Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product to increase skin collagen density and delay skin aging

Abstract

Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product, characterized in that the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product comprises an active core layer and an antioxidant layer, wherein the active core layer contains the fermented pomegranate product and the antioxidant layer comprises animal protein, vegetable protein or a combination thereof.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-layer coated granule structure and in particular a granule structure of a fermented pomegranate product for increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging. State of the art

[0002] As we age, due to physiological factors or environmental influences, human skin exhibits changes such as loss of collagen, aging, rough texture, and the formation of wrinkles. From middle age onward, skin ages noticeably, with decreased elasticity, loss of radiance, and reduced moisture content, leading to a range of health problems.

[0003] Common methods for addressing skin problems primarily involve the application of topical medications or cosmetics, as well as the oral intake of dietary supplements designed to improve skin health. However, these conventional medications, cosmetics, and supplements mostly consist of chemical components whose long-term use is harmful and not beneficial to human health. This presents experts with the challenge of developing a product that can improve skin health, is natural, and has no side effects, thus meeting the needs of a broad range of users regarding skin protection. Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product for increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging, comprising: an active core layer containing the fermented pomegranate product; an antioxidant layer comprising animal protein, vegetable protein or a combination thereof, which serves to keep out oxygen from the air, thereby preserving the activity of the fermented pomegranate product.

[0005] In one embodiment, the active core layer is surrounded by the antioxidant layer.

[0006] In one embodiment, the active core layer has a particle size of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0007] In one embodiment, the thickness of the antioxidant layer is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the antioxidant layer contains collagen.

[0009] In one embodiment, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product further comprises a moisture barrier layer that surrounds the antioxidant layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the thickness of the moisture barrier layer ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, the moisture barrier layer contains lecithin.

[0012] In one embodiment, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product is spherical.

[0013] In one embodiment, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product is processed into beverages, tablets, pellets or solid beverage powders.

[0014] The present invention provides an antioxidant layer comprising animal protein, plant protein, or a combination thereof. Intermolecular chemical interactions between the protein molecules form a stable network structure that prevents the penetration of oxygen from the air, thus maintaining the activity of the fermented pomegranate product. The antioxidant layer alone, as described in the present invention, is sufficient to maintain the activity of the fermented pomegranate product, thereby increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging. The present invention may also include a moisture barrier layer that protects the active core layer and the antioxidant activity by shielding it from moisture.Furthermore, the product according to the present invention has a simple structure and can be manufactured in an uncomplicated manner. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a third embodiment of the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to the invention. Reference symbol list 100, 200, 300 Granule structure of a fermented pomegranate product 110, 210, 310 active core layer 120, 220, 320 Antioxidant layer 230, 330 moisture barrier layer 340 flavor masking layer Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0015] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein serve only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Example 1

[0016] In one embodiment, a granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product is provided for increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging 100, comprising an active core layer 110 and an antioxidant layer 120, as described in Fig. Figure 1 shows the active core layer containing the fermented pomegranate product. The antioxidant layer comprises animal protein, plant protein, or a combination thereof. The arrangement of the active core layer increases skin collagen density and slows down skin aging, while the arrangement of the antioxidant layer prevents contact with oxygen from the air and protects the activity of the fermented pomegranate product.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the antioxidant layer 120 is arranged on the outside of the active core layer 110. More precisely, the outer surface of the active core layer 110 is in contact with the inner surface of the antioxidant layer 120.

[0018] In the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 100 for promoting skin health according to the present embodiment, the active core layer 110 has a particle size of 0.5 mm to 5 mm and the thickness of the antioxidant layer 120 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0019] In the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 100 for promoting skin health according to the present embodiment, the antioxidant layer 120 contains collagen.

[0020] In the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 100 for promoting skin health according to the present embodiment, the granular structure 100 is spherical.

[0021] The granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 100 according to the present embodiment comprises an active core layer 110 containing a fermented pomegranate product prepared as follows: First, pomegranate juice concentrate and water were mixed in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:10 (w / w) and extracted at 50 °C to 100 °C for 0.5 to 3 hours at a time to obtain a pomegranate extract. The pomegranate juice concentrate is the juice obtained after concentration from the pomegranate fruit, including the peel, pulp (edible part), and seeds. Subsequently, the pomegranate extract was cooled to room temperature and subjected to a three-stage fermentation.The three-stage fermentation process involved successively fermenting the pomegranate extract with 0.01 to 0.5% brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, BCRC 20271) for 1 to 2 days, with 0.01 to 0.25% Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TCI028 (BCRC 910805) for 1 to 3 days, and with 1 to 20% acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter aceti, BCRC 11688) (all strains were acquired from the Biosource Collection and Research Center (BCRC) of the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) in Taiwan). The fermentate was then concentrated at 45°C to 70°C under reduced pressure and filtered through a 200 to 400 mesh sieve. Subsequently, 0.5 to 1.5% citric acid and 40 to 70% isomalto-oligosaccharide were added to adjust the specifications. The product was then sterilized to obtain a fermented pomegranate product.The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a nutrient-rich fruit, high in polyphenols, alkaloids, and other active ingredients, exhibiting strong antioxidant activity. Through microbial fermentation, the pomegranate's bioactive components are transformed and released, enhancing its ability to promote collagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation. This results in increased skin collagen density, improved antioxidant capacity and antiglycation properties, delayed skin aging, reduced pigmentation and accumulation, skin firming, and reduced dullness, leading to a healthier complexion.However, the main active ingredients in the fermented pomegranate product, namely the polyphenol compounds, possess numerous hydroxyl groups, which makes them susceptible to oxidation reactions upon contact with atmospheric oxygen. After oxidation, the chemical structure and properties of the polyphenols change, impairing their effectiveness. To maintain the activity of the fermented pomegranate product, an antioxidant layer is provided in the present embodiment, preventing the influence of atmospheric oxygen.

[0022] The granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 100 according to the present embodiment comprises an antioxidant layer 120, wherein the active core layer 110 is enveloped by the antioxidant layer 120. The arrangement of the antioxidant layer prevents oxygen from penetrating the core and maintains the activity of the fermented pomegranate product. The antioxidant layer 120 comprises proteins of animal origin. These animal proteins include collagen derived from the skin, cartilage, and connective tissue of animals. The collagen includes, but is not limited to, fish collagen, porcine collagen, bovine collagen, or any combination thereof. The animal proteins further include elastin derived from the arteries, ligaments, cartilage, or lungs of animals.Elastin includes, but is not limited to, bovine arterial elastin, bovine cardiac elastin, bovine ligament elastin, porcine arterial elastin, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, animal proteins include whey proteins and casein from animal milk, as well as ovalbumin from eggs. Antioxidant Layer 120 also includes proteins of plant origin. These plant proteins may be derived from pulses such as soybeans, peas, or lentils, and from cereals such as maize, wheat, or quinoa, including, but not limited to, soy protein, pea protein, lentil protein, maize gluten, wheat gluten, rice protein, or any combination thereof.The intermolecular chemical bonding interactions between the protein molecules form a stable network structure, which prevents the penetration of oxygen from the air and preserves the antioxidant activity of the core layer. Example 2

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 200 further comprises a moisture barrier layer 230, as described in Fig. Figure 2 shows the moisture barrier layer 230, which is located on the outer surface of the antioxidant layer 220. More precisely, the outer surface of the antioxidant layer 220 is in contact with the inner surface of the moisture barrier layer 230. The thickness of the moisture barrier layer 230 ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The moisture barrier layer can contain lecithin of plant or animal origin, for example, from egg yolks, soybeans, peanuts, fish, or animal organs. When lecithin is evenly applied to the surface of a food product and comes into contact with atmospheric moisture, the hydrophilic groups of the lecithin bind the water molecules, spontaneously align themselves, and form a dense phospholipid bilayer.This prevents water from penetrating, creating a moisture barrier effect and preventing contact between water and the active core layer and the antioxidant layer, thus ensuring the activity of the fermented pomegranate product. Example 3

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product 300 according to the invention further comprises a flavor masking layer 340, which is arranged as the outermost layer, as is shown in Fig.Figure 3 illustrates this. More specifically, the flavor masking layer 340 can be arranged on the outside of the antioxidant layer 320 or the moisture barrier layer 330. The flavor masking layer can comprise sucralose, citric acid, food flavorings, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the flavor masking layer can comprise natural fruit and vegetable extracts or tea extracts. The addition of the flavor masking layer enhances the product's flavor quality.

[0025] In some embodiments, the active core layer (110, 210, 310) of the fermented pomegranate product according to the invention can be enveloped by several functional layers, the enveloping layers being variably combined depending on practical requirements. These enveloping layers include, but are not limited to, the antioxidant layer, the moisture barrier layer, the flavor masking layer, or a combination thereof.

[0026] In some embodiments, the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product (100, 200, 300) according to the invention can be processed into beverages, tablets, pressed tablets, or solid beverage powders. Due to its ability to promote collagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation, skin collagen density is increased. Its antioxidant capacity and antiglycation properties delay skin aging, reduce pigment formation and accumulation, promote skin firming, and reduce skin dullness. In this way, a healthier skin condition is achieved.

[0027] The present invention thus provides a granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product, comprising an active core layer and an antioxidant layer, wherein the active core layer is encased by the antioxidant layer. The active core layer of the granular structure according to the invention contains the fermented pomegranate product and has the effect of increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging. The antioxidant layer comprises proteins of animal and plant origin. The arrangement of the antioxidant layer blocks oxygen from the air, thereby maintaining the activity of the fermented pomegranate product. By maintaining the activity of the fermented pomegranate product, the effect of increasing skin collagen density and delaying skin aging can be achieved.

[0028] The description of the above embodiments makes it clear to a person skilled in the art that the present invention can also be implemented using other structures. The features of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. All equivalent changes and modifications that a person skilled in the art can make according to the description and drawings of the invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product, characterized by , that the granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product comprises an active core layer and an antioxidant layer, wherein the active core layer contains the fermented pomegranate product and the antioxidant layer comprises animal protein, vegetable protein or a combination thereof. [2] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by , that the active core layer is surrounded by the antioxidant layer. [3] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by that the active core layer has a particle size of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. [4] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by , that the thickness of the antioxidant layer is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. [5] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by that the antioxidant layer contains collagen. [6] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by , that it also includes a moisture barrier layer that envelops the antioxidant layer. [7] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 6, characterized by , that the thickness of the moisture barrier layer is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. [8] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 6, characterized by that the moisture barrier layer contains lecithin. [9] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized by that it is spherical. [10] Granular structure of a fermented pomegranate product according to claim 1, characterized bythat it is processed into drinks, tablets, pellets or solid drink powders.

Images