Water-Soluble Vitamin E Derivatives for Beverage Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current products for human consumption, such as food and beverages, face limitations in incorporating non-polar compounds due to poor water solubility, leading to restricted amounts and undesirable organoleptic properties when higher concentrations are attempted.
Innovation Solution
Development of high dimer-containing water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixtures, specifically polyalkylene glycol derivatives of vitamin E, which allow for higher concentrations of non-polar compounds like polyunsaturated fatty acids and coenzyme Q10, maintaining clarity and stability in aqueous beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of non-polar compound in food and beverage products is increased, then the nutritional value and functional benefits are improved, but the organoleptic properties deteriorate due to poor water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses TPGS (tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate) as a solubilizing agent and surfactant to mediate between the non-polar compounds and water-based beverage formulations. TPGS forms micelles that encapsulate non-polar compounds, enabling their dissolution in aqueous environments without compromising organoleptic properties. This intermediary approach allows high concentrations of non-polar compounds to be incorporated while maintaining product stability and desirable sensory characteristics.
2Quantity of substance
If water-soluble vitamin E derivative compositions are prepared with high monomer concentration, then the solubility is improved, but the stability and organoleptic properties worsen due to polymerization and precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the compositional parameters by using high dimer-containing water-soluble vitamin E derivative compositions (at least 13% dimer form) instead of traditional high monomer compositions. This parameter change in the molecular structure distribution prevents the polymerization and precipitation issues associated with high monomer concentrations, while maintaining adequate solubility and enhancing formulation stability. The dimer form provides better colloidal stability and prevents the formation of large aggregates that compromise organoleptic properties.
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 high dimer-containing vitamin E derivative mixtures enable increased solubility and stability of non-polar compounds in beverages, enhancing clarity and retention of desirable organoleptic properties, overcoming the limitations of traditional formulations.
Implementation Method 1
TPGS possesses the dual function of providing additional dietary vitamin E and providing stabilization to a formulation. TPGS has been used as a solubilizing agent for such stabilized formulations, such as water-soluble formulations that contain water-insoluble non-polar compounds
Implementation Method 2
TPGS, TPGS homologs, TPGS analogs and TPGS derivatives also are used as surfactants, and have been used to prepare stabilized formulations of food, beverage, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products containing non-polar compounds
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are compositions that contain water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixtures (compositions), such as tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), TPGS analogs, TPGS homo logs and TPGS derivatives. The water-soluble vitamin E mixtures contain mixtures of dimers and monomers of the vitamin E derivative. Also provided are products containing the water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixtures, including concentrates for dilution into aqueous beverages and compositions for direct ingestion.