Creatine Protein Matrix for Dietary Supplement Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional creatine and whey protein supplements often segregate and have poor solubility, leading to an unpleasant texture and inefficient absorption, particularly in dry blend beverage forms, and existing products may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or require complex and costly production processes.
Innovation Solution
A creatine protein matrix is developed, comprising whey protein concentrates, isolates, or hydrolysates with creatine and optional mineral components, processed to create a homogeneous powder with a uniform particle size, ensuring creatine is finely dispersed and amorphous, improving solubility and stability, and being lactose-free to accommodate intolerance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional creatine and whey protein are mixed as physical blends, then both components can be included in the supplement, but the mixture tends to segregate and has poor solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines creatine and whey protein into a single integrated protein matrix structure where creatine is incorporated within the protein network. This merging eliminates the segregation issue by creating a homogeneous structure rather than a physical blend of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite protein matrix material where creatine and whey protein form an integrated composite structure. This composite material exhibits improved solubility and stability compared to simple physical blends, as the two components are structurally combined at the molecular level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional creatine and whey protein are mixed as physical blends, then both components can be included in the supplement, but the mixture has poor solubility and creates unpleasant texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges creatine and whey protein into a unified matrix structure, which improves solubility by preventing creatine crystallization and ensuring uniform distribution at the molecular level, thereby eliminating the sandy texture associated with conventional blends.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional creatine and whey protein are mixed as physical blends, then both components can be included in the supplement, but absorption is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated protein matrix structure enhances absorption efficiency by ensuring uniform distribution and preventing aggregation of creatine particles. The merged structure allows for more efficient dissolution and uptake in the digestive system compared to segregated physical blends.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional processing methods are used for whey protein and creatine, then production is simpler, but the process is more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of whey protein and creatine into a single integrated manufacturing process. By combining what would otherwise be separate processing steps into one unified approach, the overall process complexity is reduced despite the advanced nature of the integrated matrix formation.
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 creatine protein matrix provides a stable, easily digestible, and bioavailable form of creatine with improved rehydration and dissolution behavior, eliminating segregation issues and being suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals, while reducing production complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
d) drying the prepared solution or suspension Lq2 to give the desired powdered creatine protein matrix
Implementation Method 2
drying the prepared solution or suspensions Lq2 using spray drying, thin film evaporation or roller drying processes
Implementation Method 3
a) providing an aqueous, pasteurized solution or suspension Lq1 comprising at least one protein component
Implementation Method 4
a) providing an aqueous, pasteurized solution or suspension Lq1
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a powdered creatine-protein matrix comprising a protein component and a creatine component for use as a dietary supplement for athletes, and to a method for producing this creatine-protein matrix. The matrix provided exhibits improved solubility compared to powder mixtures of the same composition.