Homotriglyceride MCT-C8 C10 Composition for Ketone Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compositions of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) do not effectively provide a sufficient proportion of ketones and C10 fatty acids to address brain energy deficiency conditions and neurological disorders, as they often result in lower concentrations when MCTs are present as heterotriglycerides rather than homotriglycerides.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising homotriglycerides, specifically MCT-C8 and MCT-C10, where the ratio of MCT-C8 to MCT-C10 ranges from 10:90 to 90:10 (mol/mol), with at least 50 mol% being MCT-C8 and MCT-C10, to enhance the production and availability of ketones and C10 fatty acids in bodily fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If MCTs are present as heterotriglycerides in current compositions, then the composition structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the proportion of ketones and C10 fatty acids in bodily fluids is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproportion of ketones and C10 fatty acidsVSAvoidMCT composition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MCT composition into specific homotriglyceride types (MCT-C8 and MCT-C10) rather than using mixed heterotriglycerides. This segmentation allows for optimized metabolic pathways that produce higher proportions of ketones and C10 fatty acids, resolving the contradiction by prioritizing metabolic effectiveness over manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compositional parameter from heterotriglycerides to homotriglycerides with specific C8:C10 ratios (10:90 to 90:10). This parameter change fundamentally alters the metabolic outcome, increasing ketone and C10 fatty acid production while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through defined compositional specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If MCTs are present as heterotriglycerides, then the composition has broader fatty acid variety, but the effectiveness for brain energy deficiency conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness for brain energy deficiencyVSAvoidfatty acid composition variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifying particular homotriglyceride types (MCT-C8 and MCT-C10) with defined ratios, rather than using a broad mix of all possible MCT configurations. This localized compositional specification ensures optimal metabolic conversion to ketones and C10 fatty acids, improving reliability for brain energy deficiency while maintaining sufficient versatility through adjustable ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compositional parameter from diverse heterotriglycerides to specific homotriglycerides, improving metabolic reliability. The adjustable C8:C10 ratio range (10:90 to 90:10) preserves adaptability, allowing optimization based on specific medical needs while ensuring effective ketone and C10 fatty acid production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 homotriglycerides MCT-C8 and MCT-C10 in a specific ratio significantly increases the proportion of ketones and C10 fatty acids in bodily fluids, providing a more effective alternative energy source for brain energy deficiency conditions and neurological disorders compared to compositions with a higher proportion of heterotriglycerides.

Implementation Method 1

MCTs can passively diffuse from the gastrointestinal tract to the portal system without requirement for modification like long-chain fatty acids or very-long-chain fatty acids. MCTs offer a readily available noncarbohydrate fuel source because they are rapidly absorbed and metabolized into medium-chain fatty acids and ketones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetabolism: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

MCTs can passively diffuse from the gastrointestinal tract to the portal system without requirement for modification like long-chain fatty acids or very-long-chain fatty acids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPassive diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

Ketones are actively transported to the brain by, for example, monocarboxylic transporter 1 (MCT1) where they are mainly metabolised by neurones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActive transport:

Implementation Method 4

After ingestion of MCTs, the esterified fatty acids are cleaved from the MCT by lipases, such as pancreatic and gastrointestinal lipases and the released medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) are transported as free fatty acids via the portal vein to the liver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12251367B2Medium chain triglyceride compositions

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

A composition comprising medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) wherein the composition comprises (i) a MCT comprising three fatty acid moieties each with 8 carbon atoms (MCT-C8) and (ii) a MCT comprising three fatty acid moieties each with 10 carbon atoms (MCT-C10); wherein the ratio of MCT-C8 to MCT-C10 is from 10:90 to 90:10 (mol/mol) and wherein the combined amount of MCT-C8 and MCT-C10 make up at least 50 mol % of the MCTs in the composition.