Liquid-Filled Gummy Shell Segmentation for Nutrient Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current confectionery gels lack innovative textures, flavors, and delivery systems for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, with traditional gummy candies relying on gelatin and limited in incorporating multiple active ingredients without cross-contamination or stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A chewable composition with a liquid-filled center and a chewable shell containing a binding agent, flavoring, and sweetener, incorporating health-promoting ingredients, where the shell is made from organic sweeteners, pectin, and citric acid, and the filling includes active ingredients like vitamins and pharmaceuticals, allowing for controlled release and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gummy candies use gelatin base with single-phase formulation, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot incorporate multiple active ingredients without cross-contamination or stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The gummy product is divided into two distinct phases: a gelatin-based chewable shell and a liquid-filled center. This segmentation allows different active ingredients to be placed in separate phases, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining stability. The shell can contain one set of ingredients while the liquid center contains another, solving the problem of incorporating multiple active ingredients without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid filling acts as an intermediary carrier for active ingredients that may not be compatible with the gelatin matrix. By using the liquid phase as a mediator, the formulation can accommodate ingredients with different solubility and stability requirements, enhancing the overall adaptability of the product.
2Productivity
If gummy supplements are made with traditional gelatin and cooking process, then production efficiency is high, but texture innovation and consumer interest are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the gummy into shell and liquid center creates new textural dimensions that attract consumer interest. The contrast between the chewable gelatin shell and the liquid or semi-liquid center provides a novel sensory experience while maintaining compatibility with existing production lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the filling material, offering liquid, semi-liquid, or soft solid options within the gummy structure. This parameter change enables diverse texture and flavor profiles without fundamentally altering the gelatin-based manufacturing process, thus maintaining productivity while enabling innovation.
3Ease of operation
If liquid-filled gums are used to deliver active ingredients, then initial liquid burst provides strong taste, but the shell structure adds manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into shell and liquid center enables the liquid burst effect to be achieved while using a simplified two-step manufacturing process. The shell is formed first using traditional gummy production methods, then the liquid filling is introduced, creating a structured approach that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is prepared in advance using conventional gummy manufacturing techniques before the liquid filling is added. This preliminary action allows the use of existing production infrastructure while preparing the structure to receive the liquid active ingredient formulation.
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 composition provides a stable, palatable, and fun way to deliver multiple active ingredients, enhancing consumer experience with varied textures and flavors, while ensuring the stability and controlled release of nutrients, overcoming the limitations of single-phase gummies.
Implementation Method 1
the shell is made from organic sweeteners, pectin, and citric acid
Implementation Method 2
allowing for controlled release and stability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides liquid-filled chewable gummy compositions for the oral delivery of nutritional supplements and/or pharmaceuticals. The chewable composition includes a delivery vehicle and an active ingredient incorporated therein. The delivery vehicle may include an organic or non-organic gummy candy including a binding agent, sweetener, flavoring, and/or coloring. The active ingredient may include a predetermined amount of any combination of nutraceuticals, vitamins, minerals, pharmaceuticals, antioxidants, soluble and insoluble fiber, herbs, plants, probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, fatty acids, digestive enzymes, dietary supplements, or any other health promoting ingredient. The delivery vehicle may also include a predetermined amount of at least one nutritional supplement and/or pharmaceutical compound.