Protein-Based Kibble Core with Probiotic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feed kibbles often contain a starch matrix that becomes gelatinized during extrusion, making them prone to instability and sensitivity to oxygen or moisture, which can affect the bioactivity of probiotic ingredients, and there is a need for improved kibble matrices and methods to assess probiotic bioactivity effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of animal feed kibbles with a protein-based core matrix greater than 70% vegetable protein, free of gelatinized starch, and coated with a probiotic-enriched layer to enhance stability and bioactivity, using specific extrusion processes and coating materials to maintain probiotic viability and bioactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a starch matrix is used in kibble formulation, then the extrusion process can be simplified and manufacturing cost reduced, but the kibble becomes prone to instability and sensitivity to oxygen or moisture which affects probiotic bioactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the starch matrix component from the kibble formulation, extracting the problematic element that caused instability and probiotic degradation, while retaining the essential extrusion manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system combining protein (40-80%), fat (10-30%), and carbohydrate (10-30%) components to create a stable kibble matrix that protects probiotics while maintaining manufacturability through extrusion
2Reliability
If probiotic ingredients are added to existing kibble, then health benefits for companion animals are improved, but the probiotics become sensitive to oxygen or moisture and lose bioactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the kibble matrix by eliminating starch and optimizing protein-fat-carbohydrate ratios, creating an environment with reduced oxygen and moisture that preserves probiotic bioactivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert microenvironment within the kibble structure through the protein-based matrix and coating system, protecting probiotics from harmful oxygen and moisture exposure during storage
3Reliability
If a protein-based core matrix greater than 70% vegetable protein is used, then probiotic stability and bioactivity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and coating requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the kibble structure into a protein-based core matrix and an outer coating layer, where the core provides structural stability and the coating delivers probiotics, allowing independent optimization of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the kibble: the core matrix provides structural stability with high protein content, while the outer coating provides probiotic protection and delivery, creating local functional zones
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 a stable and bioactive probiotic-enriched kibble that maintains probiotic viability for extended periods, ensuring improved health benefits for companion animals while overcoming the challenges of probiotic sensitivity and stability issues in existing products.
Implementation Method 1
the starch matrix typically becomes gelatinized under the extrusion conditions
Implementation Method 2
at least one coating comprising a fat and at least one additive, wherein the coating is on a surface of the protein-based core
Data Source
AI summary
Kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods including a vegetable protein-based core matrix and a coating of a fat and at least one additive are described. The coating may include a probiotic enriched coating. Methods of forming the kibble-type animal feeds and pet foods are also described. Probiotic coating for a kibble showing acceptable stability and bioactivity are disclosed and methods for assessing the bioactivity of a probiotic in a food composition are also described.