Microcapsule Probiotic Preservation in a Two-Compartment Aqueous System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probiotic formulations in aqueous environments, such as gels, creams, and lotions, face challenges in maintaining microorganism stability due to the presence of water and incompatible preservatives, which can harm or activate the microorganisms prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A 2-compartment system is employed, with a first compartment containing microorganisms encapsulated in a water-insoluble and water-impermeable shell in a non-aqueous composition, and a second compartment with an aqueous organic acid solution at a pH of less than 7.0, free of buffering agents, to preserve the microorganisms during storage and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If probiotics are formulated in aqueous topical formulations (gels, creams, lotions), then patient acceptance and formulation stability are improved, but microorganism survival is worsened due to water content and incompatible preservatives
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation is divided into two separate compartments: an aqueous compartment containing organic acid preservatives and a non-aqueous compartment containing the microorganisms in a water-free medium. This segmentation allows each compartment to perform its function optimally without harmful interactions, resolving the contradiction between patient acceptance (aqueous formulation) and microorganism survival (water-free environment).
Solution Approach 2:
A water-insoluble and water-impermeable shell acts as an intermediary barrier between the aqueous preservative compartment and the non-aqueous microorganism compartment. This shell prevents direct contact between the microorganisms and both water and preservatives, enabling the coexistence of incompatible components in the same formulation.
2Reliability
If conventional preservatives are used in aqueous probiotic formulations, then protection against unwanted microorganisms is improved, but compatibility with beneficial microorganisms is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation separates preservatives and microorganisms into different compartments with different water contents. The aqueous compartment contains organic acid preservatives that effectively protect against unwanted microorganisms, while the non-aqueous compartment protects beneficial microorganisms from preservative damage, eliminating the need to choose between protection and compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the water content parameter of the microorganism compartment to be substantially water-free, which fundamentally alters the preservative compatibility. In this water-free environment, conventional organic acid preservatives do not exhibit their harmful effects, allowing their use in the aqueous compartment without compromising microorganism survival.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If microorganisms are stored in non-aqueous environment, then long-term stability is improved, but activation upon use is worsened due to lack of water
Solution Approach 1:
Upon use, the aqueous compartment and non-aqueous compartment are combined (merged), allowing water from the aqueous compartment to reach the microorganisms in the non-aqueous compartment. This merging enables activation of the microorganisms while maintaining their stability during separate storage, resolving the contradiction between storage stability and activation efficiency.
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
This system allows for long-term storage and effective activation of microorganisms without immediate harm, as the organic acids act as a slow-acting preservative, maintaining stability and viability upon exposure to water.
Implementation Method 1
microcapsules comprising a water-insoluble and water-impermeable shell
Implementation Method 2
a second compartment containing (or consisting of) an aqueous composition comprising one or more organic acids (having a pH of less than 7.0
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of preservation of microorganisms, and in particular provides a 2-compartment system comprising a first compartment comprising microcapsules with microorganisms in a non-aqueous composition in the core of said microcapsules, and a second aqueous organic acid-containing compartment. It further provides methods for preserving microorganisms, on the basis of such systems, as well as uses of such systems for preserving microorganisms.