Infant Formula Fat Particle Distribution via High Shear Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant formula manufacturing processes cannot replicate the fat particle size distribution of human breast milk, resulting in a high proportion of small fat droplets below 1 µm, which affects stability and nutritional absorption.
Innovation Solution
A high shear rotor-stator mixing process is used to achieve a monomodal fat particle size distribution similar to human breast milk, with less than 15% of fat particles below 1 µm and at least 95% between 0.8 µm and 5 µm, ensuring phase stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an intermediate homogeniser is used to get small fat droplets for better stability, then stability is improved, but the fat particle size distribution becomes different from breast milk with high proportion of fat droplets below 1 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the homogenization parameters by using a two-stage process with specific pressure ranges (first stage: 100-500 bar, second stage: 50-200 bar) and controls the temperature (20-50°C) to achieve the desired fat particle size distribution that mimics breast milk while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the homogenization process into two distinct stages with different pressure levels and duration parameters, allowing separate optimization of stability and particle size distribution characteristics
2Quantity of substance
If vegetable fat mixes are added to target a fatty acid profile closer to breast milk, then nutritional quality is improved, but the fat particle size distribution cannot match breast milk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing homogenization pressure, temperature, and duration to achieve the target fat particle size distribution (D[3,2] of 1.5-3.5 μm) while maintaining the vegetable fat mix composition for appropriate fatty acid profile
3Manufacturing precision
If high shear mixing is used to achieve monomodal fat particle distribution similar to breast milk, then fat particle size distribution is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a standard high shear mixer to simultaneously accomplish fat particle size reduction, distribution uniformity control, and stability enhancement, eliminating the need for specialized intermediate homogenizers
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 process produces infant formulas with a fat particle distribution that mimics human breast milk, enhancing stability and nutritional absorption, while maintaining phase stability for an extended period after reconstitution.
Implementation Method 1
using a simple rotor stator set-up in the manufacture of a dairy product or nutritional formula it is possible to obtain a fat particle distribution which is close to that in human breast milk
Implementation Method 2
finally adjusting of the particles size distribution by homogenisation between 0 and 100 bars
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of a dairy product or nutritional formula, such as an infant formula, which has a fat particle distribution with resembles human breast milk. The process comprises mixing vegetable fat, protein and carbohydrates in a high shear rotor stator mixer and subsequently subjecting said mixture to homogenization so as to provide a composition with a monomodal fat particle size distribution and a low proportion of fat particles below 1 μm. further aspects of the invention relates to the dairy product or nutritional formula per se and the use of said dairy product or nutritional formula.