Nanoparticle Encapsulation of Nicotinamide Riboside for Enhanced Bioavailability
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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 the production of particles that are too large, affecting mouthfeel and limiting the encapsulation of water-soluble and water-miscible ingredients, with many methods using non-GRA (Generally Recognized as Safe) encapsulants.
Innovation Solution
Development of an aqueous suspension comprising nanoparticles that encapsulate active ingredients, with a Z-average diameter between 50 to 950 nanometers, using a double-layered particle dispersion in water with a majority water or lipophilic media phase, and employing surfactants and lecithin to stabilize and solubilize the ingredients, thereby increasing the half-life and bioavailability of hydrophilic active ingredients like Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional encapsulation methods are used, then encapsulation of active ingredients is achieved, but particle size becomes too large affecting mouthfeel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size to fall within the specific range of 50-950 nanometers, with optimal ranges of 50-200 nm or 200-950 nm. This precise parameter control transforms the particle dimensions to a scale that is imperceptible to consumers, thereby maintaining mouthfeel while achieving effective encapsulation delivery
2Reliability
If encapsulation is implemented, then delivery of active ingredients is improved, but shelf-life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining hydrophilic active ingredients with amphiphilic carrier molecules that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. This composite structure creates stable nanoscale particles where the amphiphilic nature of the carrier provides both solubility enhancement for improved delivery and structural stability for extended shelf-life
3Quantity of substance
If encapsulation of water-soluble ingredients is attempted, then solubility is improved, but encapsulation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses amphiphilic molecules as intermediary carriers that bridge the hydrophilic active ingredient and the aqueous environment. These intermediary carriers with dual hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains enable efficient encapsulation of water-soluble ingredients while maintaining their solubility benefits, resolving the contradiction between solubility improvement and encapsulation efficiency
4Ease of manufacture
If cost-effective encapsulation is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety or effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs readily available amphiphilic molecules and common hydrophilic active ingredients that can be obtained at reasonable costs. The encapsulation process uses straightforward techniques that do not require expensive equipment or complex procedures, achieving cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining safety and effectiveness through the proven biocompatibility of the materials used
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 the production of stable, cost-compatible small particles that maintain mouthfeel, enhance the bioavailability, and prolong the shelf-life of encapsulated ingredients without altering the quality of the host material, while ensuring safety and effective delivery of active ingredients.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more nanoparticles solubilize the second plurality of active ingredients in the aqueous suspension
Implementation Method 2
employing surfactants and lecithin to stabilize and solubilize the ingredients
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a composition including a dispersion medium including: an aqueous solution and a dispersed phase including a population of particles, each particle including an active ingredient.