Fish Roe Extract Homogenization via Osmotic Shock and Nitrogen Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions for managing neurological conditions such as ADHD, neurodegenerative diseases, and mood disorders often rely on separate formulations for omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, which can be inefficient and may not effectively address the need for a homogenous combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic ingredients.
Innovation Solution
A method for fractionating fish roe to obtain a homogenous composition enriched in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients, involving grinding, osmotic shock, sedimentation, and optional solvent saturation, allowing for the creation of a stable powder or liquid formulation that combines these ingredients effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fish roe is kept in saline solution or subjected to heat treatment for conservation, then microbial contamination is reduced, but lipid oxidation is amplified altering taste and producing rancid odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nitrogen gas flushing to displace oxygen from the container headspace and liquid phase, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidative degradation of lipids. This is achieved by connecting a nitrogen source to the container and flushing the system, thereby eliminating the harmful oxidation effect while maintaining conservation stability without requiring salt or heat treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs single-use sterile barriers including sterile filters, sterile containers, and disposable processing equipment to prevent microbial contamination. This eliminates the need for saline preservation while maintaining product safety, allowing the roe to be processed and stored in its native state without inducing lipid oxidation
2Quantity of substance
If fish roe is ground and processed to extract omega-3 fatty acids, then cognitive health benefits are enhanced, but hydrophobic omega-3 fatty acids separate from hydrophilic micronutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sterile water as an intermediary medium that enables the co-suspension of hydrophobic omega-3 fatty acids and hydrophilic micronutrients. The water forms a stable suspension system where both types of ingredients remain dispersed and bioavailable, preventing separation while maintaining the benefits of concentration through the grinding process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation that integrates hydrophobic omega-3 fatty acids with hydrophilic micronutrients in a single stable suspension. This composite approach ensures that both ingredient types remain together in the final product, maintaining compositional homogeneity while delivering combined cognitive health benefits
3Duration of action of stationary object
If fish roe is dried or lyophilized to create stable powder formulation, then shelf life is extended, but thermal degradation may occur during the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs freeze-drying (lyophilization) which utilizes phase transition from frozen state directly to vapor state, bypassing the liquid phase. This process occurs at low temperatures under vacuum, preventing thermal degradation of sensitive omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients while still achieving long-term stability and extended shelf life through complete moisture removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains nitrogen gas atmosphere throughout the drying and storage processes to prevent oxidative degradation. The inert environment protects the thermally sensitive ingredients from both oxidation and thermal damage, enabling extended shelf life without compromising ingredient integrity
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 preserves the dietary value of fish roe components, providing a stable and effective combination of omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc, for improved cognitive function and symptom management in neurological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
submitting said fish roe or eggs to an osmotic shock at a temperature of less than about 10° C. to obtain a lysed fish roe or eggs mixture
Implementation Method 2
sedimenting the mixture obtained in (b) at a temperature of less than about 10° C., thereby obtaining a supernatant fraction and a sediment fraction enriched in phospholipids
Data Source
AI summary
Novel methods for isolating fish roe/egg extracts, notably a coagulum and a sediment extract, enriched in phospholipids and omega-3 fatty acids are described. Novel compositions comprising omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients, which may be used for the management of neurological conditions such as ADD-ADHD, autism, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders are also described. These compositions are homogenous compositions comprising effective amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in microencapsulated or emulsified form, and/or from the sediment extract from fish roe/egg, vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc and copper, and may further comprise additional ingredients such as folic acid (e.g., L-methyl folate) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).