Flavored Particles Delivery System with Segmented Release Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flavored delivery systems face challenges in providing excellent physical and chemical stability, controlled flavor release, and cost-in-use performance, which limits the organoleptic experience for consumers.

Innovation Solution

A flavored particles delivery system comprising two types of particles with different carriers and flavor oils, where each particle is designed to encapsulate and release flavors effectively, using a combination of twin-screw extrusion, hot melt extrusion, and spray-drying processes to achieve stable and uniform granulometry, and a blend of these particles is used to enhance flavor profile in consumer products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of particle with uniform carrier and flavor oil is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the flavor release profile and organoleptic experience are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor release profileVSAvoidparticle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into multiple particle types, each with distinct carrier materials and flavor oil compositions. This segmentation allows each particle type to be optimized for specific release profiles and flavor characteristics, thereby enhancing overall adaptability without requiring a complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the particle system exhibit local quality variations through the use of different carrier materials (e.g., hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic carriers) and flavor oils. This enables tailored flavor release behavior in different local conditions (e.g., oral cavity vs. gastrointestinal tract), improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Duration of action of moving object

If flavoring ingredients are released quickly, then the initial flavor impact is strong, but the active lifetime and sustained release are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor active lifetimeVSAvoidflavor release speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic release mechanisms where different particle types respond differently to environmental conditions (moisture, pH, temperature). This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide both rapid initial release (from particles designed for quick dissolution) and sustained release (from particles with controlled-release matrices), achieving both high speed and long duration simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery system uses composite particle structures combining different carrier materials with complementary release characteristics. For example, hydrophilic carriers provide rapid initial release while hydrophobic carriers provide sustained release, creating a composite system that achieves both fast speed and extended active lifetime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multiple different particles with various carriers and flavor oils are used, then the flavor stability and organoleptic profile are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is segmented into modular steps where each particle type can be produced independently using standardized encapsulation techniques. This segmentation allows for simplified individual particle production while achieving enhanced overall flavor stability through the combination of multiple specialized particle types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal encapsulation methodologies that can be applied across different particle types using the same basic equipment and process parameters. This multi-functionality approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by using a platform technology that can produce various particle formulations without requiring entirely separate manufacturing lines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system provides improved flavor stability, controlled release, and enhanced sensory experience by blending particles prepared through specific processes, offering a delightful and consistent flavor profile in food and beverages.

Implementation Method 1

By encapsulating flavoring ingredients in particles, the delivery efficiency and active lifetime of the flavoring ingredients can be improved. Particles provide several advantages, such as protecting the flavoring ingredients from physical or chemical reactions with incompatible ingredients in the food product, and from volatilization or evaporation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

Particles can be particularly effective in the delivery and preservation of flavors in that flavors can be delivered to and retained within the food product by a particle that releases the flavors upon mastication, cooking or dissolution.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20230105389A1Flavored particles delivery system
Publication Date: 2023.04.06 FIRMENICH SA

AI summary

Described herein is a flavored delivery system including different particles. Also described herein are consumer products including said flavored delivery system.