Liposomal Nutrient Delivery with Polymer Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dietary supplement compositions have low bioavailability due to rapid absorption and short circulation time in the bloodstream, leading to inefficient nutrient delivery and absorption in humans and animals.
Innovation Solution
Development of dietary supplement compositions incorporating active nutrients within liposomal vesicles coated with polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG), biopolymers from fenugreek seeds, or chitosan, which are surrounded by a free-flowing coating material, enhancing their circulation time and bioavailability when ingested.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dietary supplements are ingested in conventional forms (pills, liquid, powder), then they are easily absorbed and quickly enter the bloodstream, but they are rapidly eliminated by phagocytes resulting in short circulation time and low bioavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the active ingredient is first encapsulated within a liposomal vesicle, which is then coated with a polymer layer. This multi-layer nesting protects the nutrient from phagocyte detection and degradation, extending circulation time while maintaining bioavailability. The inner liposome contains the active ingredient, the middle layer provides structural stability, and the outer polymer coating prevents immune system recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials combining phospholipids (for liposome formation), polymers (for coating and protection), and active ingredients. This composite structure creates a delivery system that mimics natural cell membranes while providing enhanced protection and controlled release properties, solving the contradiction between rapid absorption and short circulation time.
2Quantity of substance
If mega-doses of vitamins are administered to compensate for low absorption, then the stated dose on label is higher, but the actual absorbed amount remains at conventional dose levels
Solution Approach 1:
The liposomal vesicle and polymer coating act as intermediaries that facilitate the transport of active ingredients through the digestive system and into the bloodstream. This intermediary delivery system protects the nutrients from degradation and prevents phagocyte attack, ensuring that the stated dose on the label is actually absorbed and utilized by the body.
3Speed
If nutrients are released immediately in the bloodstream after ingestion, then rapid absorption occurs, but the nutrients are not sustained for extended time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through controlled release mechanisms where the polymer-coated liposomes release active ingredients at controlled intervals. The structure allows for initial rapid release followed by sustained periodic release over extended periods, maintaining nutrient levels in the bloodstream without requiring frequent dosing.
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 use of liposomal vesicles with polymer coatings prolongs the circulation of nutrients in the bloodstream, increasing bioavailability and sustained release of active ingredients, such as vitamins and minerals, over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
active ingredients are incorporated in liposomal vesicles
Implementation Method 2
liposomal vesicles which may be coated and/or surrounded by a polymer, including biopolymers, for prolonging circulatory time of dietary supplemental compositions in bloodstream
Implementation Method 3
The dispersion is filtered using a tangential flow technique, which washes out outer periphery of liposomal vesicles so as to remove inactive ingredients contained outside the liposomal vesicles without washing out the coating material surrounding the liposomal vesicles
Data Source
AI summary
A dietary supplement composition having a dispersion including a plurality of liposomal vesicles, includes an active ingredient, phospholipid contained in the liposomal vesicles, and a coating material. The active ingredient is incorporated within the liposomal vesicles having a barrier coating of the coating material including one of a biopolymer, polyethylene glycol, chitosan and a combination thereof. The coating material is free flowing in the dispersion such that the liposomal vesicles are surrounded by the coating material without being attached to the liposomal vesicles and without forming part of the liposomal vesicles and without affecting weight of the liposomal vesicles. The dispersion is filtered using a tangential flow technique, which washes out outer periphery of liposomal vesicles for removing inactive ingredients contained outside the liposomal vesicles without washing out the coating material surrounding the liposomal vesicles. The dietary supplement composition may be incorporated in gummies, chocolates, atomizers or powders.