Probiotic Microparticles with Denatured Protein Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods face challenges in maintaining the viability of probiotics during production and consumption due to sensitivity to temperature, oxygen, water, and shear forces, leading to reduced efficacy and unpleasant flavors in nutritional supplements and food products.

Innovation Solution

A microparticle precursor composition comprising a probiotic, a cross-linkable reagent, denatured protein, polyol plasticizer, trehalose, and a carrier is used to create a protective matrix that enhances probiotic viability and masks objectionable flavors, with a method involving blending these components and a hydrophobic active to form microparticles that are stable and effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If probiotics are incorporated into nutritional supplements or foodstuffs, then the beneficial effects of probiotics are provided, but the probiotic viability is reduced due to sensitivity to temperature, oxygen, water, and shear forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic viabilityVSAvoidexposure to temperature, oxygen, water, and shear forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a wall material comprising denatured protein that forms a protective shell around the probiotic microorganisms. This shell limits exposure to external degrading factors including temperature, oxygen, water, and shear forces, thereby maintaining probiotic viability during processing and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite wall material consisting of denatured protein combined with cross-linkable reagents. This composite structure provides enhanced protective properties compared to single materials, creating a more effective barrier against environmental stressors while maintaining probiotic viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If probiotics are encapsulated in microparticles, then protection from degradation is provided, but the encapsulation material is porous allowing probiotic leakage and flavor emanation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic protectionVSAvoidprobiotic leakage and flavor emanation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The denatured protein wall material forms a continuous, less porous shell structure that reduces probiotic leakage and flavor emanation while still providing protection. The shell is designed to be sufficiently intact to prevent probiotic escape but permeable enough to allow controlled release under specific conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If probiotics are blended with other actives during production, then products with added beneficial activity are produced, but shear forces from high-speed blending disrupt probiotic cells and compromise viability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct functionalityVSAvoidprobiotic viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by denaturing the protein and forming the protective wall structure around the probiotic before the probiotic is exposed to high-shear blending processes. This pre-formed protection allows subsequent blending with other actives without compromising probiotic viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If probiotics are incorporated into food products, then beneficial effects are provided, but probiotics can have unpleasant flavors that are perceived by the consumer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobiotic beneficial effectsVSAvoidunpleasant probiotic flavor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The denatured protein wall material acts as a barrier that masks the unpleasant flavor of the probiotic, preventing it from reaching the consumer's palate. The shell allows the probiotic to remain intact and functional while hiding its undesirable sensory characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides stable, viable probiotics and masked flavors, ensuring the beneficial effects of probiotics are maintained and enhancing their survival during storage and consumption, while also incorporating hydrophobic actives effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a cross-linkable reagent, a denatured protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a polyol plasticiser and trehalose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticization:

Implementation Method 3

trehalose and a carrier is used to create a protective matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Data Source

PatentEP2925300B3Microparticles comprising a probiotic, cross-linkable reagent, a denatured protein, polyol plasticiser and trehalose

Publication Date: 2020.11.04 PROGEL

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AI summary

The present invention relates to microparticles, methods of producing microparticles and microparticle precursor compositions. In particular, it relates to microparticles comprising a protective matrix and a protective matrix precursor composition comprising a blend of a denatured protein, a polyol plasticizer, trehalose and a carrier.