Acid-Stable Liposomes for Enzymatic Ethanol Degradation in the Stomach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enzyme-based solutions for ethanol degradation in the body are fragmented and lack simple, self-administrable products that can effectively degrade ethanol in the stomach before absorption, particularly for individuals with alcohol intolerance or those seeking to minimize alcohol effects.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising liposomes and/or polymersomes encapsulating ethanol-degrading enzymes, designed to withstand stomach acidity and proteolytic environments, capable of degrading ethanol before it is absorbed into the bloodstream, with specific criteria such as enzyme concentration, particle size, degradation rate, and pH stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enzyme-based solutions are used for ethanol degradation, then ethanol can be degraded in the body, but the products are fragmented and not simple self-administrable formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The product is segmented into discrete unit doses, each containing a standardized amount of encapsulated enzyme. This allows simple self-administration (one or more units taken orally) while maintaining reliable ethanol degradation through the concentrated enzyme activity in each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The enzyme is nested within liposomal or polymersomal encapsulation structures. This multi-layered design protects the enzyme from degradation in the harsh gastric environment while maintaining its catalytic activity, resolving the contradiction between product simplicity and degradation reliability.
2Reliability
If enzymes are administered to degrade ethanol in the stomach, then ethanol can be degraded before absorption, but the stomach's harsh acidity and proteolytic environment will degrade the enzymes
Solution Approach 1:
The enzyme is pre-protected by encapsulation in acid-stable liposomal or polymersomal structures before exposure to the stomach environment. This beforehand cushioning shields the enzyme from gastric acid and proteases, enabling it to remain stable and active long enough to degrade ethanol in the stomach.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation material parameters are specifically selected to resist low pH and proteolytic conditions. The liposomal or polymersomal structures maintain their integrity at stomach pH and temperature, creating a stable microenvironment for the enzyme to function despite the harsh external conditions.
3Productivity
If high enzyme concentration is used to degrade ethanol effectively, then degradation rate increases, but product stability and manufacturability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
High concentrations of enzyme are nested within the encapsulation structures, achieving high productivity (rapid ethanol degradation) while the encapsulation matrix provides structural stability and facilitates manageable formulation. The encapsulation allows dense enzyme packing without compromising product stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and healthy consumption of alcoholic beverages by breaking down ethanol in the stomach, reducing symptoms for individuals with alcohol intolerance and minimizing alcohol effects for others, while maintaining enzyme activity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising a liposome and/or a polymersome, the liposome and/or the polymersome enclose an enzyme capable of degrading ethanol
Implementation Method 2
wherein the liposome and/or the polymersome are stable at acidic pH, such as at a pH 5.5 or below
Implementation Method 3
an enzyme capable of degrading ethanol
Implementation Method 4
the composition is capable of degrading in the range of 50-5000 mM ethanol per hour
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a liposome and/or a polymersome, the liposome and/or the polymersome enclose an enzyme capable of degrading ethanol, wherein the liposome and/or the polymersome fulfils at least one of the following criteria (i) wherein the concentration of enzyme is above 100 U/ml composition; (ii) wherein the liposome and/or the polymersome comprises a particle size of at least 100 nm; (iii) wherein the composition is capable of degrading in the range of 50-5000 mM ethanol per hour; (iv) wherein the liposome and/or the polymersome are stable at acidic pH, such as at a pH 5.5 or below; and/or (v) wherein the pH inside the liposome and/or the polymersome is above pH 6.0.