Infant Formula Peptide Distribution Matching Human Milk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infant formulas do not accurately mimic the changing protein molecular weight distribution of human breast milk throughout lactation, leading to diminished nutrition for formula-fed infants compared to breast-fed infants.

Innovation Solution

Development of nutritional compositions with protein sources that include beta-casein enriched casein hydrolysates and peptides produced using trypsin or chymotrypsin enzymes, tailored to specific age stages to match the molecular weight distribution of human milk at different lactation periods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional infant formulas use standard protein sources, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the protein molecular weight distribution does not match human breast milk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein molecular weight distributionVSAvoidprotein processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protein source into multiple molecular weight fractions (intact protein, hydrolyzed protein, and specific peptide ranges) to replicate the complex molecular weight distribution of human breast milk. This segmentation allows precise control over the protein profile while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through enzymatic hydrolysis processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight distribution of protein sources through enzymatic treatment. By adjusting hydrolysis conditions and selecting specific enzyme treatments, the formulation achieves a protein molecular weight profile that mimics human breast milk while using standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If infant formulas use a single protein source throughout the first year, then formulation is simple, but it does not account for changing pediatric nutritional needs at different age stages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to age-specific nutritional needsVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic formulation strategy where the protein molecular weight distribution is adjusted according to the infant's age. Newborn formulas contain specific peptide ranges (500-2000 Da) that are modified in follow-up formulas as the infant grows, reflecting the changing nutritional needs and digestive capabilities at different developmental stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the first year of infancy into distinct stages (newborn, infant, and follow-up phases) with tailored protein profiles for each stage. This segmentation allows the formulation to adapt to developmental changes while maintaining a systematic approach to product development and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If extensive protein hydrolysis is used to match human milk peptides, then bioactivity is improved, but manufacturing precision and control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebioactive peptide presenceVSAvoidhydrolysis control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs partial hydrolysis rather than complete hydrolysis to generate the desired peptide profile. By controlling the hydrolysis degree to produce specific molecular weight ranges (particularly 500-2000 Da peptides) without complete breakdown, the formulation achieves bioactivity while maintaining manufacturing control and avoiding excessive complexity in process monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Provides a nutritionally balanced and bioactive peptide profile that closely mimics human breast milk, promoting healthy development and growth in infants by matching the changing protein requirements throughout the first year of life.

Implementation Method 1

protein hydrolysates produced using trypsin or chymotrypsin enzymes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

hydrolysate produced by a process utilizing certain trypsin or chymotrypsin enzymes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentUS11647778B2Nutritional compositions containing milk-derived peptides and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 JOHNSON MEAD NUTRITION CO

AI summary

Provided are nutritional compositions having a protein component that includes certain peptides and/or bioactive peptides. Further disclosed are nutritional composition having a protein source that includes intact protein, beta-casein enriched casein hydrolysate, and/or peptides weighing from about 500 Da to about 1,999 Da. The nutritional compositions disclosed are suitable for administration to pediatric subjects, such as infants.