Iron free oxygen scavenging composition
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024759930
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-02-20
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing oxygen scavenging methods using iron powder-based absorbers face issues such as detection by metal detectors, consumer resistance, microwave ignition risks, limited capacity, and incompatibility with high oil content products, necessitating an iron-free solution to prevent oxidative deterioration in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
An iron-free oxygen scavenging composition comprising 50-55% ascorbyl palmitate, 10-15% natural antioxidant (preferably lycopene powder), 5-7% activated carbon, 4-10% adsorbed silica gel with water activity between 0.47-0.60, and 5-20% molecular sieves 4A, which provides enhanced and consistent oxygen absorption without the drawbacks of iron-based systems.
The composition effectively absorbs oxygen, maintains product freshness, and extends shelf life by creating an anaerobic environment, avoiding the limitations of iron-based scavengers while being safe for use in food and pharmaceuticals and compatible with microwave heating.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] “IRON FREE OXYGEN SCAVENGING COMPOSITION”
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0003] The present invention relates to an oxygen scavenging composition and more particularly to an iron free oxygen scavenging composition.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] Oxidative deterioration refers to chemical process wherein substances deteriorate as a result of interactions with oxygen. In presence of oxygen, the oxidation reactions start that has severe impact on a product's stability, safety, and quality. Oxidative degradation in food, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals may result in a number of unfavourable effects.
[0006] Oxidative deterioration is mostly caused by aerobic bacteria and oxidation processes, and it significantly affects the quality and safety of these products. The oxidation processes, that are often facilitated by oxygen, cause vital ingredients in foods, supplements, and medications to degrade. This degradation may cause the product's color, flavor, nutritional content, and quality to alter, making them less appetizing or possibly unsafe to consume. Moreover, the oxidation of pharmaceuticals may compromise the efficacy of active ingredients, impacting their therapeutic value.
[0007] To increase the shelf life of packaged foods, nutraceuticals, and medications, it is critical to protect them from oxidative deterioration. To mitigate these concerns, it is crucial to minimize or eliminate the exposure of these products to oxygen during the packaging process. Moreover, oxygen must be excluded from packaging environment in order to minimize or avoid oxidative deterioration, prolong product shelf life, and preserve product quality. Further, there is need to develop an advanced packaging solutions that produce an oxygen-free or low- oxygen environment during the packaging process that serves as a barrier against oxidative processes.
[0008] Several methods have been employed in the art to reduce oxygen contact with foods, medicines and nutraceuticals. Various conventional methods such as refrigeration, vacuum packaging, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), nitrogen gas substitution method, use of antioxidants, etc. have been used to preserve products against oxidative degradation. However, these above methods cannot be used for every product and are quite expensive. Moreover, these methods do not aid in complete removal of oxygen from the packaged products and does not completely prevent deterioration of products.
[0009] Another approach includes packaging the products in air tight container with an oxygen absorber. Oxygen absorbers known in the prior art includes iron powder, salt, and other ingredients that react with oxygen to reduce or eliminate the presence of oxygen in a sealed environment. They are commonly used in food packaging to deter spoilage and the proliferation of aerobic bacteria and fungi. They are also used in packaging of various products such as medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronic parts, etc. The process of oxidation is triggered by exposure to oxygen that results in formation of iron oxide from iron powder by consuming available oxygen within the sealed package, whereas the salt and other ingredients help accelerate this reaction. By removing oxygen from the packaging, they create an anaerobic environment that inhibits the growth of aerobic microorganisms and slows down the oxidation of fats and oils, helping to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. The prevalence of iron powder-based oxygen absorbers is attributed to their cost-effectiveness and oxygen absorption capabilities.
[0010] The European Patent Application No. EP1506719A1 to Nakata Takashi et al. discloses an oxygen absorber composition comprising iron powder and a promoter containing alkali metal salt or alkali earth metal salt that have low moisture transportation properties. The PCT Application No. W 02017169036A1 to Kawai Ryuichiro et al. teaches an oxygen absorbent composition comprising a hydrocarbon resin, iron particles and an aldehyde absorbent. The composition has the ability to absorb oxygen and suppress odour.
[0011] However, it has been observed that the iron powder -based oxygen absorbers have various drawbacks such as (1) detection of iron in the packaging line of foods, medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronic parts and so on by a metal detector (2) consumer resistance to the direct incorporation of iron particles into consumables and (3) restrictions on heating packages containing iron-based oxygen absorbers in microwaves due to potential ignition risks.
[0012] Moreover, these absorbers have limited capacity based on their iron content, cannot be reused upon opening and re sealing, require proper packaging for optimal effectiveness, may be incompatible with products high in oil content, and necessitate activation and reaction time to initiate the absorption process. Thus, there is a need of an oxygen scavenger devoid of iron. Further, there is need of iron free oxygen scavenging composition to prevent the products from oxidative deterioration and addressing the limitations associated with prior art.
[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0014] The present invention describes an iron free oxygen scavenging composition. The composition includes 50 % to 55 % ascorbyl palmitate, 10 % to 15 % natural antioxidant, 5 % to 7 % activated carbon, 4 % to 10 % adsorbed silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, 5% to 20% molecular sieves 4A and 5% to 15% water.
[0015] The natural antioxidant in the iron free oxygen scavenging composition are selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder and the like. The natural antioxidant is preferably lycopene powder. The natural antioxidant is selected such that it has at least 50% purity. The ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder in the composition is selected as 3.2: 1.1 to provide consistent oxygen absorption performance.
[0016] The iron free oxygen scavenging composition contains activated carbon powder having particle size of 100 to 200 mesh. The composition further contains adsorbed silica gel having size 200-300 mesh. The composition further contains water to maintain the moisture level such that the water activity of adsorbed silica gel is maintained between 0.47 to 0.60. The iron free oxygen scavenger composition of the present invention advantageously provides enhanced and consistent oxygen absorption performance. The composition is devoid of iron that is usually used in oxygen scavengers. Therefore, the composition solves the problem associated with iron containing oxygen scavengers like direct incorporation of iron particles in the food or pharmaceutical products; detection by metal detector; or ignition on microwave heating of the products.
[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0018] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in accordance with the accompanying drawings wherein,
[0019] FIG.l shows the amount of oxygen absorbed by different compositions used in the experiment in 7 days in accordance with the present invention; and
[0020] FIG.2 shows amount of moisture absorbed by different compositions used in the experiment in 7 days in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0022] References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.
[0023] The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
[0024] In an aspect, the present invention provides an iron free oxygen scavenging composition.
[0025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the iron free oxygen scavenging composition of the present invention includes
[0026] 1) 50 % to 55 % ascorbyl palmitate,
[0027] 2) 10 % to 15 % natural antioxidant,
[0028] 3) 5 % to 7 % activated carbon,
[0029] 4) 4 % to 10 % adsorbed silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60,
[0030] 5) 5% to 20% molecular sieves 4A, and
[0031] 6) 5% to 15% water.
[0032] In this preferred embodiment, ascorbyl palmitate is used as a source of vitamin C having 99% purity. The natural antioxidant is selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder and the like; and having at least 50% purity. The natural antioxidant is preferably lycopene powder.
[0033] In accordance with the present invention, the ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder is selected as 3.2: 1.1 to provide consistent oxygen absorption performance.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, activated carbon powder of particle size 100 to 200 mesh and adsorbed silica gel of size 200-300 mesh is used. Water is added to the composition to maintain moisture such that the water activity of adsorbed silica gel is maintained between 0.47 to 0.60. Molecular sieves 4A is used as a fastdrying agent, with the ability to quickly trap moisture and keep the contents stable when temperature rises due to unknown reasons.
[0035] In the iron free oxygen scavenging composition, the combination of ascorbyl palmitate and lycopene provides enhanced oxygen absorption capacity. The oxygen present within the package is absorbed by ascorbyl palmitate whereas singlet oxygen generated in the reaction on the product surface is captured by the natural antioxidants. Further, ascorbyl palmitate nullifies the availability of oxygen for carrying out any reaction within the package. The silica gel absorbs water and activated carbon retains water absorbed via silica gel. Also, activated carbon acts as a catalyst and aids in oxygen absorption along with ascorbyl palmitate. The natural antioxidant preserves products and removes odor. In the preferred embodiment, the components of an iron free oxygen scavenger vary according to intended use where the water activity of the product is maintained.
[0036] The iron free oxygen scavenger is deposited on perforated sheets to provide laminated iron free oxygen absorber sheets. These sheets are enclosed in porous sachets, pouches, packets or packaging films and structures as per requirement.
[0037] EXAMPLES:
[0038] Only a few examples and implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications, and enhancements to the described examples and implementations and other implementations can be made based on what is disclosed.
[0039] Examples are set forth herein below and are illustrative of different amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions that can be utilized in practicing the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosure can be practiced with other amounts and types of reactants and reaction conditions than those used in the examples, and the resulting devices various different properties and uses in accordance with the disclosure above and as pointed out hereinafter.
[0040] EXAMPLE 1: DEMONSTRATION OF OXYGEN ABSORPTION AND MOISTURE ABSORPTION CAPACITY OF IRON FREE OXYGEN SCAVENGING COMPOSITIONS: Oxygen absorption and moisture absorption capacity of six different iron free oxygen scavenging compositions is determined in the experiment. The detailed ingredients used in different compositions are given below:
[0041] Composition 1: The ingredients (for 100 g of composition) in iron free oxygen composition 1 includes: a) 66 g Ascorbic acid, b) 10 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, c) 19 g molecular sieve, and d) 5 g activated carbon.
[0042] The ratio of ascorbic acid to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 2:1.
[0043] Composition 2: The ingredients (for 100 g of composition) in iron free oxygen composition 2 includes: a) 66 g Sodium L (+) ascorbate, b) 10 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, c) 19 g molecular sieve, and d) 5 g activated carbon.
[0044] The ratio of Sodium L (+) ascorbate to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 2:1.
[0045] Composition 3: The ingredients in iron free oxygen composition 3 includes: a) 56 g of 99 % Ascorbyl palmitate, b) 19.2 g of 50 % Lycopene powder (as provided by supplier), c) 15 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, d) 5 g molecular sieve, and e) 10 g activated carbon.
[0046] The ratio of (Ascorbyl palmitate) to (Lycopene powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 3.2: 1.1: 1.4. Thus, 100 g of composition 3 contains 56 g of Ascorbyl palmitate, 19.2 g of Lycopene powder and 24.8 g from the mixture obtained by mixing 15 g silica gel, 5 g molecular sieve, and 10 g activated carbon.
[0047] Composition 4: The ingredients in iron free oxygen composition 4 includes: a) 39.6 g of 99 % Ascorbyl palmitate, b) 24.4 g of 55 % ginger powder (as provided by supplier), c) 20 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, d) 10 g molecular sieve, and e) 20 g activated carbon.
[0048] The ratio of (Ascorbyl palmitate) to (ginger powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 3.4:2.1:3.1. Thus, 100 g of composition 4 contains 39.6 g of Ascorbyl palmitate, 24.4 g of ginger powder and 36 g from the mixture obtained by mixing 20 g silica gel, 10 g molecular sieve, and 20 g activated carbon. Composition 5: The ingredients in iron free oxygen composition 5 includes: a) 42.7 g of 99 % Ascorbyl palmitate, b) 17 g of 60 % orange powder (as provided by supplier), c) 15 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, d) 10 g molecular sieve, and e) 10 g activated carbon.
[0049] The ratio of (Ascorbyl palmitate) to (orange powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 3.5: 1.4:3.3. Thus, 100 g of composition 5 contains 42.7 g of Ascorbyl palmitate, 17 g of orange powder and 40.3 g from the mixture obtained by mixing 15 g silica gel, 10 g molecular sieve, and 10 g activated carbon.
[0050] Composition 6: The ingredients in iron free oxygen composition 6 includes: a) 42.6 g of 99 % Ascorbyl palmitate, b) 13.4 g of 60 % lemon powder (as provided by supplier), c) 20 g silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60, d) 10 g molecular sieve, and e) 10 g activated carbon.
[0051] The ratio of (Ascorbyl palmitate) to (lemon powder) to (silica gel + molecular sieve + activated carbon) is maintained to 4.1:1.1:2.1. Thus, 100 g of composition 6 contains 42.6 g of Ascorbyl palmitate, 13.4 g of lemon powder and 44 g from the mixture obtained by mixing 20 g silica gel, 10 g molecular sieve, and 10 g activated carbon.
[0052] Further, the Oxygen and moisture absorption capacity of all above mentioned iron free oxygen scavenger compositions is determined using oxygen analyzer and humidity chamber respectively after 7 days. The results are tabulated in table 1 below:
[0053] Table 1: Oxygen absorption capacity (ml) and Moisture absorption capacity (g / g) of iron free oxygen scavenger compositions
[0054] The oxygen absorption capacity exhibited by different compositions in 7 days is shown in FIG. 1. The study shows that the composition 3 (ascorbyl palmitate, lycopene powder, silica gel, molecular sieve and activated carbon) displayed maximum oxygen absorption i.e., 24 ml in 7 days (Table 1).
[0055] The moisture absorption capacity exhibited by different compositions in 7 days is shown in FIG. 2. The study shows that composition 3 (ascorbyl palmitate, lycopene powder, silica gel, molecular sieve and activated carbon) and composition 2 (Sodium L (+) ascorbate, silica gel, molecular sieve, activated carbon) displayed maximum moisture absorption i.e., 0.18 g / g in 7 days (Table 1).
[0056] Overall, composition 3 exhibited best results in terms of oxygen and moisture absorption capacity as compared to other compositions.
[0057] Advantageously, the iron free oxygen scavenger composition of the present invention provides enhanced and consistent oxygen absorption performance. Addition of ascorbyl palmitate and natural antioxidants to the moisture absorbing and odor absorbing desiccants leads to simultaneous removal of oxygen, moisture and odor from the product packages. The iron free oxygen composition aids to increase the shelf life of pharmaceutical, food and nutraceutical products. This composition lacks iron that is usually used for oxygen absorption solving the problem associated with direct incorporation of iron particles in food or pharmaceutical products, detection by metal detector and ignition on microwave heating of products. The iron free composition is advantageous over other traditional compositions of oxygen absorption being eco-friendly as it makes use of natural antioxidants and source of vitamin C.
[0058] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0059] It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. An iron free oxygen scavenging composition comprising1) 50 % to 55 % ascorbyl palmitate;2) 10 % to 15 % natural antioxidant;3) 5 % to 7 % activated carbon;4) 4 % to 10 % adsorbed silica gel with water activity between 0.47 to 0.60;5) 5% to 20% molecular sieves 4A; and6) 5% to 15% water.
2. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the natural antioxidant being selected from lycopene powder, ginger powder, orange powder, lemon powder and the like; and preferably being lycopene powder.
3. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the natural antioxidant having at least 50% purity.
4. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the ratio of ascorbyl palmitate to lycopene powder being 3.2: 1.1.
5. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the activated carbon powder having particle size of 100 to 200 mesh.
6. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the adsorbed silica gel having size 200-300 mesh.
7. The iron free oxygen scavenging composition as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the composition including 5% to 15% water such that the water activity of adsorbed silica gel being maintained between 0.47 to 0.60.