Oleogel Probiotic Delivery via Composite Hydrocolloid Encapsulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current probiotic delivery systems face challenges in maintaining viable probiotic bacteria during storage and survival through the digestive tract due to loss of cell viability and functionality, especially when exposed to gastric juices, limiting their health benefits to consumers.

Innovation Solution

The development of an oleogel composition comprising an oil, a wax, and an oleogelator, which encapsulates active ingredients such as probiotics, providing stability and protection against gastric juices, allowing for long-term storage and delivery of viable probiotic cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If freeze-drying or spray drying techniques are used to deliver probiotics, then probiotics can be incorporated into delivery systems, but cell viability is lost over time during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic deliveryVSAvoidcell viability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite encapsulation system consisting of an outer shell made from hydrocolloids (such as alginate, carrageenan, or pectin) and an inner core containing the probiotic cells suspended in a protective matrix. This composite structure provides both mechanical protection and a controlled microenvironment that maintains cell viability during storage and delivery, resolving the contradiction between reliable probiotic delivery and maintaining cell viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs flexible hydrocolloid shells that encapsulate probiotic cells, creating a protective barrier that is both mechanically resilient and biocompatible. These thin film encapsulations allow the probiotics to survive gastric juices while maintaining viability during storage, addressing the contradiction between delivery reliability and cell survival.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If probiotics are added directly to food products, then delivery is simplified, but probiotics cannot survive gastric juices and lose functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic incorporationVSAvoidgastric juice degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrocolloid encapsulation shells act as protective barriers that shield probiotic cells from gastric juices while allowing the simplified incorporation of probiotics into food products. The shells are designed to be mechanically flexible yet resistant to acid degradation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and protection from harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation shell serves as an intermediary between the probiotic cells and the harsh gastric environment, providing protection while allowing the probiotics to reach their target site intact. This mediator approach maintains both ease of manufacture and protection from gastric degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If current encapsulation techniques are used, then probiotics can be protected to some extent, but long-term stability and functionality are not maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic protectionVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite hydrocolloid systems with multiple layers or combinations of different hydrocolloids (e.g., alginate outer layer with pectin inner layer) that provide enhanced long-term stability. Each layer contributes specific properties such as acid resistance, mechanical strength, or moisture control, working together to maintain probiotic functionality during extended storage periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes parameters such as hydrocolloid concentration, crosslinking density, shell thickness, and composition ratios to achieve optimal long-term stability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the encapsulation system maintains probiotic viability and functionality throughout the intended storage period, resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and storage duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 oleogel system effectively maintains high viability of probiotic cells over extended periods, ensuring the delivery of health benefits by protecting them from degradation and maintaining functionality during storage and digestion.

Implementation Method 1

an oleogel comprising an oil, a wax, and an oleogelator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

An oleogel emulsion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20220287965A1Oleogels and methods relating thereto

Publication Date: 2022.09.15 NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to oleogels, particularly to oleogels that can be used for delivering active ingredients such as probiotics. Also described herein are methods for preparing and using such delivery systems.