Small Molecule Encapsulation with Plant Protein Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cost-effective method to deliver dietary supplements such as ketones, nicotinamide riboside (NR), caffeine, or theacrine without using animal-derived protein products, while ensuring biocompatibility and stability for vegetarian and vegan dietary products.
Innovation Solution
A method of encapsulating small molecules like ketones, NR, caffeine, or theacrine within plant-derived proteins using phytochemicals such as mangiferin, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, and resveratrol, forming cross-linked particles without the use of glutaraldehyde, to enhance stability and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If animal-derived protein products are used to deliver dietary supplements, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but biocompatibility and ethical suitability for vegetarian/vegan diets deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter of protein from animal-derived to plant-derived, maintaining the functional properties needed for supplement delivery while eliminating the harmful aspect of non-biocompatibility. The plant-derived proteins are selected to have comparable binding and delivery capabilities to animal proteins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plant-derived proteins that can be readily obtained from abundant sources like peas, beans, and rice, providing a cost-effective and ethically sound alternative to animal proteins. These plant proteins serve as disposable carriers that fulfill their delivery function and can be easily replaced.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional cross-linking agents like glutaraldehyde are used to stabilize protein structures, then structural stability is improved, but toxicity and harmful effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring strong cross-linking agents into a benefit by using natural phytochemicals that provide sufficient cross-linking without toxicity. The phytochemicals naturally bind to protein structures, creating stable complexes without the need for harmful synthetic cross-linkers like glutaraldehyde.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phytochemicals as intermediary substances that mediate between the protein components and the cross-linking function. These natural intermediaries (such as flavonoids, tannins, and other plant compounds) facilitate stable protein-protein or protein-small molecule interactions without direct toxic cross-linking.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plant-derived proteins are used instead of animal proteins, then biocompatibility is improved, but encapsulation stability and structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials by combining plant-derived proteins with phytochemicals in synergistic ratios. This composite structure leverages the biocompatibility of plant proteins while the phytochemical components enhance structural stability, encapsulation integrity, and protective properties against degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the ratio of plant protein to phytochemical, pH levels, and environmental conditions to ensure that plant-derived protein complexes achieve stability comparable to or exceeding animal protein-based systems. Specific phytochemical-to-protein ratios are determined to maximize both stability and biocompatibility.
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 method achieves stable, biocompatible encapsulation of small molecules, allowing for targeted delivery and rapid, sustained energy release, while avoiding the use of animal-derived products and toxic cross-linking agents.
Implementation Method 1
forming cross-linked particles without the use of glutaraldehyde
Implementation Method 2
allowing for targeted delivery and rapid, sustained energy release
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the encapsulation of small molecules (e.g., ketone molecules) with plant-derived proteins, such as for dietary supplements.