Beta-Carotene Protection in Polyester Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent or translucent plastic vessels allow visible light to penetrate, causing photo-oxidation of beta-carotene, leading to nutritional, colorational, and taste-related degradation of food products containing this provitamin A carotenoid, regardless of natural or artificial light sources.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic composition comprising polyester, a quinophthalone dye, a pyrazolone dye, and a methine dye, which absorb visible light in the range of 400 nm-500 nm, combined with an optional UV light absorbing chemical, to protect beta-carotene from photo-oxidation within plastic vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent or translucent plastic vessels are used to allow display and visibility of food, then the aesthetic appeal and consumer preference are improved, but visible light penetrates causing photo-oxidation of beta-carotene leading to nutritional and color degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-absorbing colorants as intermediary substances within the plastic vessel wall. These colorants absorb harmful visible light wavelengths (380-500 nm) before the light reaches the beta-carotene containing food, thereby protecting the nutrient while maintaining vessel transparency for display purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies colorants that selectively absorb specific wavelengths of visible light (380-500 nm range) to modify the optical properties of the plastic vessel. This creates a protective color filter effect that blocks harmful light while allowing other wavelengths to pass through, preserving both food quality and aesthetic appeal
2Reliability
If colorants are added to plastic vessels to absorb visible light and protect beta-carotene, then photo-oxidation is prevented, but the transparency and aesthetic appeal of the vessel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colorants with specific absorption characteristics targeted at the harmful 380-500 nm wavelength range. This creates local quality in the sense that protection is provided specifically where needed (against harmful wavelengths) while allowing other wavelengths to pass through, maintaining overall vessel transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the plastic vessel by incorporating colorants that change the light absorption profile. The colorants are selected to absorb specifically in the 380-500 nm range while minimizing absorption in other wavelengths, thus protecting beta-carotene while preserving aesthetic appeal
3Reliability
If a single type of UV absorber is used to protect against ultraviolet light, then polyester degradation is prevented, but protection against visible light photo-oxidation of beta-carotene is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light protection function into two distinct components: UV absorbers for protecting the polyester matrix and visible light-absorbing colorants for protecting beta-carotene. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with UV absorbers handling ultraviolet protection and colorants handling visible light protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite protection system combining UV absorbers and visible light-absorbing colorants within the plastic vessel. This composite approach integrates multiple protective mechanisms, where UV absorbers protect the polymer structure and colorants protect the food nutrients, providing comprehensive protection against both UV and visible light damage
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 composition effectively blocks visible light transmission in the 400-500 nm range, preventing photo-oxidation of beta-carotene, thereby preserving its nutritional value, color, and taste during storage and transport in plastic containers.
Implementation Method 1
a quinophthalone dye; (c) a pyrazolone dye; and (d) a methine dye; wherein beta-carotene absorbs visible light in the range of 400 nm-500 nm and wherein the combination of the quinophthalone dye, the pyrazolone dye, and the methine dye absorb visible light in the range of 390 nm-480 nm
Implementation Method 2
the composition also includes an ultra-violet light absorbing chemical to protect the polyester
Implementation Method 3
the wavelengths of sunlight in the electromagnetic spectrum cause photo-oxidation of photo-sensitive molecules in food or other ingestible chemicals such as vitamins, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
A composition to protect beta-carotene from visible light photo-oxidation is disclosed. The composition uses a combination of a quinophthalone dye, a pyrazolone dye, and a methine dye to protect the beta-carotene from visible light in the range of 400-500 nm.