Caffeine-Tannic Acid Complexes for Slow-Release Beverages

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing caffeine beverages release caffeine too quickly, leading to jitteriness and a 'caffeine crash', as peak absorption occurs within 15 to 120 minutes, necessitating a slower release mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A complex of caffeine and tannic acid, formulated with specific weight ratios and optionally additional compounds, encapsulated in emulsions with oils and stabilizers, to slow caffeine release in beverages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If caffeine is released quickly in beverages, then immediate energy effect is achieved, but jitteriness and caffeine crash occur due to rapid absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaffeine release speedVSAvoidjitteriness and caffeine crash

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Tannic acid serves as an intermediary substance that binds to caffeine to form a complex. This complex acts as a mediator between the caffeine molecule and the gastrointestinal tract, controlling the release rate. The tannic acid-caffeine complex gradually releases caffeine over time, preventing rapid absorption while still delivering the desired energy effect without jitteriness or crash.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system consisting of caffeine-tannic acid complexes embedded in emulsion droplets. This composite structure combines caffeine (active ingredient), tannic acid (release controller), and emulsion components (delivery vehicle). The multi-layer composite design enables controlled release by requiring sequential breakdown of the emulsion and complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If caffeine absorption is extended over time, then jitteriness and crash are avoided, but peak concentration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaffeine absorption durationVSAvoidpeak caffeine concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The caffeine release follows a periodic pattern through the sequential breakdown of the emulsion system. First, the emulsion droplets are released and gradually break down in the gastrointestinal tract, then the tannic acid-caffeine complex slowly dissociates, releasing caffeine in sustained periods rather than a single spike. This periodic release maintains duration while preserving adequate peak concentrations for effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 caffeine-tannic acid complex and emulsion system provides a gradual caffeine release, extending absorption time and reducing jitteriness and crash effects.

Implementation Method 1

complexes comprising caffeine and tannic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplex formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

emulsions comprising these complexes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20260022121A1Compositions providing slow release of caffeine

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 PEPSICO INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to complexes comprising caffeine and tannic acid as well as emulsions and beverages comprising these complexes which slow the release of the caffeine. Also described are methods of preparing the complexes and emulsions and beverages comprising caffeine-tannic acid complexes.