Lactoferrin Osteopontin Coacervate Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for incorporating lactoferrin into infant formula face challenges such as protein instability, increased viscosity, and the need for sterilization, which can denature the lactoferrin. Additionally, there is a desire to enhance the bioactivity and bioavailability of lactoferrin and osteopontin for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases, as well as promoting bone development and growth.
Innovation Solution
The development of a complex coacervate comprising lactoferrin and osteopontin, which is produced by mixing individual aqueous solutions of the proteins at a specific pH range (4 to 6) and protein mass ratio (2 to 8), allowing for their combined use in infant formula without the need for sterilization and with enhanced bioactivity and bioavailability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lactoferrin is added in wet mixing during infant formula production, then the protein can be incorporated into the formula, but the proteins undergo unfolding denaturation and refolding under the effect of temperature and pH, resulting in protein instability and increases in viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-complexing lactoferrin with osteopontin before incorporation into the infant formula. This pre-formation of protein complexes at controlled pH (4-6) prevents denaturation during subsequent wet mixing and thermal processing, as the complexes are already stabilized before entering the formula production process
Solution Approach 2:
Osteopontin serves as an intermediary protein that mediates the interaction between lactoferrin and the formula components. The osteopontin-lactoferrin complex acts as a stable intermediate structure that resists denaturation and viscosity increase during wet mixing, allowing lactoferrin to be incorporated without compromising protein stability
2Reliability
If lactoferrin is added in solid form by dry-mixing after the base powder is produced, then the required level of sterility can be achieved, but the process is challenging because lactoferrin added in solid form needs to be sterile, requiring sterilization techniques that may lead to denaturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the osteopontin-lactoferrin complex before sterilization. The complexes are formed in aqueous solution at controlled pH, then the entire formulation undergoes sterilization as a unified structure. This prevents the need for separate sterilization of lactoferrin powder, avoiding thermal denaturation while ensuring sterility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sterilization step with the complex formation process. Instead of sterilizing lactoferrin separately (which causes denaturation), the complex is formed first and then sterilized together with other formula components. This combined approach ensures both sterility and protein stability
3Reliability
If membrane filtration is used for sterilization of lactoferrin, then sterility can be achieved without high heat, but the equipment and process become costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sterilization step with the complex formation process. The osteopontin-lactoferrin complexes are formed in aqueous solution and then sterilized together with other formula components using standard sterilization methods. This eliminates the need for separate membrane filtration equipment and complex sterile lactoferrin handling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the complex structure itself to provide protection during sterilization. The osteopontin-lactoferrin complex acts as a protective unit that maintains protein stability and functionality through the sterilization process, eliminating the need for specialized protective measures or equipment
4Reliability
If aseptic dosing equipment is used for addition of sterile lactoferrin in the final product, then sterility is maintained, but the equipment requires specific and precise controls increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the osteopontin-lactoferrin complex before the final formulation and sterilization steps. This pre-formation eliminates the need for aseptic dosing equipment, as the complexes are already formed and stabilized before the final product assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining sterility
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 complex coacervate effectively stabilizes lactoferrin, maintaining its bioactivity and bioavailability, and allows for its efficient incorporation into infant formula, enhancing its therapeutic and nutritional benefits for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases and promoting bone development and growth.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a complex coacervate comprising lactoferrin and osteopontin
Implementation Method 2
Lactoferrin (LF) is known to bind to anionic proteins in form of soluble complexes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a complex coacervate comprising lactoferrin and osteopontin, processes of producing the same and composition comprising the same. Moreover, the present invention relates to complexes comprising lactoferrin and osteopontin in the treatment and/or prevention of metabolic diseases and/or inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the present invention relates to complexes comprising lactoferrin and osteopontin for promoting bone development, growth, strength and/or healing, or preventing and/or treating a bone disease.