Polyfarnesene Chewing Gum Base for Sustainable Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chewing gum bases derived from non-renewable petroleum resources are inconsistent and pose challenges in maintaining quality due to fluctuations in properties, necessitating a reliable alternative that is both sustainable and provides desirable texture and mouthfeel.
Innovation Solution
Development of chewing gum bases using polyfarnesene, a renewable polymer with a weight average molecular weight above 100,000 daltons, which replaces petroleum-based polymers and can be combined with other elastomers to create a consistent and consumer-acceptable gum base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum-based polymers are used to ensure consistent properties and desirable chew characteristics, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but dependence on non-renewable resources increases and supply disruption risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure and molecular weight parameters of the polymer to transform it from petroleum-based to bio-based. By controlling the molecular weight of polyfarnesene to be above 100,000 daltons and adjusting the ratio of farnesene to other elastomers, the invention achieves both renewable resource dependence and consistent polymer properties suitable for chewing gum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite gum base formulation combining polyfarnesene (bio-based elastomer) with other elastomers in specific ratios. This composite approach allows the bio-based material to contribute sustainability while the blend maintains the mechanical properties and consistency required for reliable chewing gum performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural polymers are used to replace petroleum-based materials, then renewable resource dependence is improved, but property consistency worsens due to seasonal fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a minimum molecular weight threshold (above 100,000 daltons) for polyfarnesene and controlling the ratio of farnesene to other elastomers. These parameter specifications ensure that the bio-based polymer maintains consistent properties across different batches and seasons, resolving the reliability issue while preserving renewable resource dependence.
3Manufacturing precision
If polyfarnesene with high molecular weight is used to achieve desired texture and mouthfeel, then product quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing approach by focusing on a single critical parameter - molecular weight above 100,000 daltons - rather than requiring complex multi-parameter optimization. This parameter-focused approach maintains high product quality while reducing the complexity of synthesis and formulation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A chewing gum base comprises food acceptable polyfarnesene wherein the polyfarnesene has a weight average molecular weight above 100,000 daltons. A chewing gum composition comprises about 5% to about 95% chewing gum base comprising food acceptable polyfarnesene wherein the polyfarnesene has a weight average molecular weight above 100,000 daltons; about 5% to about 95% bulking and sweetening agent; and about 0.1 to about 10% flavoring agent.