Hydrothermally Treated Waxy Starch for Sustained Glucose Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for conditions characterized by hypoglycemic episodes, such as glycogen storage disease and diabetes, require frequent ingestion of glucose sources to maintain serum glucose levels within safe ranges, which is inconvenient and often necessitates nasogastric feeding at night, as conventional starch preparations provide only short-term glucose release.
Innovation Solution
The use of semi-crystalline waxy starches and hydrothermally treated starches, particularly heat-moisture treated waxy starches, which provide prolonged glucose release, allowing serum glucose levels to be maintained for over six hours without the need for further doses, enabling patients to sleep through the night without nasogastric feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional starch preparations are used to provide slow glucose release, then glucose release is prolonged compared to sugar, but the duration of action is limited to short-term (less than 4 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of starch through hydrothermal treatment (heat and moisture exposure). This treatment alters the crystalline structure and gelatinization characteristics of the starch, transforming it from a rapidly digesting form to a slowly digesting form that provides prolonged glucose release lasting over 6 hours, thereby resolving the contradiction between duration of action and reliability of glucose maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrothermally treated starch with other food ingredients to create a therapeutic food composition. This composite approach enhances the slow-release properties of the starch while providing additional nutritional benefits, achieving both prolonged duration of action and reliable glucose maintenance throughout the night.
2Reliability
If frequent ingestion of glucose sources is required to maintain serum glucose levels, then glucose levels can be kept within safe ranges, but the frequency of intake increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a single night-time dose of hydrothermally treated starch that is prepared in advance. This preliminary action maintains glucose levels throughout the night without requiring frequent interruptions or nasogastric feeding, thereby improving convenience while maintaining reliable glucose level control.
3Reliability
If nasogastric feeding is used at night to maintain glucose levels, then glucose levels can be maintained safely, but the complexity of management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using hydrothermally treated starch that naturally provides slow glucose release over extended periods. This eliminates the need for complex nasogastric feeding systems or continuous monitoring and intervention, allowing patients to maintain safe glucose levels autonomously throughout the night while reducing management complexity.
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 starches significantly prolong glucose release in the GI tract, enabling sustained serum glucose levels for extended periods, reducing the frequency of glucose intake and improving the management of hypoglycemic episodes, especially at night, by maintaining blood glucose concentrations within safe limits for several hours.
Implementation Method 1
hydrothermally treated starches, particularly heat-moisture treated waxy starches
Implementation Method 2
semi-crystalline waxy starches and hydrothermally treated starches, which provide prolonged glucose release
Implementation Method 3
starch hydrolysates (e.g. maltose, dextrins etc.) or from native starch where glucose is liberated as a consequence of digestion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of controlling serum glucose levels in an individual are described, the methods including the step of administering to said individual a therapeutic food composition comprising a waxy and/or hydrothermally treated starch. The method may be used to treat or prevent hypoglycaemia in patients susceptible to hypoglycaemic episodes, for example patients with glycogen storage disease, diabetes or liver disease. The method may also be used in sports nutrition. Also described are compositions for use in the methods.