Xanthophyll Composition Stability via Saponification and Isomerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carotenoid compositions have limitations in bioavailability and coloring efficiency, and they often suffer from stability issues during storage, especially when exposed to oxygen and light.

Innovation Solution

A carotenoid composition is developed through the saponification of natural carotenoid-containing oleoresins, resulting in a soap with non-esterified xanthophyll particles, where the process involves alkaline saponification in the presence of a metal hydroxide, followed by atomization and isomerization to achieve a high concentration of all-trans isomers, ensuring stability and enhanced bioavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If carotenoid compositions are stored at room temperature in oxygen-permeable conditions, then convenience of storage is improved, but xanthophyll concentration deteriorates due to oxidation and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidxanthophyll concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of oxygen exposure into a beneficial outcome by using oxygen-scavenging packaging materials and antioxidants that actively prevent oxidation. The packaging is designed to interact with oxygen, converting it from a degrading factor into a controlled element that protects the xanthophyll content while allowing room temperature storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances such as antioxidants and oxygen-scavenging agents that mediate between the xanthophyll composition and the oxygen-containing environment. These intermediaries protect the xanthophyll from direct oxidation while allowing the product to be stored in convenient oxygen-permeable packaging at room temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If saponification process uses high temperature and strong alkali conditions, then soap formation efficiency is improved, but xanthophyll stability deteriorates due to degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoap formation efficiencyVSAvoidxanthophyll stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the saponification parameters by controlling temperature, alkali concentration, and reaction time to achieve the right balance. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the process maintains high soap formation efficiency while preventing excessive heat and chemical exposure that would degrade the xanthophyll content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary protection of xanthophyll before the harsh saponification process by using stabilizing agents and optimizing the sequence of operations. This preliminary action prepares the xanthophyll to withstand the subsequent high-temperature alkali treatment while maintaining its integrity and concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If atomization process creates fine particles, then bioavailability is improved, but surface area exposed to oxygen increases causing faster degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoidoxidation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin film encapsulation and coating technologies to create protective barriers around the fine atomized particles. These flexible shells maintain the small particle size for high bioavailability while providing a protective layer that reduces oxygen exposure and prevents oxidation of the xanthophyll content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary protective coatings and antioxidants that form a barrier between the high-surface-area atomized particles and oxygen. These intermediaries allow the particles to maintain their fine size for improved bioavailability while protecting them from oxidation during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 retains greater than 80% of its initial xanthophyll concentration for extended periods, even when stored at room temperature in an oxygen-permeable bag, and demonstrates improved bioavailability and coloring efficiency compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

soap derived from the saponification of a natural carotenoid-containing oleoresin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSaponification: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

atomization of the resulting soap comprising non-esterified carotenoids to produce an atomized soap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 3

isomerization of the non-esterified carotenoids, wherein the atomized soap is heated such that greater than 80% of the non-esterified carotenoids present are in the all-trans isomer configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIsomerization:

Data Source

PatentUS9827283B2Xanthophyll compositions and methods of use

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 EW NUTRITION CAROTENOID TECH SA

AI summary

The present invention encompasses a carotenoid composition, a process for producing a carotenoid composition, and methods of use thereof.