Freeze-Dried Bilberry Extract for Dry Eye and Neck Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for addressing dry eye syndrome, dryness of the eye, and stiffness in the neck and shoulder associated with VDT work are inadequate, particularly in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness, as the correlation between bilberry extract and these conditions is unclear, and existing methods may not provide sufficient benefits with reduced intake.
Innovation Solution
A composition containing freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract, obtained using water-containing ethanol and processed through filtration, concentration, and purification, followed by freeze-drying to maintain anthocyanin's active properties, is developed to effectively prevent and improve dry eye syndrome, dryness of the eye, and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bilberry extract is used for treating dry eye syndrome and stiffness, then the treatment effect is insufficient, but increasing the intake amount increases cost and reduces cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of bilberry extract from conventional liquid or powder form to freeze-dried microcapsule form. This transformation increases the surface area and bioavailability of anthocyanins, allowing for more efficient absorption and higher treatment efficacy at lower intake amounts, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment effect and intake quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by encapsulating bilberry extract within a freeze-dried matrix structure. This composite formulation protects the active ingredients from degradation while enhancing their stability and bioavailability, enabling effective treatment with reduced dosage and improved cost-effectiveness
2Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used for bilberry extract, then the production cost is lower, but the active ingredients are degraded and treatment efficacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions by using freeze-drying (lyophilization) which involves freezing the extract and then sublimating the ice directly to vapor. This phase transition process removes water while maintaining low temperatures that preserve anthocyanin integrity, achieving high active ingredient potency despite the more complex production process compared to conventional drying
3Productivity
If VDT work continues without intervention, then productivity is maintained, but dry eye syndrome and neck stiffness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a preventive composition that can be taken before symptoms of dry eye syndrome and neck stiffness become severe. The freeze-dried bilberry extract preparation allows for proactive health management during VDT work, maintaining both productivity and health condition by preventing deterioration before it occurs
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 freeze-dried bilberry extract composition effectively reduces dry eye syndrome and stiffness with lower intake amounts, maintaining anthocyanin's potency and achieving significant improvements in lachrymal fluid production and subjective symptom reduction, while offering a cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
a step of freeze-drying the bilberry extract
Implementation Method 2
freeze-drying the bilberry extract
Implementation Method 3
a step of obtaining bilberry extract by using water-containing ethanol
Data Source
AI summary
A composition and method for the prevention and/or improvement of dry eye syndrome, dryness of eye and/or stiff neck and shoulder, which contains bilberry fruit extract and is effective with less intake are provided. As one aspect of the present invention, the composition for the prevention or improvement of dry eye syndrome or dryness of eye contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, the composition for the prevention or improvement of stiff neck and shoulder contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, a composition for the prevention or improvement of dry eye syndrome, dryness of eye, and stiff neck and shoulder, contains a freeze-dried bilberry fruit extract. As another aspect of the present invention, a method using a bilberry fruit extract for the improvement of stiff neck and shoulder is provided.