Hydrogel Microparticles Sustained Nutrient Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Athletes face challenges in maintaining sustained and controlled supply of carbohydrates and other nutrients for enhanced performance and recovery, as existing sports drinks often require frequent intake and can lead to excessive glycemic response.
Innovation Solution
Development of an aqueous suspension containing hydrogel microparticles that encapsulate nutritional supplements like carbohydrates, amino acids, and electrolytes, providing a sustained release over extended periods through controlled release mechanisms using biodegradable polymers and crosslinking methods, maintaining optimal absorption rates and reducing insulin response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional sports drinks are consumed to provide carbohydrates and nutrients, then athletic performance can be improved, but frequent intake is required and excessive glycemic response occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encapsulating carbohydrates and nutrients in hydrogel microparticles with controlled release mechanisms before consumption. The hydrogel matrix is designed to release nutrients at a controlled rate over time, eliminating the need for frequent re-dosing. This preliminary structuring of the nutrient delivery system ensures sustained release throughout the athletic event without requiring repeated intake actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogel matrix (crosslinking density, polymer composition, mesh size) to control the release rate of nutrients. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves a sustained release profile that maintains optimal carbohydrate absorption rates over extended periods, thereby extending the duration of action and reducing the frequency of intake required.
2Quantity of substance
If large amounts of food are consumed to meet dietary requirements, then sustained nutrient supply is achieved, but excessive glycemic response and insulin spikes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total carbohydrate load into numerous small microparticles that release nutrients gradually. Instead of consuming a large amount of food or concentrated sugar solution that would cause a glycemic spike, the carbohydrates are segmented into individual hydrogel microparticles that release small amounts of glucose over time. This segmentation of the nutrient delivery system maintains blood glucose levels within optimal ranges without excessive spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary between the consumed carbohydrates and the bloodstream. Rather than carbohydrates entering the bloodstream directly and causing rapid glycemic response, the hydrogel acts as a rate-limiting barrier that controls the release kinetics. This intermediary structure allows the system to deliver the necessary quantity of carbohydrates while preventing excessive glycemic response by regulating the rate of delivery.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If frequent small amounts of sports drink are consumed, then glycemic response is reduced, but sustained nutrient supply is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by designing the hydrogel microparticles to provide continuous, sustained release of carbohydrates throughout the athletic event. The controlled release mechanism ensures a steady stream of glucose is delivered to the bloodstream without interruption or significant fluctuations, maintaining continuous fuel supply for muscle metabolism. This continuous action extends performance enhancement duration without creating glycemic peaks, as the release rate is matched to utilization rate.
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 solution significantly increases exercise duration, cumulative power output, and reduces recovery time, offering improved athletic performance by maintaining peak carbohydrate absorption and oxidation rates, with enhanced energy sustainability and reduced glycemic peaks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more hydrogel microparticles that encapsulate one or more nutritional supplements
Implementation Method 2
biodegradable polymers and crosslinking methods, maintaining optimal absorption rates
Implementation Method 3
The crosslinked polysaccharides are crosslinked using a divalent cation, e. g. calcium, as a result of which the crosslinking is ionic
Implementation Method 4
a cooked and hydrated carbohydrate core and a cation crosslinked polysaccharide coating
Data Source
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AI summary
Nutritional compositions delivered in vivo ina time controlled manner sustainable over long periods of time, provide enhancing athletic performance, increased hand/eye coordination and concentration on the task at hand.