Vitamin D3 Encapsulation in Lipid Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vitamin D3 and other hydrophobic active ingredients face challenges such as limited shelf life due to oxidation when exposed to light, and existing encapsulation techniques struggle to effectively encapsulate non-water soluble ingredients, particularly for thermodynamically-stable particles that maintain clarity and mouthfeel.
Innovation Solution
Encapsulating vitamin D3 in thermodynamically stable particles using a process involving a mixture of lipophilic carriers, polymers, and emulsifying agents, with specific examples including the use of MCT, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, and waxes like ethyl cellulose, carnauba wax, rice bran wax, and candelilla wax, to create stable dispersions that protect the core from UV light and enhance bioavailability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vitamin D3 is exposed to light, then it provides nutritional benefit, but it undergoes oxidation and loses stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a protective environment around vitamin D3 using lipophilic carriers and antioxidants that exclude oxygen and light, effectively creating an inert microenvironment that prevents oxidation while maintaining stability during storage and delivery to the body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lipophilic carrier molecules that form protective shells or layers around vitamin D3 crystals, creating a physical barrier that shields the active ingredient from light and oxygen exposure while allowing controlled release when needed
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobic active ingredients are encapsulated using conventional techniques, then delivery is enabled, but thermodynamic stability and clarity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structures combining lipophilic carriers with specific polymers and emulsifying agents, creating multi-component systems that simultaneously achieve thermodynamic stability, clarity, and effective encapsulation of hydrophobic active ingredients like vitamin D3
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as carrier-to-active ingredient ratio, polymer concentration, and emulsification conditions to achieve thermodynamically stable dispersions that maintain clarity while effectively encapsulating non-water soluble ingredients
3Reliability
If encapsulation materials are used to protect vitamin D3, then shelf life is extended, but mouthfeel and clarity of food products may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies protective encapsulation selectively at the molecular level around individual vitamin D3 crystals, allowing the bulk food matrix to maintain its natural sensory properties while the encapsulated active ingredient receives protection from oxidation
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 encapsulation process significantly extends the shelf life of vitamin D3 by reducing oxidation and improves bioavailability, while maintaining the clarity and mouthfeel of food and beverage products, effectively shielding the active ingredients from environmental stressors.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulation of vitamin D3... entrapping or otherwise enveloping a liquid, solid, or gas... in an enclosing material... as a delivery platform to transport nutrients to the body
Implementation Method 2
providing a lipophilic carrier... dissolving the vitamin D3 in the carrier... MCT, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, and waxes
Implementation Method 3
providing an emulsifying agent... mixing the lipophilic carrier, vitamin D3, and emulsifying agent... creating stable dispersions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are thermodynamically stable particles encapsulating active ingredients for administering to humans and other living organisms.