Steviol Glycoside Aggregates with Controlled Size for Rapid Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited solubility of steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudioside M, leads to prolonged dissolution times, which is a challenge in enhancing their effectiveness as sweeteners.
Innovation Solution
The formation of steviol glycoside aggregates with specific particle sizes ranging from 500 µm to 2 mm, primarily comprising rebaudioside M, which are produced through a process involving drying and sieving of steviol glycoside crystals to achieve optimal solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If steviol glycoside crystals are used with conventional particle sizes, then the solubility is limited and dissolution time is prolonged, but reducing particle size may increase surface area and potentially improve dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution of steviol glycoside aggregates within a specific range (500 μm to 2 mm). This optimized particle size parameter achieves both rapid dissolution and maintained solubility, resolving the contradiction between dissolution time and solubility reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the steviol glycoside material into aggregates with controlled particle sizes rather than using fine powders. This segmentation at a specific size range (500 μm to 2 mm) prevents excessive surface area that could compromise solubility while still achieving rapid dissolution through optimized particle characteristics.
2Productivity
If steviol glycoside aggregates with particle size 500 μm to 2 mm are produced, then dissolution is accelerated, but the manufacturing process requires specific drying and sieving operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing drying and sieving operations during the manufacturing process to pre-establish the optimal particle size distribution (500 μm to 2 mm) before the product reaches the consumer. This preliminary preparation ensures rapid dissolution performance without requiring additional processing at the point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical or enzymatic modification processes with straightforward mechanical operations (drying and sieving) to achieve the desired particle size distribution. This mechanical approach simplifies manufacturing while effectively achieving the dissolution rate improvement.
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 specified particle size distribution significantly accelerates the dissolution of steviol glycosides, ensuring rapid sweetness release and improved performance as sweeteners.
Implementation Method 1
drying of the steviol glycoside crystals to obtain steviol glycoside crystal aggregates
Implementation Method 2
sieving the steviol glycoside crystal aggregates to obtain the desired particle size range
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of food ingredients, specifically to sweeteners, more specifically to steviol glycoside aggregates and Rebaudioside M aggregates with a specific particle size range.