Calcium Alginate Capsule Sphericity via Reverse Spherification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing encapsulated capsules with immiscible phases, such as calcium alginate films, face challenges in maintaining stability and scalability, particularly in achieving spherical shapes with larger diameters while maintaining sphericity and stability over time.
Innovation Solution
A method using reverse spherification with concentric tubes, where one substance containing calcium or magnesium ions is applied through the outer tube, forming a calcium alginate film around a two-phase drop in an alginate solution, allowing for the production of spherical capsules with diameters up to 50 mm, and incorporating additives for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If reverse spherification is used to produce larger capsules, then capsule diameter increases, but maintaining sphericity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse spherification instead of direct spherification. In reverse spherification, the substance to be encapsulated is mixed with calcium ions first, then dropped into alginate solution. This inversion of the traditional process allows for better control of gelation and maintains spherical shape even at larger diameters (10-50mm), resolving the contradiction between size and sphericity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two immiscible phases are encapsulated together, then functional versatility is improved, but stability of the capsule is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a third phase (oil phase containing surfactant) as an intermediary between the aqueous phase and the calcium alginate membrane. This intermediate oil layer acts as a buffer and stabilizer, preventing direct contact between the aqueous phase and membrane, thereby maintaining capsule stability while allowing encapsulation of multiple immiscible phases for enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure comprises multiple phases (aqueous phase, oil phase with surfactant, and calcium alginate membrane) forming a composite system. This composite structure allows encapsulation of immiscible phases while maintaining stability through the synergistic interaction of different materials with complementary properties.
3Productivity
If calcium alginate film is formed instantaneously, then production speed is improved, but control over film properties is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates calcium ions into the substance to be encapsulated before droplet formation (preliminary action). This pre-mixing of calcium ions with the encapsulated substance ensures that when the droplet contacts the alginate solution, gelation occurs uniformly and instantaneously, maintaining both high production speed and precise control over film properties through the pre-established chemical composition.
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
This method enables the production of stable, spherical capsules with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm, suitable for various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, by maintaining the immiscible phases within a calcium alginate film, and allows for modifications in organoleptic characteristics and process conditions at ambient temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-solid, calcium alginate gelatinous film forms almost instantaneously, which holds within it the substance to be encapsulated
Implementation Method 2
the outer layer of the drop reacts forming at least one sphere which contains both phases
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to capsules coated with a calcium alginate film, which contain two mutually immiscible or partly miscible phases, such as an aqueous phase and a hydrophobic phase or a liquid phase and a solid phase, for example. Moreover, the present invention also refers to the method by which said two phases can be encapsulated and kept stable within the formed capsule.