Plasmalogen Stabilization via Cyclodextrin Inclusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plasmalogens have poor stability due to their high reactivity with active oxygen and radicals, making it difficult to store them stably for a long period.

Innovation Solution

A plasmalogen-containing composition is developed by adding a pH alkali adjusting agent and γ-cyclodextrin, which maintains a pH of 6 to 8, resulting in a stable solid or suspension composition that can be dried into a powder for long-term storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If plasmalogen is stored pure, then concentration is high, but stability deteriorates due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasmalogen concentrationVSAvoidplasmalogen stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces γ-cyclodextrin as an intermediary substance that forms an inclusion complex with plasmalogen. This complex protects the vinyl ether bond of plasmalogen from oxidation by active oxygen and radicals, thereby maintaining plasmalogen stability while preserving its concentration. The cyclodextrin acts as a protective mediator between plasmalogen and oxidizing agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system consisting of plasmalogen and γ-cyclodextrin in specific ratios (plasmalogen 0.1-10 mass%, cyclodextrin 40-95 mass%). This composite structure leverages the protective properties of cyclodextrin to stabilize the unstable plasmalogen component, achieving both high concentration and improved stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If plasmalogen is purified, then purity is high, but viscosity increases making handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasmalogen purityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

γ-Cyclodextrin serves as a mediating substance that forms an inclusion complex with plasmalogen molecules. This complex has lower viscosity than pure plasmalogen, making the mixture easier to handle while maintaining plasmalogen purity. The cyclodextrin acts as a diluting and lubricating agent within the complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If plasmalogen is stored long-term, then storage duration increases, but stability deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidplasmalogen stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protection by forming the plasmalogen-cyclodextrin inclusion complex before storage begins. This pre-formed complex provides continuous protection against oxidation throughout the storage period, preventing degradation before it can occur. The cyclodextrin structure is prepared in advance to continuously shield plasmalogen from oxidizing agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

γ-Cyclodextrin acts as a persistent intermediary protective substance that remains active throughout long-term storage. It continuously intercepts active oxygen and radicals before they can attack plasmalogen, maintaining stability over extended periods. The intermediary role of cyclodextrin is sustained throughout the entire storage duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively stabilizes plasmalogen, reducing handling difficulties associated with high viscosity and extending storage duration while maintaining high stability.

Implementation Method 1

The structure specific to plasmalogens, i.e., the vinyl ether bond, is highly reactive with active oxygen and radicals, compared to other glycerophospholipids, and plasmalogens are actually easily oxidized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation:

Implementation Method 2

adding a pH alkali adjusting agent and γ-cyclodextrin to plasmalogen, followed by drying, can give a solid composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS20210186995A1Plasmalogen-containing composition
Publication Date: 2021.06.24 MARUDAI FOOD
  • US20210186995A1 patent drawing
  • US20210186995A1 patent drawing
  • US20210186995A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention provides a technique that is capable of stably storing plasmalogen for a long period of time. More specifically, the invention provides a plasmalogen-containing solid composition comprising plasmalogen, γ-cyclodextrin, and a pH alkali adjusting agent, and having a pH of 6 to 8 when formed into a 1 mass % aqueous suspension.