Curcuminoid Composition Water Solubility via Comminution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing curcuminoids result in poorly water-soluble extracts that aggregate when mixed with aqueous liquids, making it difficult to incorporate them into comestibles.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a dispersible curcuminoid composition by extracting curcuminoids from turmeric root, drying the slurry, comminuting the dried composition, and blending it with an emulsifier to enhance water solubility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional extraction methods are used to produce curcuminoid extracts, then the extraction process is simple, but the resulting extract aggregates when mixed with aqueous liquids and is poorly water-soluble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curcuminoid extract into fine particles through comminution, reducing particle size from conventional extract forms to nanoscale or fine particulate forms. This segmentation increases surface area and prevents aggregation in aqueous solutions, directly resolving the water solubility issue while maintaining extraction simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining curcuminoid particles with carrier materials or surface modification agents. This composite approach enhances water dispersibility and stability while preserving the core curcuminoid extraction process, effectively resolving the contradiction between simple extraction and stable aqueous dispersion
2Productivity
If curcuminoid extracts are prepared using conventional methods, then the production process is straightforward, but the extracts aggregate and form unstable suspensions in aqueous liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary comminution and surface treatment to the curcuminoid extract before it is used in aqueous formulations. This preliminary action prevents aggregation and ensures stable suspension formation, improving reliability without significantly impacting production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the extract such as particle size, surface area, and surface charge through controlled comminution and treatment processes. These parameter changes transform the extract from aggregation-prone to stable aqueous-dispersible, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining productivity
3Device complexity
If conventional extraction and purification methods are used, then the process requires fewer steps, but the resulting composition is not highly dispersible in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a comminution step that segments the extract into fine particles, dramatically improving water dispersibility. Although this adds a processing step, the segmentation process is relatively simple and can be integrated into existing workflows, providing high dispersibility with minimal increase in process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carrier materials or surface modification agents as intermediaries to bridge the curcuminoid particles and aqueous environment. These intermediaries facilitate water dispersibility without requiring complex purification or extraction process changes, effectively improving ease of operation with minimal device complexity increase
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 produces a curcuminoid composition that is highly dispersible in water, allowing for a uniform suspension in aqueous liquids and extended stability, suitable for comestible applications.
Implementation Method 1
extracting curcuminoids from the particulate source into an extraction solvent
Implementation Method 2
removing at least a portion of the extraction solvent to provide a curcuminoid slurry
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods for preparing dispersible curcuminoid compositions.