidant in this iron-free oxygen-scavenging composition is selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder, and the like. The natural antioxidant is preferably lycopene powder. The selected natural antioxidant has a purity of at least 50%. The ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder in the composition is selected to be 3.2:1.1 to provide stable oxygen absorption performance.

[0013] The iron-free deoxidizing composition comprises activated carbon powder with a particle size of 100 to 200 mesh and adsorbent silica gel with a particle size of 200-300 mesh. Water is added to the composition to maintain moisture, so that the water activity of the adsorbent silica gel is maintained between 0.47 and 0.60.

[0014] The combination of ascorbyl palmitate and lycopene in this iron-free oxygen-scavenging composition provides enhanced oxygen absorption. Oxygen present within the package is absorbed by the ascorbyl palmitate, while singlet oxygen generated in reactions on the product surface is captured by the natural antioxidant. Furthermore, the ascorbyl palmitate eliminates any oxygen available for reaction within the package. The silica gel absorbs moisture, while the activated carbon retains the moisture absorbed by the silica gel. Furthermore, the activated carbon acts as a catalyst, aiding oxygen absorption alongside the ascorbyl palmitate. The natural antioxidant protects the product and removes odors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows the oxygen absorption over 7 days of different compositions used in the experiments according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 Shown is the moisture absorption over 7 days of the different compositions used in the experiments according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in different places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] When “preferred embodiments” are mentioned in the specification, it means that specific features, structures, characteristics or functions are described in detail. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, known structures and functions are omitted in the process.

[0020] The above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative and illustrative. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0021] In one aspect, the present invention provides an iron-free oxygen scavenging composition.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the iron-free deoxidizing composition of the present invention comprises:

[0023] 1.50% to 55% ascorbyl palmitate,

[0024] 2.10% to 15% natural antioxidants,

[0025] 3.5% to 7% activated carbon,

[0026] 4.4% to 10% adsorbed silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0027] 5.5% to 20% 4A molecular sieve, and

[0028] 6.5% to 15% water.

[0029] In this preferred embodiment, ascorbyl palmitate is used as a source of vitamin C with a purity of 99%. The natural antioxidant is selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder, etc., and has a purity of at least 50%. The natural antioxidant is preferably lycopene powder.

[0030] According to the present invention, the ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder is selected to be 3.2:1.1 to provide stable oxygen absorption performance.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, activated carbon powder with a particle size of 100 to 200 mesh and adsorbent silica gel with a particle size of 200-300 mesh are used. Water is added to the composition to maintain moisture, keeping the water activity of the adsorbent silica gel between 0.47 and 0.60. 4A molecular sieve acts as a rapid desiccant, rapidly capturing moisture and maintaining stability in the event of an unknown temperature increase.

[0032] The combination of ascorbyl palmitate and lycopene in this iron-free oxygen-scavenging composition provides enhanced oxygen absorption. Oxygen present within the package is absorbed by the ascorbyl palmitate, while singlet oxygen generated in reactions on the product surface is captured by the natural antioxidant. Furthermore, the ascorbyl palmitate eliminates any oxygen available for reaction within the package. The silica gel absorbs moisture, while the activated carbon retains the moisture absorbed by the silica gel. Furthermore, the activated carbon acts as a catalyst, aiding oxygen absorption alongside the ascorbyl palmitate. The natural antioxidant protects the product and removes odors.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the iron-free oxygen scavenger varies depending on the intended use, wherein the water activity of the product is maintained.

[0034] The iron-free oxygen scavenger is deposited on a perforated sheet to provide a laminated iron-free oxygen scavenging sheet. These sheets are packaged in porous pouches, sachets, packets or packaging films and structures as desired.

[0035] Example:

[0036] Only a few embodiments and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described embodiments and implementations, as well as other implementations, may be made based on what is disclosed.

[0037] The examples given below illustrate various amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions that may be used in practicing the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent that the present disclosure may be practiced with amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions other than those used in the examples, and that the resulting devices may have a variety of properties and uses, based on the foregoing disclosure and those indicated below.

[0038] Example 1: Demonstration of the oxygen and moisture absorption capacity of the iron-free oxygen scavenging composition:

[0039] The oxygen and moisture absorption capacities of six different iron-free oxygen scavenging compositions were measured. The detailed ingredients used in the different compositions are as follows:

[0040] Composition 1: 100g of iron-free composition 1 includes:

[0041] a) 66 g ascorbic acid,

[0042] b) 10g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0043] c) 19 g molecular sieves, and

[0044] d) 5g activated carbon.

[0045] The ratio of ascorbic acid to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) was maintained at 2:1.

[0046] Composition 2: 100g of iron-free composition 2 includes:

[0047] a) 66g L(+) sodium ascorbate,

[0048] b) 10g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0049] c) 19 g molecular sieves, and

[0050] d) 5g activated carbon.

[0051] The ratio of L(+) sodium ascorbate to (silica gel + molecular sieve + carbon) was maintained at 2:1.

[0052] Composition 3: Iron-free Composition 3 includes:

[0053] a) 56 g 99% ascorbyl palmitate,

[0054] b) 19.2 g 50% lycopene powder (supplied by supplier),

[0055] c) 15g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0056] d) 5g molecular sieve, and

[0057] e) 10 g activated carbon.

[0058] The ratio of (ascorbyl palmitate) to (lycopene powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) was maintained at 3.2:1.1:1.4. Thus, 100 g of Composition 3 contained 56 g of ascorbyl palmitate, 19.2 g of lycopene powder, and 24.8 g of a mixture of 15 g of silica gel, 5 g of molecular sieves, and 10 g of activated carbon.

[0059] Composition 4: Iron-free Composition 4 includes:

[0060] a) 39.6 g 99% ascorbyl palmitate,

[0061] b) 24.4 g 55% ginger powder (supplied by supplier),

[0062] c) 20g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0063] d) 10 g molecular sieves, and

[0064] e) 20 g activated carbon.

[0065] The ratio of (ascorbyl palmitate) to (ginger powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) was maintained at 3.4:2.1:3.1. Thus, 100 g of composition 4 contained 39.6 g of ascorbyl palmitate, 24.4 g of ginger powder, and 36 g of a mixture of 20 g of silica gel, 10 g of molecular sieve, and 20 g of activated carbon.

[0066] Composition 5: Iron-free Composition 5 includes:

[0067] a) 42.7 g 99% ascorbyl palmitate,

[0068] b) 17 g 60% orange powder (supplied by supplier),

[0069] c) 15g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0070] d) 10 g molecular sieves, and

[0071] e) 10 g activated carbon.

[0072] The ratio of (ascorbyl palmitate) to (orange powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) was maintained at 3.5:1.4:3.3. Thus, 100 g of composition 5 contained 42.7 g of ascorbyl palmitate, 17 g of orange powder, and 40.3 g of a mixture of 15 g of silica gel, 10 g of molecular sieve, and 10 g of activated carbon.

[0073] Composition 6: Iron-free Composition 6 includes:

[0074] a) 42.6 g 99% ascorbyl palmitate,

[0075] b) 13.4 g 60% lemon powder (supplied by supplier),

[0076] c) 20g of silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60,

[0077] d) 10 g molecular sieves, and

[0078] e) 10 g activated carbon.

[0079] The ratio of (ascorbyl palmitate) to (lemon powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) was maintained at 4.1:1.1:2.1. Thus, 100 g of composition 6 contained 42.6 g of ascorbyl palmitate, 13.4 g of lemon powder, and 44 g of a mixture of 20 g of silica gel, 10 g of molecular sieve, and 10 g of activated carbon.

[0080] In addition, after 7 days, the oxygen and moisture absorption capacities of all the above iron-free oxygen scavenger compositions were measured using an oxygen analyzer and a humidity chamber, respectively. The results are listed in Table 1 below:

[0081] Table 1: Oxygen absorption capacity (ml) and moisture absorption capacity (g / g) of iron-free oxygen scavenger compositions

[0082]

[0083]

[0084] The oxygen absorption capacity of different compositions within 7 days was as follows Figure 1 The study showed that composition 3 (ascorbyl palmitate, lycopene powder, silica gel, molecular sieves and activated carbon) showed the greatest oxygen uptake, i.e. 24 ml over 7 days (Table 1).

[0085] The moisture absorption capacity of different compositions within 7 days is shown as Figure 2The study showed that composition 3 (ascorbyl palmitate, lycopene powder, silica gel, molecular sieves and activated carbon) and composition 2 (sodium L(+) ascorbate, silica gel, molecular sieves, activated carbon) showed the greatest moisture absorption, i.e. 0.18 g / g within 7 days (Table 1).

[0086] Overall, composition 3 showed the best results in terms of oxygen and moisture absorption capabilities compared to the other compositions.

[0087] Advantageously, the iron-free oxygen scavenger composition of the present invention provides enhanced and stable oxygen absorption performance. Adding ascorbyl palmitate and a natural antioxidant to a moisture-absorbing and deodorizing desiccant can simultaneously remove oxygen, moisture, and odor from product packaging. The iron-free oxygen composition helps to extend the shelf life of pharmaceuticals, foods, and nutritional supplements. The composition does not contain iron, which is commonly used for oxygen absorption, and solves the problems of iron particles being directly incorporated into food or medicine, being detected by metal detectors, and the product catching fire when heated in a microwave. The iron-free composition is more advantageous than other traditional oxygen absorption compositions because it is environmentally friendly because it uses natural antioxidants and a source of vitamin C. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific intended uses.

[0088] It will be understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover applications or implementations without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An iron-free deoxidizing composition comprising: 1) 50% to 55% ascorbyl palmitate; 2) 10% to 15% natural antioxidants; 3) 5% to 7% activated carbon; 4) 4% to 10% adsorbed silica gel with a water activity between 0.47 and 0.60; 5) 5% to 20% 4A molecular sieve; and 6) 5% to 15% water.

2. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The natural antioxidant is selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder, etc., and is preferably lycopene powder.

3. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The natural antioxidant has a purity of at least 50%.

4. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder is 3.2:1.

1.

5. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The particle size of the activated carbon powder is 100 to 200 meshes.

6. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The particle size of the adsorption silica gel is 200-300 meshes.

7. The iron-free oxygen scavenging composition according to claim 1, wherein: The composition comprises 5% to 15% water to maintain the water activity of the adsorbed silica gel between 0.47 and 0.60.

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