Carotenoid Isomer Composition Stability Bioavailability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carotenoid-based products, such as lycopene from tomato sources, exhibit low bioavailability due to their isomeric profiles, with the 13-Z isomer being particularly unstable and reducing overall stability and bioavailability, while existing solutions have not effectively enhanced bioavailability and stability simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A composition enriched in 5-Z and 9-Z lycopene isomers with a low content of 13-Z isomers, achieved through isomerization using solid catalysts or prolonged heating, to create a stable and bioavailable form of carotenoids, which can be incorporated into foodstuffs, supplements, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal processing is used to increase Z-isomers, then bioavailability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to retro-isomerization

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the isomeric profile parameters by enriching the composition in stable Z-isomers (5-Z and 9-Z) while minimizing unstable 13-Z isomers. This selective parameter modification allows achieving high bioavailability through Z-isomer enrichment while maintaining stability by avoiding the unstable 13-Z configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between improved bioavailability and maintained stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between various Z-isomers and treating them differently. Specifically, it enriches in the stable Z-isomers (5-Z and 9-Z) while minimizing the unstable 13-Z isomer. This selective approach allows the composition to benefit from Z-isomer bioavailability enhancement without suffering from the instability of particular Z-isomers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If 13-Z isomer content is increased, then bioavailability is enhanced, but stability deteriorates due to retro-isomerization

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the isomeric composition parameters by specifically limiting the 13-Z isomer content to less than 10% while enriching other Z-isomers. This parameter control strategy achieves the bioavailability benefits of Z-isomers without incorporating the unstable 13-Z isomer that would cause retro-isomerization and stability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of Z-isomer instability into benefit by selectively enriching only the stable Z-isomers (5-Z and 9-Z). The knowledge of which Z-isomers are unstable (13-Z) is used to avoid incorporating them, while the stable Z-isomers are enriched to provide bioavailability enhancement without the associated stability problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Stability of the object's composition

If all-E configuration is maintained, then stability is preserved, but bioavailability remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidbioavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the isomeric configuration parameter from predominantly all-E to a mixture enriched in Z-isomers (5-Z and 9-Z) while minimizing 13-Z. This parameter change improves bioavailability through Z-isomer enrichment while maintaining stability by avoiding the unstable 13-Z configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and bioavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 resulting composition demonstrates improved stability and bioavailability, with the 5-Z and 9-Z isomers enhancing bioefficacy and maintaining stability under storage conditions, while minimizing retro-isomerization, thereby providing a more effective nutritional and health benefits.

Implementation Method 1

isomerization using solid catalysts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

Thermal isomerization of lycopene is known to improve its bioavailability from food matrices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal isomerization: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2051595B1Stable and bioavailable compositions of isomers of carotenoids for skin and hair
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 NESTEC SA
  • EP2051595B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Compositions that provide health benefits and methods regarding same are presented. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a primary composition comprising at least one carotenoid-containing material, enriched in Z isomers of the carotenoid compound. For example, the carotenoid-containing material contains by weight a greater percentage of an isomer selected from the group consisting of 5-Z, 9-Z and combinations thereof than of 13-Z isomer.