EPA Formulations Using Algal Extraction and Phospholipid Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EPA formulations from fish oil and krill oil face issues such as depletion of fisheries, low EPA content, presence of competing Omega-3 compounds, and loss of phospholipids during refinement, leading to reduced bioavailability and variability in EPA concentration.
Innovation Solution
Development of EPA compositions with increased concentrations of EPA in bioavailable forms like free fatty acid, phospholipid, and glycolipid conjugates, and reduced or eliminated concentrations of less bioavailable forms like diglyceride and triglyceride conjugates, without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), using algal sources like Nannochloropsis oculata to enhance bioavailability and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fish oil or krill oil is used as the source of EPA formulations, then EPA can be obtained, but the EPA content is relatively low and there is variability in EPA concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates EPA from the complex mixture of Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil and krill oil. By separating EPA from competing Omega-3 compounds (DHA, other six Omega-3 compounds), the formulation achieves both higher EPA concentration and consistent EPA content without natural variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form parameters of EPA from esterified forms (triglycerides, diglycerides) to free fatty acid forms. This parameter change increases both the concentration and reliability of bioavailable EPA in the formulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If fish oil is refined using conventional methods (degumming, transesterification), then the oil can be processed, but phospholipids are removed or destroyed reducing bioavailability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing phospholipids as conventional refining does, the patent inverts the approach by specifically preserving and concentrating phospholipids during processing. The formulation maintains phospholipid content above 0.5 wt%, contrary to conventional refinement outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters to avoid transesterification that destroys phospholipids. By using alternative refinement methods that preserve phospholipid integrity, the formulation achieves both manufacturability and phospholipid retention.
3Quantity of substance
If EPA is provided in triglyceride or diglyceride conjugate forms, then EPA can be delivered, but bioavailability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state parameter of EPA from esterified forms (triglycerides, diglycerides) to free fatty acid forms. This parameter change directly improves bioavailability while maintaining EPA delivery in the formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining EPA free fatty acids with phospholipids and glycolipids. This composite structure enhances bioavailability through the synergistic effects of multiple lipid forms working together.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are compositions comprising eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and polar lipids (e.g., glycolipids and phospholipids), and which do not contain any docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or esterified fatty acids.