Modified Krill Oil Composition for Brain and Retinal LPC Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil and algal oil, fail to effectively enrich brain DHA and EPA due to the inability to provide lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA) forms, which are required for efficient brain and retinal uptake, leading to ineffective treatment of neurological and ocular disorders.
Innovation Solution
Pre-treating krill oil with a sn-1 specific lipase to generate LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA, allowing for enhanced brain and retinal enrichment of DHA and EPA, thereby developing a modified krill oil composition for improved neurological and ocular health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional omega-3 supplements (fish oil, algal oil) are administered, then omega-3 fatty acids are provided, but brain DHA and EPA enrichment fails due to inability to provide LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA forms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form parameter of omega-3 fatty acids from conventional forms (triglycerides, free fatty acids) to lysophosphatidylcholine forms (LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA). This parameter change enables the fatty acids to be recognized and transported by the BBB transporter, thereby achieving effective brain enrichment that conventional supplements fail to provide.
2Quantity of substance
If krill oil is pre-treated with sn-1 specific lipase, then LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA are generated for enhanced brain and retinal enrichment, but additional processing step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating krill oil with sn-1 specific lipase to generate LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA before administration. This preliminary conversion ensures that the omega-3 fatty acids are in the correct LPC form required for efficient BBB and retinal uptake, thereby enhancing enrichment effectiveness before the supplements reach the target tissues.
3Quantity of substance
If DHA is provided in LPC form, then brain DHA increases by up to 100%, but conventional supplements providing free DHA show no effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form parameter of DHA from free fatty acid form to lysophosphatidylcholine form. This parameter change is critical because the BBB transporter specifically recognizes and transports LPC-DHA, whereas free DHA cannot cross the blood-brain barrier effectively, explaining the 100% difference in brain enrichment efficacy.
4Quantity of substance
If EPA is provided in conventional forms, then supplements rich in EPA are administered, but brain EPA content does not increase significantly due to rapid oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LPC-EPA as an intermediary form that protects EPA from rapid oxidation in the brain. The lysophosphatidylcholine structure serves as a protective carrier that delivers EPA across the BBB and into brain tissue while preventing oxidative degradation, thereby enabling significant and stable brain EPA enrichment that conventional EPA supplements cannot achieve.
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 modified krill oil composition significantly increases brain DHA and EPA levels, providing therapeutic benefits for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and retinal disorders such as dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Implementation Method 1
Pre-treating krill oil with a sn-1 specific lipase to generate LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides compositions comprising phosphatidylcholine derived compounds carrying an omega-3 fatty acid for use in prophylaxis or therapy, particularly when administered systemically. This invention further relates to a modified krill oil composition enriched in LPC-DHA and LPC-EPA, methods of making and methods of using to treat neurological and ocular disorders.