Silicon-Starch Granulate for Rapid Dissolution and Polymerization Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid formulations of bioavailable silicic acid are not suitable for easy solubilization in liquids, leading to potential segregation and are not ideal for travel-friendly use, and they do not effectively prevent polymerization in the gastrointestinal tract.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble silicon-containing granulate is prepared by mixing a silicon compound, such as orthosilicic acid or its oligomers, with a cold-water soluble starch material, using a fluidized bed granulation process, which avoids binders and ensures rapid dissolution in beverages without polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing solid formulations of bioavailable silicic acid are used, then the dosage is predefined, but the formulation is not easily solubilized in liquids and may segregate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines silicic acid with a specific starch material to create a composite granulate formulation. This composite structure ensures that the silicic acid remains evenly distributed within the starch matrix, preventing segregation during mixing with liquids while maintaining ease of solubilization. The starch acts as a stabilizing carrier that holds the silicic acid particles uniformly.
2Reliability
If existing solid formulations are used, then they can be used as dosage forms, but they do not effectively prevent polymerization in the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the formulation by selecting specific starch materials with particular molecular weights and degrees of substitution. These parameter changes create a formulation that maintains silicic acid in its monomeric form longer in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing unwanted polymerization while preserving bioavailability. The starch formulation parameters are specifically chosen to control the release and stability characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If liquid formulation is used, then it can be solubilized easily, but it has higher viscosity and is not travel-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by converting the liquid silicic acid formulation into a solid granulate form through interaction with starch material. This phase change from liquid to solid state eliminates the viscosity problem and makes the formulation travel-friendly, while the granulate structure is designed to readily transition back to a solubilized state when contacted with beverages, maintaining ease of dissolution.
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 granulate provides a predefined dosage form that is easily solubilized, prevents polymerization, and maintains bioavailability, suitable for food, feed, and pharmaceutical applications, enhancing patient compliance and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Mixing the liquid formulation and the cold-water soluble starch material, so that the silicon compound adsorbs onto the starch material and silicon containing granules are formed
Data Source
AI summary
A water-soluble silicon-containing granulate comprising a silicon compound of the formula YxSi(OH)4-x or an oligomer thereof, wherein Y is optionally substituted (C1-C4)alkyl, (C2-C5)-alkenyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, amino, and wherein x is 0-2, and a cold-water soluble starch material.