Pectin-Shell Soft Gummy for Stable Liquid API Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medications, such as tablets and syrups, pose challenges in swallowing, dosing accuracy, and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to moisture and chemical interactions, leading to reduced efficacy and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A soft gummy with a pectin-based outer shell encapsulating a high-moisture inner liquid, providing a stable, easy-to-use dosage form that disintegrates in the mouth, allowing immediate relief and controlled release of APIs, even for incompatible ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tablets and capsules are used, then dosage control is improved, but swallowing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the dosage form from solid (tablets/capsules) to a soft, chewable gummy form that can be easily manipulated and consumed without swallowing difficulties, while maintaining precise dosage control through controlled release mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The dosage form is segmented into a matrix structure that releases the active ingredient gradually, allowing the medication to be divided into manageable portions that are easy to consume while maintaining dosage precision
2Ease of operation
If syrups are used, then swallowing ease is improved, but dosing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the liquid syrup into a semi-solid gummy form that is easier to handle and dose accurately, combining the swallowing ease of liquids with the dosing precision of solids through a controlled release matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical challenge of measuring and administering liquid syrups with a pre-dosed solid gummy form that requires no measurement, eliminating dosing errors while maintaining ease of administration
3Ease of manufacture
If gelatin-based gels are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but moisture resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite matrix system combining hydrophilic cellulose polymers with other materials to create a structure that is both easy to manufacture and resistant to moisture, preventing water migration that would destroy the gel structure
4Adaptability or versatility
If APIs are exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity, then production flexibility is improved, but API stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective measures in advance by formulating the API within a stable matrix system that cushions against environmental stresses such as temperature and humidity, preventing degradation before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the matrix system as an intermediary between the API and the external environment, protecting the sensitive API from direct exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity while allowing the formulation to be produced under various conditions
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 soft gummy offers easy administration, precise dosing, and enhanced stability of APIs, ensuring effective symptom relief without choking hazards or spilling, while maintaining chemical integrity and moisture resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an outer shell encapsulating an inner liquid
Implementation Method 2
the outer shell shows excellent chemical and physical properties. In particular, the outer shell forms a strong capsule which allows the storage of a relatively large amount of liquid with a high moisture content
Implementation Method 3
The effectiveness of these erodible hydrophilic matrix systems is due to a successive physic-chemical process of hydration of the cellulosic polymers
Implementation Method 4
designed to disintegrate in the oral cavity
Implementation Method 5
by providing a sweet and soothing layer to the throat thereby providing immediate relief to dry cough and/or sore throat
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a soft gummy for oral use, said soft gummy comprises an outer shell encapsulating an inner liquid, wherein said outer shell comprises 0.5-25 wt. % of a pectin relative to the weight of the outer shell and has a viscosity of 25-1000 Pa s measured at 20° C. and wherein said inner liquid has a moisture content of 5-99 wt. % as measured by ISO 760:1978 and a viscosity of 0.01-20 Pa s measured at 20° C.