Whey Protein Micelle Pectin Complex Sustained Amino Acid Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nutritional solutions fail to effectively maintain elevated plasma amino acid levels in patients with muscle atrophy or sarcopenia, leading to muscle mass loss and weakness, as they do not provide sustained hyper-aminoacidemia necessary for stimulating muscle protein synthesis.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising complexes of whey protein micelles and pectin, with a weight ratio between 30:1 and 0.8:1, which are formed by adjusting the pH and temperature of a whey protein aqueous solution, creating stable micelles that slow gastric emptying and provide prolonged amino acid absorption, thereby inducing sustained hyper-aminoacidemia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional nutritional solutions are used, then protein intake is provided, but plasma amino acid levels cannot be maintained at elevated levels for sufficient duration to stimulate muscle protein synthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines whey protein micelles with pectin to create a composite nutritional composition. This composite structure allows the protein to be delivered in a form that maintains elevated plasma amino acid levels for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours), sufficiently stimulating muscle protein synthesis in patients with muscle atrophy or sarcopenia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pH adjustment (to isoelectric point) and heat treatment (80-98°C for 10 seconds to 2 hours) to transform whey protein into micellar structures. These parameter changes create a physical form of protein that releases amino acids slowly and sustainably, maintaining hyper-aminoacidemia for the required duration to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.
2Quantity of substance
If whey protein is consumed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, then amino acid supply is improved, but the effect is transient and does not provide sustained hyper-aminoacidemia
Solution Approach 1:
By forming complexes between whey protein micelles and pectin, the patent creates a composite material that modulates the release kinetics of amino acids. The pectin component interacts with the micelles to create a structure that provides sustained amino acid supply and maintains hyper-aminoacidemia for extended periods, overcoming the transient effect of conventional whey protein consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transition during micelle formation through pH adjustment and heat treatment. This phase change creates a stable micellar structure that controls the release rate of amino acids, transforming the rapid transient release of conventional protein into a sustained release profile that maintains elevated plasma amino acid levels for 6-8 hours or more.
3Strength
If protein synthesis pathways are down-regulated and breakdown pathways activated, then muscle mass is lost, but amino acid provision can help regenerate muscle tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides amino acids in advance through sustained hyper-aminoacidemia created by the micelle-pectin complexes. This preliminary supply of building blocks occurs before and during the period when muscle protein synthesis needs to be stimulated, ensuring that adequate amino acid substrates are available to counteract breakdown pathways and support muscle mass regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical state of protein into micellar form through pH and temperature parameters, the patent creates a delivery system that maintains elevated plasma amino acid concentrations for extended periods. This sustained parameter change in amino acid availability provides continuous substrates for protein synthesis, helping to shift the balance from breakdown to regeneration of muscle tissue.
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 composition maximally stimulates muscle protein synthesis, reduces protein breakdown, and maintains or enhances muscle mass by providing a prolonged peak in plasma amino acids, leading to a positive nitrogen balance and increased lean body mass.
Implementation Method 1
complexes of whey protein micelles and pectin
Implementation Method 2
provide prolonged amino acid absorption, thereby inducing sustained hyper-aminoacidemia
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the treatment or prevention of conditions linked to reduced muscle mass or reduced muscle protein synthesis rate. A subject matter of the invention is a composition comprising complexes of whey protein micelles and pectin for use in the treatment or prevention of a condition selected from the group consisting of sarcopenia, muscle atrophy and negative nitrogen balance. Further aspects of the invention relate to the non-therapeutic use of a composition comprising complexes of whey protein micelles and pectin and a food composition.