Spherical Core-Shell Particle with Polysaccharide and Silica Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core-shell particles used for flavoring, especially those made from alginate or gelatine, are prone to breakage under mechanical stress, leading to uncontrolled flavor release and loss, and gelatine-based options are not suitable for consumers who prefer vegetarian or non-animal origin materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of spherical core-shell particles with a liquid core and a hardened shell composed of polysaccharides, water-soluble fillers like sugar alcohols, and water-insoluble fillers such as silicon dioxide, which provide enhanced mechanical resistance and a non-animal origin material, allowing for a pleasant mouthfeel and industrial-scale production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If alginate is used for core-shell particles, then the particles can be made with a solid shell, but they are broken by small breaking forces and show poor resistance against mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite shell material consisting of polysaccharide (alginate, gelatine, or plant-based alternatives) combined with inorganic fillers (silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, or other minerals). This composite structure provides both the desired mechanical strength and resistance against breaking while maintaining the integrity of the core-shell particle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the shell material by adjusting the ratio of polysaccharide to inorganic filler, the molecular weight of the polysaccharide, and the surface treatment of the inorganic particles. These parameter changes optimize the mechanical properties and breaking force of the shell.
2Strength
If gelatine is used for core-shell particles, then the particles show better resistance against breakage, but they are not suitable for consumers who prefer vegetarian or non-animal origin materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the origin parameter of the shell material from animal-based (gelatine) to plant-based or synthetic alternatives (alginate, cellulose, starch derivatives). This substitution maintains the mechanical strength and breakage resistance while making the product suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite shell using plant-based polysaccharides combined with inorganic fillers to achieve the mechanical properties previously only obtainable with gelatine, thus providing an animal-free alternative that maintains structural integrity.
3Strength
If the shell is made harder to increase breaking force, then mechanical stress resistance improves, but the mouthfeel becomes unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the shell structure. The outer surface of the shell is treated to provide a smooth, pleasant mouthfeel, while the inner structure maintains higher hardness and strength. This is achieved through surface coating or gradient structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the hardness parameter of the shell by controlling the amount and type of inorganic filler added to the polysaccharide matrix. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the shell achieves sufficient breaking force while maintaining a mouthfeel that is not excessively hard or crunchy.
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 particles exhibit improved resistance to mechanical stress, ensuring controlled flavor release and maintaining a pleasant mouthfeel, while being suitable for consumers who avoid animal-derived materials, with a breaking force of 2.5 N or more, enhancing their handling and application in food products.
Implementation Method 1
the shell comprising (b1) a hardened polysaccharide or a hardened mixture of polysaccharides, wherein the or one, several or all hardened polysaccharides of component (b1) are selected from the group consisting of hardened alginates, pectines, xanthan gum, carrageen, agar-agar, and hardened mixtures thereof and are the product of a hardening process which involves contacting of divalent or polyvalent cations with the respective hardenable polysaccharide or polysaccharides
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spherical core-shell-particle comprising or consisting of a core consisting of or comprising a liquid or paste-like material and a hardened shell surrounding the core, the shell consisting of or comprising a hardened polysaccharide or a hardened mixture of polysaccharides, one, two or more water soluble fillers, and a hardness increasing amount of one, two or more water insoluble fillers and, optionally, a coating layer.