Co-crystallization of Branched Chain Keto Acids with Calcium Salts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing branched chain keto acid salts result in products with different particle size distributions and crystal forms, making it difficult to achieve a homogeneous mixture suitable for nutraceutical products, which requires additional processing like milling to ensure uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the co-crystallization of mixed branched chain keto acids with alkaline earth metal salts, specifically calcium salts, to achieve a uniform particle size distribution and homogenous crystal form without the need for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If branched chain keto acid salts are produced separately and then mixed, then individual salts can be obtained, but the mixture has different particle size distributions and crystal forms requiring additional milling processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple keto acid salts (keto leucine, keto isoleucine, keto valine) into a single co-crystallized product with uniform particle size distribution. Instead of producing separate salts and mixing them, the process merges them into one homogeneous crystalline structure, eliminating the need for additional milling and achieving both ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision simultaneously
2Productivity
If branched chain keto acid salts are produced separately and then mixed, then individual salts can be obtained, but additional milling is required to achieve uniform particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the production of multiple keto acid salts into a single co-crystallization process that directly yields a homogeneous mixture with uniform particle size. This eliminates the need for separate production, mixing, and milling steps, thereby increasing productivity and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The co-crystallization process performs the particle size uniformization action preliminarily during the crystallization step itself, rather than requiring a subsequent milling step. The crystal formation process inherently produces uniform particles, so the size-adjustment action is built into the primary production process
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
The process produces a homogeneous mixture of branched chain keto acid salts with a uniform particle size distribution and consistent crystal form, simplifying the production and ensuring the quality of the final product for use in food supplements and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
in a second step, the mixed keto acids are co-crystallized with one or more alkaline earth metal salts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a homogenous mixture of two or more branched chain keto acids wherein in a first step, two or more free keto acids are mixed, and in a second step, the mixed keto acids are co-crystallized with one or more alkaline earth metal salts, and foodstuff, food supplement or pharmaceutical products containing a mixture of branched-chain keto acids for supporting muscle structure, increasing muscle performance and improving general wellbeing with simultaneous relief of nitrogen detoxification metabolism by reduced nitrogen supply compared to the intake of the corresponding amino acids and an improved nitrogen metabolism in the body.