Nano-crystallized Herbal Package with Anti-caking Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of preparing herbal decoctions are time-consuming and inefficient, with poor solubility of herbal ingredients limiting the convenience and effectiveness of herbal decoction capsules, and existing nano-crystallization methods do not provide a means for efficient extraction like single-serve coffee capsules.
Innovation Solution
A package containing nano-crystallized herbal ingredients, non-additive anti-caking spacers, and optional stabilizing agents, designed for use in a food processor to rapidly brew herbal decoctions, with the herbal ingredients having an average particle size of ≤1,000 nm and spacers of 0.5 to 5 mm, facilitating quick dissolution and preserving herb-herb interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional herbal ingredients are used for decoction preparation, then the health benefits and herb-herb interactions are preserved, but the preparation time is extremely long (about an hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the herbal ingredients into individual nano-crystalline particles, breaking down the traditional bulk herbal material into ultra-fine particles with size of 1-100 nanometers. This segmentation dramatically increases the surface area to volume ratio, enabling rapid dissolution and extraction while preserving the active constituents and their interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of particle size from traditional coarse or ground herbal material to nano-scale crystalline particles. This parameter change transforms the dissolution kinetics from hours to minutes, while the nano-crystalline structure maintains the chemical integrity and bioactivity of the herbal constituents.
2Ease of operation
If coarse or granule form herbal ingredients are used, then the preparation process is simpler, but the dissolution rate is slow and preparation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the herbal ingredients into nano-scale particles, creating a form that is even more refined than traditional granules. This ultra-fine segmentation enables the herbal ingredients to dissolve rapidly in water without requiring complex preparation procedures, achieving both simplicity and high dissolution rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system where nano-crystalline herbal particles are combined with water-soluble carriers or matrices. This composite approach enhances the dissolution rate while maintaining ease of operation, as the carrier system facilitates rapid dispersion and dissolution in aqueous environments.
3Stability of the object's composition
If herbal ingredients are poorly soluble or insoluble in water, then the formulation stability is improved, but the solubility and dissolution rate are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and surface properties of the herbal ingredients by converting them to nano-crystalline form. This parameter change in particle size and surface area dramatically enhances solubility and dissolution rate for poorly water-soluble compounds, while the controlled nano-crystallization process maintains formulation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water-soluble carriers, surfactants, or cyclodextrins as intermediary substances that facilitate the dissolution of poorly soluble herbal constituents. These intermediaries form inclusion complexes or micellar structures with the hydrophobic herbal compounds, enabling their solubilization in aqueous environments while maintaining formulation stability.
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
Enables the rapid preparation of herbal decoctions with enhanced solubility and preservation of herb-herb interactions, reducing preparation time to minutes while maintaining the health benefits of traditional decoctions.
Implementation Method 1
Nanocrystals, a carrier-free colloidal delivery system in nano-sized range, is a decent approach to solve these difficulties by reducing the ingredient's particle size, thus enhancing the dissolution rate and the solubility as well
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a nano-crystallized herbal ingredient-containing package for use in a food processor or being used directly to prepare a herbal decoction. The package includes a housing; single or multiple herbal ingredient nano-crystals; one or more non-additive and anti-caking spacers for preventing caking that blocks solvent flowing through the package towards the single or multiple herbal ingredient nano-crystals during processing by the food processor; and optionally one or more stabilizing agents for stabilizing the single or multiple herbal ingredient nano-crystals during nano-crystallization of the herbal ingredients and during preparation of the herbal decoction. A method of preparing a herbal decoction from the package is also provided.