Tocopheryl Acetate Stabilizes 8'-Apo-Beta-Carotene-8'-Al Color

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverages containing 8'-Apo-β-caroten-8'-al (apoal) face challenges in maintaining color stability due to the lack of effective antioxidants, as tocopheryl acetate, previously not recognized as an antioxidant, is found to enhance color stability when added to apoal-based beverages.

Innovation Solution

Embedding apoal and tocopheryl acetate in a matrix of protective colloids or emulsifiers, either together or separately, and adding tocopheryl acetate to apoal-based beverages to stabilize the color, using modified food starches and emulsifiers like OSA-starch and polysorbates, and incorporating antioxidants like tocopherols and ascorbic acid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If tocopheryl acetate is added to apoal-based beverages, then color stability is improved, but antioxidant activity is not enhanced (since tocopheryl acetate lacks significant antioxidant activity)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor stabilityVSAvoidantioxidant activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical form of vitamin E from tocopherol to tocopheryl acetate, which alters the molecular structure and properties. This parameter change enables the additive to provide color stability without relying on antioxidant activity, as the acetate ester form does not exhibit significant antioxidant properties in vitro

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using antioxidants to prevent color degradation, the patent inverts the approach by using a non-antioxidant compound (tocopheryl acetate) that stabilizes color through a different mechanism, likely involving interaction with the apoal or protective colloid matrix rather than scavenging free radicals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If apoal is embedded in a matrix of protective colloid, then color stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material systems where apoal is embedded in a protective colloid matrix, creating a stabilized formulation. The protective colloid provides a matrix that protects the apoal from degradation while maintaining color stability, and tocopheryl acetate is integrated into this composite system to further enhance color stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation employs a nested structure where apoal is embedded within the protective colloid matrix, and tocopheryl acetate is incorporated into this existing structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to work together within a unified formulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 addition of tocopheryl acetate significantly improves the color stability of apoal-based beverages, measured by reduced color change (ΔE* ≤ 10) over storage time, even under light exposure, resulting in clear and visually stable drinks.

Implementation Method 1

tocopheryl acetate - in contrast to tocopherol - has not been known as antioxidant so far... the addition of tocopheryl acetate to a beverage comprising apoal leads to improved color stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidant activity: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

apoal embedded in a matrix of protective colloid... tocopheryl acetate embedded in a matrix of protective colloid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProtective colloid matrix formation: Colloid

Data Source

PatentEP3203861B1Color-stable beverage containing 8'-apo-beta-carotene-8'-al and process for its manufacture
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 DSM IP ASSETS BV
  • EP3203861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3203861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3203861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed to beverages comprising 8'-apo-β-carotene- 8'-al with increased color stability, whereby tocopheryl acetate has been added.