Foamed Oral Composition for Controlled Flavor and Active Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smokeless tobacco products lack innovative compositions that provide modified flavor and mouthfeel characteristics, and efficient delivery of active ingredients such as nicotine and caffeine.
Innovation Solution
The development of foamed and encapsulated components comprising lipids, active agents, and flavorants, adsorbed onto carriers like microcrystalline cellulose, which are incorporated into oral products like pouched products and lozenges, allowing for controlled release of flavors and active ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional smokeless tobacco products use traditional particulate or compressed formulations, then the product structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flavor characteristics and mouthfeel are limited and lack innovation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining foam structures with encapsulated components containing active ingredients and flavorants. This composite approach creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides unique mouthfeel (from the foam) and controlled flavor/active ingredient delivery (from the encapsulated components), thereby enhancing adaptability and versatility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating foam with specific density and texture characteristics, along with encapsulated components of varying sizes and composition ratios. By adjusting these parameters (foam density, encapsulation thickness, active ingredient concentration), the product achieves diverse flavor release profiles and mouthfeel characteristics, enabling versatility without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Device complexity
If traditional smokeless tobacco products deliver active ingredients through conventional means, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the release control and delivery efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encapsulating active ingredients and flavorants within protective matrices before incorporating them into the foam structure. This pre-preparation ensures that the active ingredients are released in a controlled manner upon contact with saliva or oral fluids, significantly improving delivery efficiency and control without requiring complex delivery mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials in the form of foam structures that provide high surface area and controlled porosity. The foam's porous nature allows for efficient uptake of saliva and controlled release of encapsulated active ingredients, enhancing delivery efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex mechanical delivery systems
3Duration of action of moving object
If smokeless tobacco products use extended release formulations, then the duration of action is improved, but the flavor characteristics and mouthfeel may be diluted or reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the active ingredients and flavorants into separate encapsulated components distributed throughout the foam matrix. This segmentation allows different components to release at different rates, maintaining both extended duration of action and sustained flavor intensity, as the foam structure itself provides immediate mouthfeel while encapsulated components provide prolonged active ingredient delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the nested doll principle by placing encapsulated active ingredient components within the foam structure. The foam acts as an outer matrix that provides immediate sensory experience, while the nested encapsulated components provide sustained release of active ingredients and flavorants, thereby achieving both extended duration and maintained intensity without dilution
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
These components offer unique flavor and active ingredient delivery profiles, providing extended and controlled release, enhancing user experience and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a foam comprising a lipid and a component selected from the group consisting of an active agent, a flavorant, and combinations thereof; and a carrier, wherein the foam is adsorbed onto the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides compositions and products configured for oral use. For example, a composition is provided that includes a foam containing a lipid and an active agent and/or a flavorant, and a carrier, wherein the foam is adsorbed onto the carrier. Such a foam can be incorporated, e.g., within lozenges and/or pouched oral products. The disclosure further provides an oral product (e.g., a lozenge and/or pouched oral product) including an encapsulated agent, wherein the encapsulated agent is a porous bead with an exterior portion and an interior portion containing a lipid and an active agent and/or a flavorant.