Effervescent Granules Water Control Gum Cohesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing effervescent granules face challenges in maintaining stability and integrity due to the initiation of effervescence reactions during formulation, leading to loss of effervescence over time, especially when water is present, and conventional solutions like increasing effervescence agents or dry preparation methods are not effective for all compositions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a biocompatible gum and controlled amounts of water (1.0 to 50 mg per g of granules) with effervescence-generating compounds, such as acid and carbonate sources, to enhance cohesion and stability, while using non-aqueous solvents like isopropyl alcohol for granulation, which counters the conventional wisdom against using water-soluble gums.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If water is present during formulation stages, then granules gain cohesion and integrity, but effervescence reaction is initiated and effervescence is lost over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegranule cohesionVSAvoideffervescence stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gum is incorporated into the granules during the formulation stage, but its water-soluble binding action is delayed until the product is ready for use. The gum remains dormant in the dry granule structure and only activates when water is added at the point of administration, thus providing cohesion when needed without triggering premature effervescence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The water-soluble gum acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the contradiction between needing water for cohesion and avoiding water for effervescence stability. The gum absorbs water selectively to provide binding, while the effervescence-generating compounds remain separated and only react when the granule structure breaks down in the aqueous environment of the body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If effervescence agents are increased to compensate for loss, then effervescence is maintained at the end of conservation, but the quantity of effervescence agent becomes excessive compared to other constituents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffervescence maintenanceVSAvoideffervescence agent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water (which triggers unwanted effervescence during storage) into a beneficial effect by using water-soluble gums that only provide their binding function when water is present. The same water that causes the problem during storage becomes the trigger for the desired cohesion at the point of use, eliminating the need to add excessive effervescence agents

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If granules are prepared dry to avoid effervescence, then effervescence stability is improved, but granules lack sufficient cohesion and return to powder form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffervescence stabilityVSAvoidgranule cohesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of the binding agent by selecting water-soluble gums. These gums remain inactive in the dry state, allowing granules to be formulated without premature binding, but become soluble and active when exposed to water during use, providing the necessary cohesion at the appropriate time

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 approach results in granules with improved physical and chemical stability, maintaining effervescence over time, preventing degradation into powder form, and ensuring better dissolution and protection of active ingredients, suitable for various fields including pharmaceutical, veterinary, and cosmetic applications.

Implementation Method 1

the gums according to the invention, in particular natural or non-natural gums, which have a stickiness in the presence of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the initiation of the reaction which leads to effervescence in the presence of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2037896B1Effervescent granules or granular material
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 VIRBAC SA

AI summary

The invention relates to effervescent granules or granular material comprising an effervescence-generating compound. The invention is characterized in that the granules or granular material also comprise(s) at least one gum and 1.0 to 50 mg of water per g of granules or granular material. The invention applies in particular to the preparation of supplemented feeds for animals.