Powdered Infant Formula Composition for HMO Segregation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial infant formula compositions suffer from undesired segregation of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) due to differences in particle size, leading to inconsistent nutrient distribution and potential spoilage concerns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating lipid globules with a volume-weighted mode diameter of at least 1 μm and/or at least 40 vol% of globules with a diameter of 2 to 12 μm, combined with HMOs, combined with HMOs, combined with a specific particle size distribution of milk formula particles, to prevent segregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If small lipid droplets (diameter below 1 μm) are used in nutritional composition, then the composition achieves stable and reproducible end products with proteins adhering to the surface, but undesired segregation of HMOs occurs leading to inconsistent nutrient distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the lipid droplet size parameter from below 1 μm to at least 1 μm (preferably 2-12 μm). This parameter change fundamentally alters the segregation behavior of the powder mixture, preventing HMOs from separating while maintaining manufacturing stability and reproducibility of the end product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where larger lipid globules (at least 1 μm diameter) are combined with HMOs and proteins. This composite structure leverages the size difference between components to prevent segregation, as the larger lipid globules act as a matrix that maintains uniform distribution of HMOs throughout the powder composition.
2Reliability
If HMOs are added to infant formula to resemble human breast milk and provide health effects, then nutritional value is improved, but powder segregation occurs due to particle size differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the lipid droplet size parameter to at least 1 μm, which creates a particle size hierarchy where lipid globules are larger than HMO particles. This parameter change eliminates segregation while preserving the nutritional quality and health benefits of HMO supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions around larger lipid globules where HMOs are trapped and retained. The larger lipid globules serve as local anchors that prevent HMO migration, ensuring uniform nutritional distribution throughout the powder while maintaining the health benefits of HMOs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lipid globules with larger diameter (at least 1 μm) are used, then segregation resistance is improved, but the industrial processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies processing by changing the lipid droplet size parameter to at least 1 μm, which naturally prevents segregation during storage and transport. This parameter change eliminates the need for complex anti-segregation additives or specialized packaging, thereby reducing overall processing complexity despite the larger globule size.
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 effectively reduces powder segregation, ensuring consistent nutrient distribution and improved product stability, enhancing consumer confidence and shelf-life.
Implementation Method 1
Small particles may move downwards through the mass falling into the spaces between larger particles in powder formula. At the same time, the larger particles move upwards in the so called 'Brazil Nut effect' as voids are created and then filled in with the smaller particles forcing the larger particles to move upwards.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a powdered nutritional composition comprising (i) milk formula particles comprising lipid, protein, digestible carbohydrates, and (ii) human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) particles, wherein the nutritional composition is selected from an infant, follow-on formula and growing up milk, wherein said nutritional composition is not human milk and wherein the lipid in the milk formula particles is in the form of lipid globules, anda. the lipid globules have a mode diameter based on volume of at least 1 μm, and/orb. at least 40 vol. % of the lipid globules have a diameter of 2 to 12 μmand wherein the HMO particles comprise at least 2′fucosyllactose (2′FL). The invention also relates to a process to prepare the composition and uses thereof.