Spirulina Silicon Enrichment via Polyphenol Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions fail to provide silicon in a water-soluble and easily metabolizable form, which is essential for optimal absorption and utilization in the body, particularly for bone health and prevention of atherosclerosis, as most silicon sources are poorly absorbed due to polymerization at neutral pH.
Innovation Solution
A composition enriched with microalgae, specifically spirulina, is developed to contain silicon in a water-soluble form, achieved through a process involving the culturing of microalgae with an aqueous silicon solution and polyphenols, ensuring a high proportion of silicon remains soluble and bioavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If silicon is provided in traditional forms (colloidal silica, purified cellulose), then silicon content is achieved, but absorption and bioavailability are poor due to polymerization at neutral pH
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of silicon by providing it in the form of orthosilicic acid at controlled concentrations (below polymerization threshold) and pH levels, preventing polymerization and maintaining water solubility. This ensures both adequate silicon content and high bioavailability, resolving the contradiction between quantity and absorption reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining orthosilicic acid with specific organic compounds (such as amino acids, vitamins, or other bioactive molecules) to form a complex that enhances both the stability and absorption of silicon. This composite approach maintains silicon in a non-polymerized, water-soluble state while improving its biological utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If orthosilicic acid concentration exceeds 2mM at neutral pH, then silicon content increases, but solubility decreases due to polymerization into colloidal and solid silica
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration of orthosilicic acid to remain below the polymerization threshold (2mM at neutral pH) and adjusts pH levels to prevent polymerization. This parameter control ensures that silicon remains in a monomeric, water-soluble form, maintaining both high concentration and stability without forming insoluble colloidal or solid silica.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic compounds (such as amino acids, vitamins, or other chelating agents) as intermediaries that bind to orthosilicic acid, preventing polymerization even at higher concentrations. These intermediaries act as stabilizers that maintain water solubility while allowing higher silicon concentrations to be achieved without precipitation.
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 process results in a microalgae composition with a significantly higher proportion of water-soluble silicon, enhancing bioavailability and absorption, surpassing traditional sources like horsetail powder, with up to 27% of silicon being solubilized during digestion, compared to 1% from horsetail extracts.
Implementation Method 1
a) culturing microalgae under conditions and in a culture medium suitable for their development until a microalgae culture is obtained
Implementation Method 2
b) the preparation of an aqueous solution of silicon and polyphenols... the addition during step c) of the solution of silicon and polyphenols to the microalgae culture
Implementation Method 3
culturing microalgae under conditions and in a culture medium suitable for their development until a microalgae culture is obtained characterized by a dry biomass
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a composition comprising a microalga enriched with silicon in a water-soluble form and to a method for producing such a composition. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition, a food composition, or a cosmetic composition comprising a microalga enriched with silicon in a water-soluble form according to the invention. According to a particular aspect of the invention, said microalga is spirulina.