Nanoparticle Encapsulation for Stable Aqueous Suspensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encapsulation technologies in the food and beverage industry face challenges such as high costs, short shelf-life, and particles that are too large, leading to unpleasant mouthfeel and limited ability to encapsulate water-soluble and water-miscible ingredients effectively, while also requiring non-GRA (Generally Recognized as Safe) encapsulants.
Innovation Solution
Development of an aqueous suspension comprising nanoparticles that encapsulate insoluble active ingredients, with a Z-average diameter between 50 to 950 nanometers, capable of solubilizing these ingredients and maintaining their stability and bioavailability, while masking flavors and controlling release kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used, then encapsulation of active ingredients is achieved, but the particles are too large causing unpleasant mouthfeel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size parameter of encapsulated particles from conventional large sizes to nanoscale dimensions (50-950 nm Z-average diameter). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making particles small enough to avoid unpleasant mouthfeel while maintaining encapsulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a core-shell structure where the nanoparticle core provides encapsulation while the surface properties are optimized for solubility and stability. This allows different regions of the particle to serve different functions: the core holds the active ingredient while the surface interacts favorably with the aqueous environment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used, then encapsulation is achieved, but shelf-life is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining nanoparticles with specific surface properties that provide both encapsulation and stabilization functions. The composite structure of core-shell nanoparticles with optimized surface chemistry prevents degradation and extends shelf-life while maintaining reliability of the encapsulated active ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The nanoparticle surface acts as an intermediary between the active ingredient and the aqueous environment, preventing direct interaction that could lead to degradation. This intermediary layer provides steric and electrostatic stabilization, extending shelf-life while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the encapsulated material.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used, then encapsulation is achieved, but water-soluble and water-miscible ingredients cannot be effectively encapsulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing nanoparticles with surface properties that enable them to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic active ingredients. The multifunctional nanoparticle system can accommodate water-insoluble, water-soluble, and water-miscible ingredients through appropriate surface modification, greatly expanding encapsulation versatility without compromising the quantity or concentration of active ingredients.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used, then encapsulation is achieved, but high costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective nanoparticle materials that can be synthesized through scalable methods. By using economically viable materials and production approaches, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliability and stability of encapsulation through optimized nanoparticle design and surface properties.
5Reliability
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used, then encapsulation is achieved, but non-GRA encapsulants are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter of encapsulants from conventional non-GRAS materials to GRAS-approved substances. By selecting nanoparticle materials and surface coatings that are Generally Recognized as Safe, the patent improves the safety and availability of encapsulants while maintaining effective encapsulation performance through optimized nanoparticle design.
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 solution enables cost-compatible, stable, and bioavailable encapsulation of various ingredients, masking flavors, controlling release, and extending shelf-life without affecting the quality or mouthfeel of the host material, using nanoparticles that solubilize and stabilize active ingredients within a specific size range.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more nanoparticles solubilize the second plurality of active ingredients in the aqueous suspension
Implementation Method 2
an aqueous suspension comprising: a first plurality of active ingredients, and one or more nanoparticles, wherein: the one or more nanoparticles encapsulate a second plurality of active ingredients
Implementation Method 3
maintaining their stability and bioavailability
Implementation Method 4
the one or more nanoparticles have a Z-average diameter between 50 to 950 nanometers
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a composition, including: an aqueous suspension, comprising: a first plurality of active ingredients, and one or more nanoparticles, wherein: the one or more nanoparticles encapsulate a second plurality of active ingredients; the second plurality of active ingredients are insoluble in the aqueous suspension; the one or more nanoparticles solubilize the second plurality of active ingredients in the aqueous suspension; and the one or more nanoparticles have a Z-average diameter between 50 to 950 nanometers.