Sweetness Enhancer Compounds Formula I for Prolonged Sensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for sweeteners that provide enhanced sweetness intensity without the drawbacks of rapid release rates and unpleasant flavors, particularly in non-caloric high-intensity sweeteners, which are often expensive or have undesirable taste profiles, and do not offer prolonged sweetness sensation in consumable products.

Innovation Solution

The development of novel sweetness enhancer compounds of formula (I), which can be used in combination with pregelatinized starch to create sweetener compositions that offer prolonged release rates and improved flavor profiles, allowing for reduced sweetener usage and enhanced sweetness perception over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If non-caloric high-intensity sweeteners are used to achieve high sweetness levels, then sweetness intensity is improved, but undesirable off-flavors and high cost occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweetness intensityVSAvoidoff-flavors
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces compounds of formula (I) as intermediary substances that mediate between the non-caloric sweetener and the taste receptors. These compounds have very low bitterness thresholds and can enhance sweetness perception while masking the off-flavors of high-intensity sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, allowing the system to achieve high sweetness intensity without the harmful off-flavor effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite sweetening system combining non-caloric high-intensity sweeteners with compounds of formula (I) and optionally pregelatinized starch. This composite approach allows the components to work synergistically, where the compound of formula (I) enhances sweetness and masks off-flavors, while the starch matrix provides controlled release, achieving overall improved sweetness profile without the drawbacks of individual components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If conventional sweeteners are used to provide sweetness, then sweetness is achieved quickly, but the sweetness release rate is too rapid and does not provide prolonged sensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweetness release rateVSAvoidsweetness sensation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pregelatinized starch as a carrier material that has been pre-treated to create a controlled release matrix. This preliminary preparation of the starch structure allows it to gradually release the sweetener compounds during consumption, providing both initial sweetness and prolonged sensation throughout the product's shelf life and consumption period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sweetener delivery system by using pregelatinized starch with specific particle size distributions and gelatinization properties. This parameter modification transforms the rapid release characteristic of conventional sweeteners into a controlled, prolonged release profile that maintains sweetness sensation over extended periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If high concentrations of sweeteners are used to maintain sweetness over time, then sweetness duration is improved, but undesirable flavor notes increase and calories increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweetness sensation durationVSAvoidundesirable flavor notes
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The compound of formula (I) acts as an intermediary that enhances sweetness perception efficiency, allowing much lower concentrations of sweetener to be used while achieving the same or greater sweetness duration. Its very low bitterness threshold and sweetness-enhancing properties enable the system to maintain prolonged sweetness sensation without the need for high sweetener concentrations that would produce off-flavors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a continuous sweetness release system using the controlled-release starch matrix combined with the sweetness-enhancing compound. This continuity ensures that sweetness sensation is maintained throughout the product's lifetime without requiring initial high concentrations of sweetener, as the system provides steady, prolonged release at low concentrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2672835B1Sweetness enhancers, sweetener compositions, methods of making the same and consumables containing the same
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 NUTRINOVA NUTRITION SPECIALTIES & FOOD INGREDIENTS GMBH
  • EP2672835B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672835B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2672835B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to novel sweetness enhancer compounds of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, n and m have the designations cited in the description, or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof, to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof as a sweetness enhancer, to sweetener compositions comprising at least one sweetener and a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof, and optionally a pregelatinized starch, to a method for the manufacture of a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof, to methods of making the sweetener compositions and to tabletop sweetener compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof. Further, the invention relates to consumables comprising a consumable product and a compound of formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a salt or a hydrate thereof. Preferred consumable products are water-based consumables, solid dry consumables, dairy products, dairy-derived products and dairy-alternative products.