Nanoemulsifying Composition for Vitamin Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanoemulsions used for delivering vitamins such as Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, and Vitamin B12 are not chemically and/or physically stable, tend to cloud or change dimensions over time, and are prone to oxidation, leading to browning and unpleasant taste.

Innovation Solution

A nanoemulsifying composition comprising an oil phase with polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester and medium-chain triglyceride, and an aqueous phase with modified alkyl carboxylate starch and water, without ascorbic acid or ascorbyl-conjugated fatty acids, which ensures stability, transparency, and absence of organoleptic changes over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional nanoemulsions are used for vitamin delivery, then bioavailability is improved, but chemical and physical stability deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoidchemical and physical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the emulsion system by selecting specific emulsifiers (polysorbate 80, sodium stearoyl lactylate) and antioxidants (tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate) with defined HLB values and oxidation resistance properties. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving both high bioavailability and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite emulsion system combining multiple emulsifiers and antioxidants working synergistically. The combination of polysorbate 80 (nonionic emulsifier) with sodium stearoyl lactylate (anionic emulsifier) and multiple antioxidants creates a stable nanoemulsion that maintains both bioavailability and compositional stability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional nanoemulsions are used for vitamin delivery, then absorption is enhanced, but physical stability deteriorates with clouding and dimensional changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveabsorptionVSAvoidphysical stability, transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) parameters of the emulsion system by selecting emulsifiers with specific HLB values. Polysorbate 80 (HLB 4.3) and sodium stearoyl lactylate work together to maintain optimal interfacial tension, preventing droplet coalescence and maintaining consistent nanoemulsion dimensions and transparency over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional nanoemulsions are used for vitamin delivery, then bioaccessibility is improved, but oxidation resistance deteriorates leading to browning and taste changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioaccessibilityVSAvoidoxidation, browning, taste degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of oxidation into a benefit by using antioxidants (tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate) that prevent oxidative degradation. These antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent the oxidation of vitamin components, thereby eliminating browning and taste degradation while maintaining the bioaccessibility benefits of nanoemulsion delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a chemically inert environment within the nanoemulsion by incorporating antioxidants that prevent oxidative reactions. The antioxidant system (tocopherol, ascorbyl palmitate) acts as a protective atmosphere, preventing oxygen from attacking the vitamin components and thus preventing browning and taste changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 achieves long-term chemical and physical stability, remains transparent, and prevents browning or oxidation, making it suitable for industrial processes and use in both pharmaceutical and food industries.

Implementation Method 1

A nanoemulsifying composition (or nanoemulsion) comprising an oil phase containing at least one polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, a medium-chain triglyceride, an aqueous phase containing a modified alkyl carboxylate starch, water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

an oil phase containing at least one polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

The composition achieves long-term chemical and physical stability, remains transparent, and prevents browning or oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation prevention: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4516296A1Nanoemulsifying composition carrying at least one vitamin active ingredient
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 LAB DELLA FARMACIA SPA
  • EP4516296A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4516296A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4516296A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a nanoemulsifying composition comprising a carrier comprising or consisting of i) an oil phase containing at least one polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, a medium chain triglyceride; ii) an aqueous phase containing a modified alkyl carboxylate starch, water; an active ingredient, dissolved or dispersed in the aqueous phase and/or in the oil phase, said active ingredient consisting of a vitamin selected from the group consisting of Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Vitamin B12, and mixtures thereof.