Carotenoid Microcapsule Encapsulation for Stability and Bioavailability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing carotenoid preparations face challenges in achieving uniform particle sizes, chemical stability, and bioavailability due to high-temperature processes, solvent removal difficulties, and the use of surfactants that can cause side effects and instability in food and health products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving carotenoid crystals in an organic solvent, dispersing them into hot grease to vaporize the solvent, mixing with an aqueous protective colloid solution, and emulsifying to form a stable carotenoid microcapsule with nano-sized particles, encapsulated in grease for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carotenoids are processed using conventional methods (tablets, hard capsules, soft capsules, oil suspensions), then they can be delivered to consumers, but they suffer from poor stability, delamination, oxidation, and require surfactants that cause side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a natural grease shell (such as lecithin) to encapsulate carotenoid particles, forming a protective thin film that prevents oxidation and delamination while avoiding harmful surfactants. The grease shell acts as a barrier between the carotenoid core and the external environment, maintaining stability during storage and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite microcapsule structure consisting of a carotenoid core dispersed in a grease matrix, with the grease itself forming a protective shell. This composite structure combines the benefits of encapsulation (protection from oxidation) with the natural compatibility of grease materials, eliminating the need for synthetic surfactants.
2Manufacturing precision
If carotenoid particle size is reduced to micron-sized or nanoscale, then bioavailability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and solvent removal difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters during processing by using hot grease (above its melting point) to dissolve carotenoids, then allowing natural cooling and solidification. This parameter change enables solvent-free processing and simplifies the formation of fine particles without requiring complex solvent removal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical solvent removal systems with a thermal process. Instead of using complex vacuum or heating systems to evaporate solvents, the patent uses the phase transition of grease (melting and solidifying) to naturally separate and remove the dispersing medium, significantly simplifying the manufacturing equipment required.
3Ease of manufacture
If carotenoids are dispersed in oil solution, then they can be processed, but chemical stability deteriorates due to side reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition of grease between liquid (above melting point) and solid (below melting point) states. During processing, the grease is in liquid form allowing easy dispersion of carotenoids. During cooling, it solidifies to form a stable matrix that protects carotenoids from chemical reactions, effectively using phase transition to switch between processability and stability.
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 method achieves stable, nano-sized carotenoid microcapsules with high bioavailability by inhibiting precipitation and degradation, providing chemical stability and ease of absorption in the body.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the carotenoid solution and a hot grease into a dispersion system to fully disperse the carotenoid into the hot grease, and vaporizing the organic solvent
Implementation Method 2
introducing the carotenoid solution and a hot grease into a dispersion system to fully disperse the carotenoid into the hot grease
Implementation Method 3
mixing the carotenoid-containing dispersion liquid with an aqueous solution of a protective colloid to obtain a mixture, and emulsifying the mixture to obtain an emulsion
Data Source
AI summary
A stable carotenoid microcapsule having high bioavailability and a preparation method therefor. The method includes the following steps: a) mixing carotenoid crystals with an organic solvent, and dissolving the mixture to obtain a carotenoid solution; b) introducing the carotenoid solution and a grease into a dispersion system to fully disperse carotenoid into the grease, and vaporizing the organic solvent to obtain a carotenoid-containing dispersion liquid; c) mixing the carotenoid-containing dispersion liquid and a protective colloid aqueous solution, and emulsifying the mixture to obtain an emulsion; and d) performing spray granulation and drying to obtain a carotenoid microcapsule.