Insoluble Collagen Dispersion via Microfluidization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering undenatured collagen, particularly for arthritis treatment, face challenges in formulating water-insoluble collagen into stable aqueous dispersions suitable for beverages and foods, as it does not remain in suspension, making it difficult for consumption by individuals who have trouble with pills or capsules.
Innovation Solution
The method involves microfluidization processing of dried powdered cartilage with water, using a microfluidizer processor at high pressures to create stable dispersions of undenatured type II collagen particles that remain suspended for extended periods, with 50% of particles being less than 30 micrometers in width, and cooling the material immediately after processing to minimize denaturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-insoluble collagen is used for arthritis treatment, then biological activity is maintained, but formulation into stable aqueous dispersions for beverage consumption is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen is processed into fine particles with 50% by volume being less than 30 micrometers in width, creating a segmented structure that improves suspension stability while maintaining water-insolubility and biological activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the particle size parameter through microfluidization processing, transforming the collagen from larger particles into a distribution where 50% by volume are less than 30 micrometers, thereby achieving stable suspension without altering the water-insoluble nature or biological activity
2Stability of the object's composition
If microfluidization processing is applied to reduce particle size, then dispersion stability is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen is dried into powder form before microfluidization, preparing it in advance for efficient processing. This preliminary drying step enables the subsequent microfluidization to achieve the desired particle size distribution more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidization processing is applied continuously to the dried collagen powder, maintaining the useful action of particle size reduction without interruption, thereby achieving stable dispersion efficiently
3Manufacturing precision
If high pressure microfluidization is used to create stable dispersion, then particle size is reduced, but risk of collagen denaturation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen is dried into powder form before microfluidization, preparing it in advance for efficient processing. This preliminary drying step enables the subsequent microfluidization to achieve the desired particle size distribution more effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes phase transition considerations by drying collagen to powder (solid state) before microfluidization, and then immediately cooling the processed material to prevent denaturation during the high-pressure processing
4Ease of manufacture
If collagen is formulated into tablets or capsules, then delivery is simple, but consumption difficulty arises for individuals with swallowing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form parameter from solid tablets/capsules to liquid or semi-liquid dispersion, enabling easy incorporation into beverages and foods, thereby making consumption easy for individuals with swallowing difficulties while maintaining the water-insoluble collagen's biological activity
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 approach results in stable collagen dispersions that remain undenatured for several months, allowing for long-term suspension without precipitation, enabling easy incorporation into food and beverages and maintaining the biological activity of collagen, thus providing a stable and effective delivery system for joint health promotion.
Implementation Method 1
pressurization of individual reactant streams to from 8,000 to 50,000 psi and the propulsion of reactants at velocities of up to 250 meters per second
Implementation Method 2
propulsion of reactants at velocities of up to 250 meters per second
Implementation Method 3
cooling the material immediately after processing to minimize denaturation
Data Source
AI summary
A stable dispersion of insoluble collagen is provided by a microfluidization process. The dispersions of insoluble collagen protein remain in stable suspension under long term storage conditions, with minimal or no settling or precipitation. More specifically the invention provides a stable dispersion of insoluble collagen comprising collagen particles wherein 50% by volume of said particles are less than 30 micrometers in width. These dispersions provide collagen in an aqueous form, which enables ease of incorporation into food and beverages and ease of administration to people or other mammals in need of collagen.