Elymus repens as Vitamin B12 Source for Vegans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent due to inadequate dietary intake, particularly in vegans and vegetarians, and existing solutions lack effective plant-based sources for prophylaxis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of Elymus plants, specifically E. repens, and their extracts or concentrates, combined with other plant families like Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Elaeagnaceae, as a source of vitamin B12, obtained through solvent extraction and processing methods to achieve high yields and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plant-based sources are used for vitamin B12 supplementation, then the solution is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, but the vitamin B12 content is typically insufficient compared to animal products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Elymus plants as an intermediary organism that has developed the capability to produce vitamin B12 through endophytic microorganisms. This intermediary approach bridges the gap between plant-based suitability and adequate vitamin B12 content, allowing vegans and vegetarians to obtain sufficient B12 from a plant source without requiring animal products.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of vitamin B12 concentration in plant material by utilizing endophytic microorganisms that naturally produce high levels of B12 within the plant tissues. This parameter change transforms Elymus plants from typical low-B12 plant material into a high-B12 source comparable to animal products.
2Productivity
If solvent extraction methods are used to obtain vitamin B12 from Elymus plants, then high yields and stability are achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies solvent extraction to separate and concentrate vitamin B12 from the Elymus plant matrix. This extraction process takes out the active ingredient (vitamin B12) from the complex plant material, enabling high yields and stable formulation while the extracted form is more easily incorporated into supplements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite material formulations by combining extracted vitamin B12 with stabilizing agents and carrier materials. This composite approach enhances stability and bioavailability while managing the complexity of processing through standardized formulation techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to at least one plant of the genus Elymus for use in the prophylaxis or treatment of a vitamin B12 deficiency and to the non-therapeutical use of at least one plant of the genus Elymus as a vitamin B12 source.