Poly(beta-amino ester) Microparticles for Micronutrient Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency, remain prevalent in Low and Middle Income Countries due to instability of micronutrients during storage and cooking, leading to degradation and reduced bioavailability.

Innovation Solution

Development of biodegradable, natural product-based polymers to create microparticles that encapsulate micronutrients, providing protection against heat, moisture, and oxidation, and ensuring efficient release in the digestive system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If micronutrients are added to food products for fortification, then nutritional value is improved, but stability during storage and cooking deteriorates due to degradation from heat, moisture, and oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicronutrient contentVSAvoidmicronutrient stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The micronutrient delivery system is segmented into discrete microparticles, each encapsulating individual micronutrient units. This segmentation protects the micronutrients from environmental degradation while maintaining their biological activity, resolving the contradiction between maintaining micronutrient content and ensuring stability during storage and cooking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A polymer intermediary material is introduced between the micronutrients and the external environment (heat, moisture, oxidation). This intermediary polymer matrix protects the micronutrients from degradation factors while allowing controlled release, thereby maintaining both micronutrient stability and nutritional value

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If encapsulated Vitamin A is used in fortified foods, then Vitamin A delivery is improved, but significant overages are required to ensure active Vitamin A at the point of consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive Vitamin A at consumptionVSAvoidVitamin A degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer encapsulation provides beforehand protection (cushioning) against Vitamin A degradation from heat, moisture, and oxidation during storage and cooking. This prior protection reduces the need for overages, as the Vitamin A is shielded from degradation factors before they can cause damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer matrix creates an inert protective environment around the Vitamin A, isolating it from reactive oxygen and moisture that cause degradation. This inert barrier reduces Vitamin A loss during storage and cooking, ensuring higher active Vitamin A content at consumption without requiring excessive overages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If basic methacrylate copolymer (BMC) is used to microencapsulate micronutrients, then stability during storage and cooking is improved, but regulatory barriers arise due to proposed ban on microplastics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicronutrient stabilityVSAvoidregulatory acceptance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer material parameters are changed from synthetic BMC to biodegradable natural product-based polymers. This parameter change maintains the protective encapsulation function while improving regulatory acceptance and reducing environmental concerns associated with microplastic bans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material approaches with biodegradable polymer blends that combine the protective properties of encapsulation materials with environmentally benign characteristics. This allows maintaining micronutrient stability while achieving regulatory compliance through natural, degradable materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 microparticles effectively maintain micronutrient integrity during storage and cooking, ensuring high bioavailability and addressing the challenges of micronutrient stability and delivery.

Implementation Method 1

Microparticles (MPs) encapsulating micronutrients can serve as a protective layer between the outer environment and the unstable cargo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

Microencapsulation may also ensure efficient dissociation between the delivery platform and the protected micronutrients in the digestive system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissociation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250144032A1Poly(beta-amino ester) microparticles for micronutrient fortification

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH

AI summary

Provided herein are compounds, such as compounds of Formulae (I) and (III), and compositions, methods, uses, and kits thereof. The compounds provided herein are poly(β-amino esters) useful for delivery of agents, such as vitamins and minerals, for the treatment and/or prevention of various diseases and conditions (e.g., micronutrient deficiency).