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A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of a bitterness inhibitor, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the bitterness inhibitor by coating and drying. The bitterness inhibitor is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated bitterness inhibitor is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified bitterness inhibitor for use in chewing gum. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to produce a fast release or a delayed release when the gum is chewed. The preferred bitterness inhibitor is sodium gluconate.
1. A method of producing a chewing gum product containing a physically-modified bitterness inhibitor in order to control the release rate of the bitterness inhibitor comprising the steps of:
a) mixing a quantity of a bitterness inhibitor with a modifying agent;
b) adding a quantity of the mixture and a bitter medicament to a chewing gum formulation to provide a bitterness inhibitor level in the chewing gum formulation of from about 0.05% to about 8.0%.
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18. A method of producing a chewing gum containing a physically-modified bitterness inhibitor in order to control the release rate of the bitterness inhibitor comprising the steps of:
a) mixing a quantity of the bitterness inhibitor with an agglomerating agent and a solvent to partially coat the bitterness inhibitor;
b) removing the solvent from the mixture of bitterness inhibitor and agglomerating agent to form a dried material; and
c) adding a quantity of the dried material and a bitter medicament to a chewing gum formulation to provide a bitterness inhibitor level in gum of from about 0.05% to about 8.0%.
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24. A method of producing a chewing gum product containing a bitterness inhibitor and a bitter medicament comprising the steps of providing a chewing gum product and adding a bitter medicament and a bitterness inhibitor to said product, wherein the bitterness inhibitor is added as a part of a rolling compound applied on the chewing gum product.
25. A method of producing a chewing gum product containing a bitterness inhibitor and a bitter medicament comprising the steps of providing a chewing gum pellet and adding a bitter medicament and a bitterness inhibitor to said product, wherein the bitterness inhibitor is added as a part of a coating on a chewing gum pellet and wherein the bitter medicament is added as part of said pellet, said coating, or both said pellet and said coating.
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[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/319,054, filed May 26, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,000, which is a section 371 nationalization of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US96/20257, designating the United States, filed Dec. 23, 1996. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/621,780, filed Jul. 21, 2000, which is a continuation of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US99/29792, designating the United States, filed Dec. 14, 1999. All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to methods for producing chewing gum. More particularly the invention relates to producing chewing gum containing an amount of bitterness inhibitor. The bitterness inhibitor that is added to the chewing gum is treated to control its rate of release in the chewing gum.
[0003] In recent years, efforts have been devoted to controlling release characteristics of various ingredients in chewing gum. Most notably, attempts have been made to delay the release of sweeteners and flavors in various chewing gum formulations to thereby lengthen the satisfactory chewing time of the gum. Delaying the release of sweeteners and flavors can also avoid an undesirable overpowering burst of sweetness or flavor during the initial chewing period. On the other hand, some ingredients have been treated so as to increase their rate of release in chewing gum.
[0004] Besides sweeteners, other ingredients may require a controlled release from chewing gum. Bitterness inhibitors may be added to gum; however, bitterness inhibitors may vary in their release rate. Some that are not water soluble may be encapsulated in a water soluble matrix such that, during the chewing period, they may be released quickly. This would allow chewing gum to be a carrier for bitter stimulants or medicaments, with the fast release of inhibitors improving the overall quality of the gum.
[0005] On the other hand, serious taste problems may arise because of the bitter nature of bitter stimulants or other medicaments, and a slow release may be desired. Some water soluble bitterness inhibitors may release quickly and not be effective unless their release is modified to a prolonged or delayed release. Thus these inhibitors could be used with slow release stimulants and other medicaments to give chewing gum a quality taste. To be most effective, bitterness inhibitors should release from chewing gum at the same time as the bitter causing agent.
[0006] Thus there are specific advantages to adding bitterness inhibitor to chewing gum by a controlled release mechanism.
[0007] Early high intensity sweeteners had a bitter aftertaste that was modified by using glucono delta lactone, sodium gluconate and/or potassium gluconate, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,647,483 and 3,684,529. Calcium chloride also reduced the bitterness of saccharin as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,526.
[0008] Often bitter medicaments are added to chewing gum and high intensity sweeteners are added to reduce the impression of bitterness, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,597. A method of reducing bitterness of caffeine in gum is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 91-251533. However, the bitterness inhibitors for purpose of the present invention and the following claims do not include high-intensity sweeteners.
[0009] A bitterness inhibitor called neodiosmin is used to reduce bitterness in citrus juices as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,265 and in other foods and artificial sweeteners as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,862.
[0010] Other bitterness inhibitors include cyclotetradecenones, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,965; sclareolide, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,532; natural soy flavor, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,962; N-sulfomethyl-N-arylureas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,490; sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of ferulic acid and caffeic acid, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,513; and numerous compounds, including 2, 4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,735.
[0011] Other patents disclose that menthol bitterness may be reduced by using artificial cooling agents such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,893. Mint flavor may be modified as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,824 by removing a part of the I-menthol, or as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,105 by adding polygodial plant extracts. Late chew bitterness in high mint-flavor content gums may be reduced by adding a granulated cellulose/Zein mixture, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,563.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,794 discloses encapsulated sodium chloride to enhance flavor and sweetness in chewing gum. U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,939 also discloses the use in chewing gum of sodium chloride in an encapsulation matrix.
[0013] The present invention is a method of producing chewing gum with bitterness inhibitors which have been physically modified to control their release. The present invention also relates to the chewing gum so produced. These inhibitors may be added to sucrose type gum formulations, replacing a small quantity of sucrose. The formulation may be a low or high moisture formulation containing low or high amounts of moisture containing syrup. These inhibitors may also be used in low or non-sugar gum formulations, replacing a small quantity of sorbitol, mannitol, other polyols or carbohydrates. Non-sugar formulations may include low or high moisture sugar free chewing gums.
[0014] Bitterness inhibitors may be combined or co-dried with bulk sweeteners typically used in chewing gum, such as sucrose, dextrose, fructose and maltodextrins, as well as sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates.
[0015] The modified release rate noted above may be a fast release or a delayed release. The modified release of bitterness inhibitors is obtained by encapsulation, partial encapsulation or partial coating, entrapment or absorption with high or low water soluble materials or water insoluble materials. The procedures for modifying the bitterness inhibitors include spray drying, spray chilling, fluid bed coating, coacervation, extrusion and other agglomerating and standard encapsulating techniques. Bitterness inhibitors may also be absorbed onto an inert or water-insoluble material. Bitterness inhibitors may be modified in a multiple step process comprising any of the processes, or a combination of the processes noted. Prior to encapsulation, bitterness inhibitors may also be combined with bulk sweeteners including sucrose, dextrose, fructose, maltodextrin or other bulk sweeteners, as well as sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates.
[0016] Prior to encapsulation, bitterness inhibitors may be combined with high-intensity sweeteners, including but not limited to thaumatin, aspartame, alitame, acesulfame K, saccharin acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin, cyclamate and its salts, stevioside and dihydrochalcones. Co-encapsulation of bitterness inhibitors along with a high-intensity sweetener may reduce the bitterness of stimulants or other medicaments and control the sweetener release with the inhibitor. This can improve the quality of the gum product and increase consumer acceptability.
[0017] Preferable bitterness inhibitors include ferulic acid, sodium gluconate, sodium ascorbate, sodium ferulate, sodium acetate, sodium glycinate and calcium glycerolphosphate. Other bitterness inhibitors include sodium sorbate, phosphatidic acid combined with beta lacto globulin, inosinate salts, adenosine-5′-monophosphate, fenchone, borneol, isoborneol, and sodium phenolate. These bitterness inhibitors may be combined with stimulants or other medicaments prior to encapsulation to reduce the overall bitterness caused by stimulants or other medicaments and result in a gum product having increased consumer acceptability.
[0018] Caffeine is a natural chemical found in a variety of food products such as coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and various other beverages. Caffeine is known as an effective stimulant to increase energy and reduce drowsiness. However, caffeine has a naturally bitter taste that significantly reduces the taste quality of chewing gum in which it is used.
[0019] When caffeine is added to chewing gum at a level of about 0.2% to about 5%, caffeine imparts an intense bitterness to the chewing gum that lasts throughout the chewing period. The higher the level used, the stronger the bitterness. Taste limits in chewing gum are generally about 0.4% (10 mg) to about 4% (100 mg) of caffeine in a stick of gum. The 60-80 mg level of caffeine is about the level of caffeine found in a conventional cup of coffee. The target level of caffeine in stick gum is about 40 mg per stick, with a range of about 25-60 mg, so that a five stick package of gum would contain about 200 mg of caffeine, or the equivalent of caffeine in two strong cups of coffee. However, at this level caffeine bitterness overwhelms the flavor initially and lasts throughout the chewing period.
[0020] If the caffeine was modified to give a fast release in chewing gum, this would also result in a fast release of bitterness. To some degree sugars and/or high intensity sweeteners may mask this bitterness, but something to inhibit the bitterness without adding other tastes is preferred.
[0021] As discussed previously, there are a wide variety of bitterness inhibitors used in food products. Some of the preferred bitterness inhibitors are the sodium salts as discussed in the article Suppression of Bitterness by Sodium: Variations Among Bitter Taste Stimuli, by P. A. S. Breslin and G. K. Beauchamp from Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pa. Sodium salts discussed are sodium acetate and sodium gluconate. Other sodium salts that may also be effective are sodium glycinate, sodium ascorbate and sodium glycerolphosphate. Among these, the most preferred is sodium gluconate, since it has a low salty taste and is most effective to reduce bitterness of caffeine and urea. Other bitterness inhibitors include sodium sorbate, phosphatidic acid combine with beta lacto globulin, inosinate salts, adenosine-5′-monophosphate, fenchone, borneol, isoborneol, and sodium phenolate.
[0022] Most of the sodium salts are very water soluble and are readily released from chewing gum to function as bitterness inhibitors. Some solubilities are:
[0023] In some instances, the sodium salts which release readily from chewing gum may be modified by encapsulation to give an even faster release from chewing gum. However, in most instances the sodium salts would be encapsulated or entrapped to give a delayed release from gum.
[0024] Other bitterness inhibitors that are not very water soluble may release slowly and may not be effective bitterness reducers with some stimulants or other medicaments. As a result, encapsulation for fast release may be desired for these bitterness inhibitors. Other inhibitors may have a moderate release and these may be entrapped to give a much longer delayed release.
[0025] The release rate of a bitterness inhibitor should be designed to release with the ingredient for which it is masking bitterness, whether it be a stimulant like caffeine, or another medicament. In some instances, a bitterness inhibitor may be co-encapsulated with the bitter causing agent to release together during the chewing period. If desired, high intensity sweeteners may be added to this mixture to further reduce bitterness and obtain an acceptable product.
[0026] Various types of medicaments may be included in the present invention. Some medicaments may be very bitter and require high levels of a bitterness inhibitor, whereas other medicaments may not be as bitter and only require low level of a bitterness inhibitor. By the term "medicament" the present invention refers to a compound that has a desired therapeutic or physiological effect once ingested and/or metabolized. Even though menthol as a physiological cooling effect, the term "medicament" as used herein does not include menthol or other physiological cooling agents, nor does it include flavors, such as mint flavor. The therapeutic effect of the medicament of the present invention may be one which decreases the growth of a xenobiotic or other gut flora or fauna, alters the activity of an enzyme, provides the physical relief from a malady (e.g., diminishes pain, acid reflux or other discomfort), or has an effect on the brain chemistry of molecules that determine mood and behavior. Of course these are just examples of what is intended by therapeutic effect. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that a particular medicament has or is associated with a given therapeutic effect.
[0027] The medicament may be any active agent that is traditionally used as a medicament and lends itself to being administered through the oral cavity. Such medicaments active agents may be vitamins, stimulants, cancer chemotherapeutics, antimicrobials, antifungals, oral contraceptives, nicotine or nicotine replacement agents, analgesics, acid blockers, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, decongestants, anesthetics, antitussives, diuretics, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antivirals, psychotherapeutic agents, anti-diabetic agents, cardiovascular agents, bioengineered pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements.
[0028] Examples of stimulants include caffeine, theobromine, ephedra and herbal extracts such as Siberian ginseng, guarana, maca extract and yerba mate.
[0029] Examples of cancer chemotherapeutics agents include but are not limited to cisplatin (CDDP), procarbazine, mechlorethamine, cyclophosphamide, camptothecin, ifosfamide, melphalan, chlorambucil, bisulfan, nitrosurea, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, bleomycin, plicomycin, mitomycin, etoposide (VP16), tamoxifen, taxol, transplatinum, 5-fluorouracil, vincristin, vinblastin and methotrexate or any analog or derivative variant thereof.
[0030] Antimicrobial agents that may be used include but are not limited to naficillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, rifampin, ciprofloxacin, broad spectrum penicillin, amoxicillin, gentamicin, ceftriazoxone, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, clavunate, sulbactam, probenecid, doxycycline, spectinomycin, cefixime, penicillin G, minocycline, P-lactamase inhibitors; meziocillin, piperacillin, aztreonam, norfloxacin, trimethoprim, ceftazidime, dapsone.
[0031] Antifungal agents that may be delivered include but are not limited to ketoconazole, fluconazole, nystatin, itraconazole, clomitrazole, and amphotericin B. Antiviral agents that may be used include but are not limited to acyclovir, trifluridine, idoxorudine, foscamet, ganciclovir, zidovudine, dideoxycytosine, dideoxyinosine, stavudine, famciclovir, didanosine, zalcitabine, rifimantadine, and cytokines.
[0032] Acid blockers and antacids include cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine, famotidine, omeprazole, bismuth antacids, metronidazole antacids, tetracylcine antacids and clarthromycin antacids.
[0033] Antihistamines are represented by but are not limited to cimetidine, ranitidine, diphenydramine, prylamine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, chlorcyclizine, terfenadine, carbinoxamine maleate, clemastine fumarate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, dimenhydrinate, prilamine maleate, tripelennamine hydrochloride, tripelennamine citrate, chlorpheniramine maleate, brompheniramine maleate, hydroxyzine pamoate, hydroxyzine hydrochloride, cyclizine lactate, cyclizine hydrochloride, meclizine hydrochloride, acrivastine, cetirizine hydrochloride, astemizole, levocabastine hydrochloride, and loratadine.
[0034] Decongestants and antitussives include agents such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide, levopropoxyphene napsylate, noscapine, carbetapentane, caramiphen, chlophedianol, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine sulfate, phenylephidrine, diphenhydramine, glaucine, pholcodine, and benzonatate.
[0035] Anesthetics include etomidate, ketamine, propofol, and benodiazapines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, diazepame, clorezepate, halazepam, flurazepam, quazepam, estazolam, triazolam, alprozolm, midazolam, temazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam), benzocaine, dyclonine, bupivacaine, etidocaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, promoxine, prilocaine, procaine, proparcaine, ropivacaine, tetracaine. Other useful agents may include amobartital, aprobarbital, butabarbital, butalbital mephobarbital, methohexital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, thiopental, paral, chloralhydrate, ethchlorvynol, clutethimide, methprylon, ethinamate, and meprobarnate.
[0036] Analgesics include opioids and other medicaments such as morphine, mepidine, dentanyl, sufentranil, alfentanil, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, indomethacine, naproxen, atrin, isocome, midrin, axotal, firinal, phrenilin, ergot, and ergot derivatives (wigraine, cafergot, ergostat, ergomar, dihydroergotamine), imitrex, and ketoprofen.
[0037] Diuretics include but are not limited to acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide, methazolamide, furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid torseimde, azosemide, muzolimine, piretanide, tripamide, bendroflumethiazide, benzthiazide, chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, hydroflumethiazide, methyclothiazide, polythiazide, trichlormethiazide, indapamide, metolazone, quinethazone, amiloride, triamterene, sprion olactone, canrenone, and potassium canrenoate.
[0038] Anti-inflammatories include but are not limited to salicylic acid derivatives (e.g. aspirin), indole and indene acetic acids (indomethacin, sulindac and etodalac) heteroaryl acetic acids (tolmetin diclofenac and ketorolac) aryl propionic acid derivatives (ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, fenopren, oxaprozine), anthranilic acids (mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid) enolic acids (piroxicam, tenoxicam, phenylbutazone and oxyphenthatrazone).
[0039] Psychotherapeutic agents include thorazine, serentil, mellaril, millazinetindal, permitil, prolixin, trilafon, stelazine, suprazine, taractan, navan, clozaril, haldol, halperon, loxitane, moban, orap, risperdal, alprazolam, chordiaepoxide, clonezepam, clorezepate, diazepam, halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, buspirone, elvavil, anafranil, adapin, sinequan, tofranil, surmontil, asendin, norpramin, pertofrane, ludiomil, pamelor, vivactil, prozac, luvox, paxil, zoloft, effexor, wellbutrin, serzone, desyrel, nardil, parnate, eldepryl.
[0040] Cardiovascular agents include but are not limited to nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, sodium nitroprisside, captopril, enalaprill, enalaprilat, quinapril, lisinopril, ramipril, losartan, amrinone, linnone, vesnerinone, hydralazine, nicorandil, prozasin, doxazosin, bunazosin, tamulosin, yohimbine, propanolol, metoprolol, nadolol, atenolol, timolol, esmolol, pindolol, acebutolol, labetalol, phentolamine, carvedilol, bucindolol, verapamil, nifedipine, amlodipine and dobutamine, or a sexual dysfunction agent like sildenafil citrate (Viagra).
[0041] It is envisioned that depending on the medicament, the resultant chewing gum can be used to treat inter alia: coughs, colds, motion sickness; allergies; fevers; pain; inflammation; sore throats; cold sores; migraines; sinus problems; diarrhea; diabetes, gastritis; depression; anxiety, hypertension; angina and other maladies and symptoms. Also these gums may be useful in ameliorating cravings in substance abuse withdrawal or for appetite suppression. Specific active agents or medicaments include by way of example and limitation: caffeine, aspirin, acetaminophen; ibuprofen; ketoprofen; cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, dramamine, omeprazole, dyclonine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, benzocaine, sodium naproxen, and nicotine.
[0042] Nutraceuticals supplements may also be added to chewing gums as medicaments. Among these are herbs and botanicals that include, but are not limited to capsicum, chamomile, cat's claw, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginko, various ginseng, green tea, golden seal, kava kava, nettle, passion flower, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian.
[0043] Levels of bitterness inhibitors will vary according to the intensity of the bitter agent and the intensity of the bitterness inhibitor. Generally, bitterness inhibitors will be about 0.01% to about 8% and preferably about 0.05% to about 4%. For gum products that may contain caffeine or other bitter stimulants, these levels may be about 0.5% to about 4%. Of course, some bitterness inhibitors may be unacceptable at high levels. However, sodium gluconate has a bland taste and may be used at levels as high as 4%. Therefore, sodium gluconate is the preferred bitterness inhibitor for chewing gum.
[0044] Bitterness inhibitors can be added to chewing gum as a powder, as an aqueous dispersion, or dispersed in glycerin, propylene glycol, corn syrup, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzate, or any other compatible aqueous dispersion.
[0045] For aqueous dispersions, an emulsifier can also be mixed in the solution with the bitterness inhibitors and the mixture added to a chewing gum. A flavor can also be added to the bitterness inhibitors/emulsifier mixture. The emulsion formed can be added to chewing gum. Bitterness inhibitors in powder form may also be mixed into a molten chewing gum base during base manufacture or prior to manufacture of the gum. Bitterness inhibitors may also be mixed with base ingredients during base manufacture.
[0046] As stated previously, bitterness inhibitors release at various rates from chewing gum during the early stages of mastication of the gum because of their varying solubility in water. Physical modifications of the bitterness inhibitor by encapsulation with highly water soluble substrates will increase their release in chewing gum by increasing the solubility or dissolution rate. Any standard technique which gives partial or full encapsulation can be used. These techniques include, but are not limited to, spray drying, spray chilling, fluid-bed coating and coacervation. These encapsulation techniques may be used individually in a single step process or in any combination in a multiple step process. The preferred technique for fast release of bitterness inhibitors is spray drying.
[0047] Bitterness inhibitors may also be encapsulated or entrapped to give a delayed release from chewing gum. A slow, even release can give a reduced bitterness over a long period of time and blend more easily with longer lasting flavors and sweeteners. Bitterness inhibitors may be encapsulated with sweeteners, specifically high-intensity sweeteners such as thaumatin, dihydrochalcones, acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose, alitame, saccharin and cyclamates.
[0048] The encapsulation techniques described herein are standard coating techniques and generally give varying degrees of coating from partial to full coating, depending on the coating composition used in the process. Generally, compositions that have high organic solubility, good film-forming properties and low water solubility give better delayed release, while compositions that have high water solubility give better fast release. Such low water-solubility compositions include acrylic polymers and copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyamides, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, polyvinylpyrrolidone and waxes. Although all of these materials are possible for encapsulation of bitterness inhibitors, only food-grade materials should be considered. Two standard food-grade coating materials that are good film formers but not water soluble are shellac and Zein. Others which are more water soluble, but good film formers, are materials like agar, alginates, a wide range of cellulose derivatives like ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium hydroxymethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, dextrin, gelatin, and modified starches. These ingredients, which are generally approved for food use, may give a fast release when used as an encapsulant for bitterness inhibitors. Other encapsulants like acacia or maltodextrin can also encapsulate bitterness inhibitors and give a fast release rate from gum.
[0049] The amount of coating or encapsulating material on the bitterness inhibitors may also control the length of time for its release from chewing gum. Generally, the higher the level of coating and the lower the amount of active bitterness inhibitors, the slower the release during mastication with low water soluble compositions. The release rate is generally not instantaneous, but gradual over an extended period of time. To obtain the delayed release to blend with a gum's flavor release, the encapsulant should be a minimum of about 20% of the coated bitterness inhibitors. Preferably, the encapsulant should be a minimum of about 30% of the coated bitterness inhibitors, and most preferably should be a minimum of about 40% of the coated bitterness inhibitors. Depending on the coating material, a higher or lower amount of coating material may be needed to give the desired release.
[0050] Another method of giving a modified release of bitterness inhibitors is agglomeration with an agglomerating agent which partially coats the bitterness inhibitors. This method includes the step of mixing bitterness inhibitors and an agglomerating agent with a small amount of water or other solvent. The mixture is prepared in such a way as to have individual wet particles in contact with each other so that a partial coating can be applied. After the water or solvent is removed, the mixture is ground and used as a powdered, coated bitterness inhibitor.
[0051] Materials that can be used as the agglomerating agent are the same as those used in encapsulation mentioned previously. However, since the coating is only a partial encapsulation, some agglomerating agents are more effective in increasing the bitterness inhibitors' release than others. Some of the better agglomerating agents for delayed release are the organic polymers like acrylic polymers and copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, waxes, shellac and Zein. Other agglomerating agents are not as effective in giving a delayed release as are the polymers, waxes, shellac and Zein, but can be used to give some delayed release. Other agglomerating agents that give a fast release include, but are not limited to, agar, alginates, a wide range of water soluble cellulose derivatives like ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, dextrin, gelatin, modified starches, and vegetable gums like guar gum, locust bean gum and carrageenan. Even though the agglomerated bitterness inhibitor is only partially coated, when the quantity of coating is increased compared to the quantity of bitterness inhibitor, the release of bitterness inhibitor can also be modified for mastication. The level of coating used in the agglomerated product is a minimum of about 5%. Preferably, the coating level is a minimum of about 15% and more preferably about 20%. Depending on the agglomerating agent, a higher or lower amount of agent may be needed to give the desired release of bitterness inhibitor.
[0052] Bitterness inhibitors may be coated in a two-step process or a multiple step process. Bitterness inhibitors may be encapsulated with any of the materials as described previously and then the encapsulated bitterness inhibitors can be agglomerated as previously described to obtain an encapsulated/agglomerated/bitterness inhibitor product that could be used in chewing gum to give a delayed release of the bitterness inhibitor.
[0053] In another embodiment of this invention, bitterness inhibitors may be absorbed onto another component which is porous and become entrapped in the matrix of the porous component. Common materials used for absorbing bitterness inhibitors include, but are not limited to, silicas, silicates, ion-exchange resins, zeolites, pharmasorb clay, spongelike beads or microbeads, amorphous carbonates and hydroxides, including aluminum and calcium lakes, all of which result in a delayed release of bitterness inhibitors. Other water soluble materials including amorphous sugars such as spray-dried dextrose, sucrose, alditols and vegetable gums and other spray-dried materials result in a faster release of bitterness inhibitors.
[0054] Depending on the type of absorbent materials and how it is prepared, the amount of bitterness inhibitors that can be loaded onto the absorbent will vary. Generally materials like polymers or spongelike beads or microbeads, amorphous sugars and alditols and amorphous carbonates and hydroxides absorb about 10% to about 40% of the weight of the absorbent. Other materials like silicas and pharmasorb clays may be able to absorb about 20% to about 80% of the weight of the absorbent.
[0055] The general procedure for absorbing a bitterness inhibitor onto the absorbent is as follows. An absorbent like fumed silica powder can be mixed in a powder blender and an aqueous solution of a bitterness inhibitor can be sprayed onto the powder as mixing continues. The aqueous solution can be about 10% to 30% solids, and higher solid levels may be used if temperatures up to 90� C. are used. Generally water is the solvent, but other solvents like alcohol could also be used if approved for use in food. As the powder mixes, the liquid is sprayed onto the powder. Spraying is stopped before the mix becomes damp. The still free-flowing powder is removed from the mixer and dried to remove the water or other solvent, and is then ground to a specific particle size.
[0056] After the bitterness inhibitor is absorbed or fixed onto an absorbent, the fixative/inhibitor can be coated by encapsulation. Either full or partial encapsulation may be used, depending on the coating composition used in the process. Full encapsulation may be obtained by coating with a polymer as in spray drying, spray chilling, fluid-bed coating, coacervation, or any other standard technique. A partial encapsulation or coating can be obtained by agglomeration of the fixative inhibitor mixture using any of the materials discussed above.
[0057] Another form of encapsulation is by entrapment of an ingredient by fiber extrusion or fiber spinning into a polymer. Polymers that can be used for extrusion are PVAC, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene and other types of plastic polymers. A process of encapsulation by fiber extrusion is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,537, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The water insoluble polymer may be preblended with the bitterness inhibitor prior to fiber extrusion, or may be added after the polymer is melted. As the extrudate is extruded, it results in small fibers that are cooled and ground. This type of encapsulation/entrapment generally gives a very long, delayed release of an active ingredient.
[0058] The four primary methods to obtain a modified release of the bitterness inhibitor are: (1) encapsulation by spray drying, fluid-bed coating, spray chilling and coacervation to give full or partial encapsulation, (2) agglomeration to give partial encapsulation, (3) fixation or absorption which also gives partial encapsulation, and (4) entrapment into an extruded compound. These four methods, combined in any usable manner which physically modifies the release or dissolvability of the bitterness inhibitor, are included in this invention.
[0059] A method of modifying the release rate of the bitterness inhibitors from the chewing gum is to add the bitterness inhibitors to the dusting compound of a chewing gum. A rolling or dusting compound may be applied to the surface of chewing gum as it is formed. This rolling or dusting compound serves to reduce sticking of the chewing gum product to machinery as it is formed and as it is wrapped, and sticking of the product to its wrapper after it is wrapped and is being stored. The rolling compound comprises a bitterness inhibitor powder in combination with mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose, starch, calcium carbonate, talc, other orally acceptable substances or a combination thereof. The rolling compound constitutes from about 0.25% to about 10%, but preferably about 1% to about 3% by weight of the chewing gum composition. The amount of a bitterness inhibitor powder added to the rolling compound is about 0.05% to about 20% of the rolling compound or about 5 ppm to about 2000 ppm of the chewing gum composition. This method of using a bitterness inhibitor powder in the chewing gum allows for a lower usage level of the bitterness inhibitor, gives a bitterness inhibitor a fast release rate, reduces bitterness and reduces or eliminates any possible reaction with gum base, flavor components, or other components, yielding improved shelf stability.
[0060] Another method of modifying the release rate of a bitterness inhibitor is to use it in the coating/panning of a pellet chewing gum. Pellet or ball gum is prepared as conventional chewing gum, but formed into pellets that are pillow shaped or into balls. The pellets/balls can then be sugar coated or panned by conventional panning techniques to make a unique sugar coated pellet gum. Bitterness inhibitors may generally be very stable and highly water soluble and can be easily dispersed in a sugar solution prepared for sugar panning. A bitterness inhibitor can also be added as a powder blended with other powders often used in some types of conventional panning procedures. Using a bitterness inhibitor in a coating isolates it from other gum ingredients and modifies its release rate in chewing gum. Levels of a bitterness inhibitor may be about 100 ppm (0.01%) to about 25,000 ppm (2.5%) in the coating and about 50 ppm (0.005%) to about 10,000 ppm (1%) of the weight of the chewing gum product. The weight of the coating may be about 20% to about 50% of the weight of the finished gum product.
[0061] Conventional panning procedures generally coat with sucrose, but recent advances in panning have allowed the use of other carbohydrate materials to be used in the place of sucrose. Some of these components include, but are not limited to, dextrose, maltose, palatinose, xylitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and other new alditols or a combination thereof. These materials may be blended with panning modifiers including, but not limited to, gum arabic, maltodextrins, corn syrup, gelatin, cellulose type materials like carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxymethyl cellulose, starch and modified starches, vegetable gums like alginates, locust bean gum, guar gum, and gum tragacanth, insoluble carbonates like calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate and talc. Antitack agents may also be added as panning modifiers which allow for the use of a variety of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols in the development of new panned or coated gum products. Flavors may also be added with the sugar coating and with bitterness inhibitors to yield unique product characteristics.
[0062] Another type of pan coating would also modify the release rate of bitterness inhibitors from the chewing gum. This technique is referred to as film coating and is more common in pharmaceuticals than in chewing gum, but procedures are similar. A film like shellac, Zein, or cellulose-type material is applied onto a pellet-type product forming a thin film on the surface of the product. The film is applied by mixing the polymer, a plasticizer and a solvent (pigments are optional) and spraying the mixture onto the pellet surface. This is done in conventional type panning equipment, or in more advanced side-vented coating pans. When a solvent like alcohol is used, extra precautions are needed to prevent fires and explosions, and specialized equipment must be used.
[0063] Some film polymers can use water as the solvent in film coating. Recent advances in polymer research and in film coating technology eliminates the problem associated with the use of flammable solvents in coating. These advances make it possible to apply aqueous films to a pellet or chewing gum product. Since many bitterness inhibitors are highly water soluble, they may be added to this aqueous film solution and applied with the film to the pellet or chewing gum product. The aqueous film, or even the alcohol solvent film, in which bitterness inhibitors are dispersed may also contain a flavor along with the polymer and plasticizer.
[0064] The previously described encapsulated, agglomerated or absorbed bitterness inhibitors may readily be incorporated into a chewing gum composition. The remainder of the chewing gum ingredients are noncritical to the present invention. That is, the coated particles of bitterness inhibitors can be incorporated into conventional chewing gum formulations in a conventional manner. Coated bitterness inhibitors may be used in a sugar chewing gum or a sugarless chewing gum. The coated bitterness inhibitors may be used in either regular chewing gum or bubble gum.
[0065] In general, a chewing gum composition typically comprises a water-soluble bulk portion, a water-insoluble chewable gum base portion and typically water-insoluble flavoring agents. The water-soluble portion dissipates with a portion of the flavoring agent over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chew.
[0066] The insoluble gum base generally comprises elastomers, resins, fats and oils, waxes, softeners and inorganic fillers. Elastomers may include polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer and styrene butadiene rubber, as well as natural latexes such as chicle. Resins include polyvinylacetate and terpene resins. Fats and oils may also be included in the gum base, including tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and cocoa butter. Commonly employed waxes include paraffin, microcrystalline and natural waxes such as beeswax and carnauba. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insoluble gum base constitutes between about 5% and about 95% by weight of the gum. More preferably the insoluble gum base comprises between about 10% and about 50% by weight of the gum, and most preferably between about 20% and about 35% by weight of the gum.
[0067] The gum base typically also includes a filler component. The filler component may be calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, dicalcium phosphate or the like. The filler may constitute between about 5% and about 60% by weight of the gum base. Preferably, the filler comprises about 5% to about 50% by weight of the gum base.
[0068] Gum bases typically also contain softeners, including glycerol monostearate and glycerol triacetate. Further, gum bases may also contain optional ingredients such as antioxidants, colors, and emulsifiers. The present invention contemplates employing any commercially acceptable gum base.
[0069] The water-soluble portion of the chewing gum may further comprise softeners, sweeteners, flavoring agents and combinations thereof. Softeners are added to the chewing gum in order to optimize the chewability and mouth feel of the gum. Softeners, also known in the art as plasticizers or plasticizing agents, generally constitute between about 0.5% and about 15% by weight of the chewing gum. Softeners contemplated by the present invention include glycerin, lecithin and combinations thereof. Further, aqueous sweetener solutions such as those containing sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates, corn syrup and combinations thereof may be used as softeners and binding agents in gum.
[0070] As mentioned above, the coated bitterness inhibitor of the present invention may be used in sugar or sugarless gum formulations. Sugar sweeteners generally include saccharide-containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art which comprise, but are not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids and the like, alone or in any combination. Sugarless sweeteners include components with sweetening characteristics but which are devoid of the commonly known sugars and comprise, but are not limited to, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolyzates, maltitol and the like, alone or in any combination.
[0071] Depending on the particular bitterness inhibitor release profile and shelf-stability needed, the coated bitterness inhibitor of the present invention can also be used in combination with uncoated high-potency sweeteners or with high-potency sweeteners coated with other materials and by other techniques.
[0072] A flavoring agent may also be present in the chewing gum in an amount within the range of from about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 3%, by weight of the gum. The flavoring agents may comprise essential oils, synthetic flavors, or mixtures thereof including, but not limited to oils derived from plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, oil of wintergreen, anise, and the like. Artificial flavoring components are also contemplated for use in gums of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that natural and artificial flavoring agents may be combined in any sensorally acceptable blend. All such flavors and flavor blends are contemplated by the present invention.
[0073] Optional ingredients such as colors, emulsifiers and pharmaceutical agents may be added to the chewing gum.
[0074] In general, chewing gum is manufactured by sequentially adding the various chewing gum ingredients to a commercially available mixer known in the art. After the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, the gum mass is discharged from the mixer and shaped into the desired form such as by rolling into sheets and cutting into sticks, extruding into chunks or casting into pellets.
[0075] Generally, the ingredients are mixed by first melting the gum base and adding it to the running mixer. The base may also be melted in the mixer itself. Color or emulsifiers may also be added at this time. A softener such as glycerin may also be added at this time, along with syrup and a portion of the bulking agent. Further portions of the bulking agent may then be added to the mixer. A flavoring agent is typically added with the final portion of the bulking agent. The coated bitterness inhibitor of the present invention is preferably added after the final portion of bulking agent and flavor have been added.
[0076] The entire mixing procedure typically takes from five to fifteen minutes, but longer mixing times may sometimes be required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the above described procedure may be followed.
[0077] The following examples of the invention and comparative examples are provided by way of explanation and illustration.
[0078] The formulas listed in Table 1 comprise various sugar formulas in which the bitterness inhibitor sodium gluconate can be added to gum after it is dissolved in various aqueous type solvents.
[0079] sodium gluconate powder can be added directly to the gum.
[0080] A 20.0 gram portion of sodium gluconate can be dissolved in 80.0 grams of hot water, making a 20.0% solution, and added to gum.
[0081] A 5.0 gram portion of sodium gluconate can be dissolved in 95.0 grams of hot propylene glycol, making a 5.0% solution, and added to gum.
[0082] A 5.0 gram portion of sodium gluconate can be dissolved in 95.0 grams of hot glycerin, making a 5.0% solution, and added to gum.
[0083] A 2.5 gram portion of sodium gluconate can be dissolved in hot corn syrup, making a 2.5% solution, and added to gum.
[0084] In the next examples of a sugar gum formulation, sodium gluconate can be dissolved in hot water and emulsifiers can be added to the aqueous solution. Example solutions can be prepared by dissolving 10 grams of sodium gluconate in 90 grams hot water and adding 5 grams of emulsifiers of various hydrophilic-lipophilic balance(HLB) values to the solution. The mixtures can then be used in the following formulas.
[0085] The same as the formulations made in Examples 7-12, respectively, except that the flavor can be mixed together with the aqueous sodium gluconate solution and emulsified before adding the mixture to the gum batch.
[0086] Sodium gluconate can also be blended into various base ingredients. A typical base formula is as follows:
[0087] The individual base components can be softened prior to their addition in the base manufacturing process. To the presoftened base component, sodium gluconate can be added and mixed, and then the presoftened base/sodium gluconate blend can be added to make the finished base. In the following examples, sodium gluconate can be mixed first with one of the base ingredients, and the mixed ingredient can then be used in making a base. The ingredients blended with sodium gluconate can then be used at the levels indicated in the typical base formula above.
[0088] The terpene resin used to make the base is 98% polyterpene resin and 2% sodium gluconate.
[0089] The polyvinyl acetate used to make the base is 98% low M.W. polyvinyl acetate and 2% sodium gluconate.
[0090] The paraffin wax used to make the base is 96% paraffin wax and 4% sodium gluconate.
[0091] Sodium gluconate may also be added to an otherwise complete gum base.
[0092] 0.5% sodium gluconate can be mixed with 99.5% of a gum base having the above listed typical formula. The sodium gluconate can be added near the end of the process after all the other ingredients are added.
[0093] The samples of finished base made with sodium gluconate added to different base components can then be evaluated in a sugar-type chewing gum formulated as follows:
[0094] The theoretical level of sodium gluconate in the finished gum is 0.1%.
[0095] Using the following formulation of a sugar or sugar-free gum, a variety of encapsulated sodium gluconate samples can be evaluated:
[0096] For spray drying, the solids level of an aqueous or alcoholic solution can be about 5-30%, but preferred levels are indicated in the examples listed.
[0097] An 80% shellac, 20% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/shellac/sodium gluconate solution at total solids of 20%.
[0098] A 50% shellac, 50% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an appropriate ratio of alcohol/shellac/sodium gluconate solution at 20% solids.
[0099] A 70% Zein, 30% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/Zein/sodium gluconate solution at 10% solids.
[0100] A 40% shellac, 60% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an alcohol/shellac solution at 30% solids.
[0101] A 60% shellac, 40% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an alcohol/shellac solution at 30% solids.
[0102] A 40% Zein, 60% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an alcohol/Zein solution at 25% solids.
[0103] An 85% wax, 15% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray chilling a mixture of molten wax and sodium gluconate.
[0104] A 70% wax, 30% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray chilling a mixture of molten wax and sodium gluconate.
[0105] A 70% Zein, 30% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying a hot aqueous mixture of sodium gluconate and Zein dispersed in an aqueous, high-pH (pH of 11.6-12.0) media at 10% solids.
[0106] A 20% Zein, 80% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an aqueous, high-pH (pH=11.6-12.0) Zein dispersion of 10% solids.
[0107] A 20% Zein, 20% shellac, 60% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying an alcohol/shellac/sodium gluconate mixture and then fluid-bed coating the spray dried product for a second coating of alcohol and Zein.
[0108] Examples 23 to 33 would all give nearly complete encapsulation and would delay the release of sodium gluconate when used in the sugar or sugarless gum formulations in Table 4. The higher levels of coating would give a longer delayed release of sodium gluconate than the lower levels of coating.
[0109] Other polymers that are more water soluble and used in coating would have a slower release of the sodium gluconate.
[0110] An 80% gelatin, 20% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying a hot gelatin/sodium gluconate solution at 20% solids.
[0111] A 30% hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), 70% sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an aqueous solution of HPMC at 10% solids.
[0112] A 50% maltodextrin, 50% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by spray drying a hot aqueous solution of sodium gluconate and maltodextrin at 30% solids.
[0113] A 40% gum arabic, 60% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by fluid-bed coating sodium gluconate with an aqueous solution of gum arabic at 30% solids.
[0114] The coated sodium gluconate from Examples 34 and 35, when used in the chewing gum formulas in Table 4, would give a slightly slow release of sodium gluconate. The product coated with maltodextrin and gum arabic in Examples 36 and 37, when used in the gum formulas in Table 4, would show a fast release of sodium gluconate in chewing gum compared to sodium gluconate added directly.
[0115] Sodium gluconate could also be used in gum as an agglomerated sodium gluconate to give fast or delayed sodium gluconate release. Agglomerated sodium gluconate can be prepared as in the following examples:
[0116] A 15% hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), 85% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is prepared by agglomerating sodium gluconate and HPMC blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.
[0117] A 15% gelatin, 85% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is made by agglomerating sodium gluconate and gelatin blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.
[0118] A 10% Zein, 90% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is made by agglomerating sodium gluconate with an alcohol solution containing 25% Zein, and drying and grinding the resulting product.
[0119] A 15% shellac, 85% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is made by agglomerating sodium gluconate with an alcohol solution containing 25% shellac, and drying and grinding the resulting product.
[0120] A 20% HPMC, 80% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating an HPMC and sodium gluconate mixture blended together, with water being added, and the resulting product being dried and ground.
[0121] A 20% Zein, 80% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating sodium gluconate and Zein dissolved in high-pH water (11.6-12.0) at 15% solids, with the resulting product being dried and ground.
[0122] A 20% wax, 80% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating sodium gluconate and molten wax, and cooling and grinding the resulting product.
[0123] A 15% maltodextrin, 85% active sodium gluconate powder mixture is obtained by agglomerating a blend of sodium gluconate and maltodextrin, then adding water, drying and grinding.
[0124] All of the above mixtures can be added to any of the following types of chewing gum formulas:
[0125] If each of the examples of agglomerated material (38-45) were evaluated in the formulations shown in Table 5, most samples would give sodium gluconate a delayed release. Samples using Zein, wax, and shellac would yield the slowest release rate, whereas samples with HPMC and gelatin would yield the next slowest release. Maltodextrin would give a release compared to sodium gluconate added directly to the gum.
[0126] Partially coated or fully coated sodium gluconate can also be used in sugar type gum formulations containing other sugars, such as in the following formulations A-G:
[0127] These formulations may also contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, maltitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose, and Lycasin or combinations thereof. Sugarless type gum formulations with partially coated or fully coated sodium gluconate can also be made using various sugar alcohols, such as the following formulations H-P:
[0128] All of these formulations in Table 6 and Table 7 which use the agglomerated sodium gluconate as described in the examples (38-45) and in the previous encapsulated examples (23-35) would be expected to give a delayed release of sodium gluconate compared to a product made by adding sodium gluconate directly to gum as a powder.
[0129] Multiple step agglomeration/encapsulation procedures can also be used in making release-modified sodium gluconate for use in the formulations in Tables 5, 6 and 7. Examples of multiple step treatments are here described:
[0130] Sodium gluconate is spray dried with maltodextrin at 30% solids to prepare a powder. This powder is then agglomerated with a hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) in a ratio of 85/15 powder/HPMC, wetted with water and dried. After grinding the resulting powder will contain about 68% active sodium gluconate, 17% maltodextrin and 15% HPMC.
[0131] Sodium gluconate is agglomerated with HPMC in a ratio of 85/15 sodium gluconate/HPMC. After drying and grinding, the resulting powder is fluid-bed coated with an alcohol/shellac solution at about 25% solids to give a final product containing about 60% active sodium gluconate, 10% HPMC, and about 30% shellac.
[0132] Sodium gluconate is agglomerated with HPMC in a ratio of 85/15 sodium gluconate/HPMC. After drying and grinding, the resulting powder is agglomerated with a 15% solids, high-pH, aqueous solution of Zein to give a final product containing about 60% active sodium gluconate, 10% HPMC, and 30% Zein.
[0133] Sodium gluconate is spray dried with a 25% solution of gelatin. The spray dried product is then agglomerated with a 15% solids, high-pH, aqueous solution of Zein. The final product will contain about 50% active sodium gluconate, 20% gelatin, and 30% Zein.
[0134] Sodium gluconate is agglomerated with molten wax in a ratio of 85/15 sodium gluconate/wax. When the mixture cools and is ground, it is fluid-bed coated with a 25% Zein-75% alcohol solution, giving a final product containing 60% active sodium gluconate, 10% wax and 30% Zein.
[0135] These examples 46-50, when used in any of the formulations noted in Tables 5, 6, and 7 above, give sodium gluconate a delayed release. These multiple step procedures can actually give more delayed release than the single step processes. Multiple step processes of more than two steps may give even longer delayed release times, but may generally become less cost effective and less efficient. Preferably, spray drying can be the first step with additional steps of fluid-bed coating, spray chilling and agglomeration being part of the latter steps.
[0136] For absorption type examples, the delayed release rate of sodium gluconate is dependent on the type of absorbing material. Most materials like silicas, silicates, cellulose, carbonates, and hydroxides would be expected to give a more delayed release than amorphous sugar and sugar alcohols. Some examples:
[0137] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a precipitated silica to absorb the sodium gluconate. The mixture is dried and ground and the final product is about 50% active sodium gluconate.
[0138] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a pharmasorb clay. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a final product of about 80% clay and 20% active sodium gluconate.
[0139] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a microcrystalline cellulose powder. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product that is about 70% microcrystalline cellulose and 30% active sodium gluconate.
[0140] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a high absorption starch. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product that is about 80% starch and 20% active sodium gluconate.
[0141] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a calcium carbonate powder. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 90% calcium carbonate and 10% active sodium gluconate.
[0142] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a highly absorptive dextrose material. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 80% dextrose and 20% active sodium gluconate.
[0143] A 20% solution of sodium gluconate is sprayed onto a sorbitol powder to absorb the material. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product of about 90% sorbitol and 10% active sodium gluconate.
[0144] The samples prepared in examples 51-57 can be used in gum formulations as noted in Tables 5, 6, and 7. Those preparations which have sodium gluconate absorbed onto a material that is not water soluble are expected to give a delayed release and those that are water soluble are expected to give fast release.
[0145] Another modification or absorption technique is to dry the sodium gluconate together with a sugar or sugar alcohol, or resolidify the sodium gluconate with sugar or sugar alcohol when mixed together in a molten state.
[0146] Sodium gluconate is added to molten sorbitol in a ratio of 90 parts sorbitol to 10 parts sodium gluconate. After mixing, the blend is cooled and ground.
[0147] Sodium gluconate is added to molten dextrose in a ratio of 90 parts dextrose to 10 parts sodium gluconate. After mixing, the blend is cooled and ground.
[0148] 4% sodium gluconate is dissolved in 96% high fructose corn syrup. The mixture is evaporated to a low moisture and ground.
[0149] The product of examples 58-60 may be added to the gum formulations shown in Tables 5, 6 and 7.
[0150] Many of the examples listed are single step processes. However, more delayed release of the sodium gluconate may be obtained by combining the various processes of encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, and entrapment. Any of the preparations made in examples 51-60 can be further treated in fluid-bed coating, spray chilling, or coacervation processes to encapsulate the product, and can be agglomerated with various materials and procedures in a variety of multiple step processes.
[0151] The sodium gluconate can also be used with a variety of high-intensity sweeteners and blended together before encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, and entrapment. This can reduce bitterness associated with some stimulants such as caffeine. Some examples are:
[0152] Sodium gluconate and aspartame are blended together in a 2/1 ratio as a powder. This mixture is then spray chilled with wax in a ratio of 60/40 mixture/wax to obtain a powder containing 40% sodium gluconate, 20% aspartame, and 40% wax.
[0153] Sodium gluconate and thaumatin in a 4/1 ratio are dissolved in water with a 10% solution of gelatin and spray dried. This spray dried powder is then agglomerated with a high-pH aqueous 15% Zein solution. The mixture is dried and ground and gives a product containing 40% sodium gluconate, 10% thaumatin, 35% gelatin, and 15% Zein.
[0154] Sodium gluconate and alitame in a 7/1 ratio are prepared in a 20% solution. This solution is sprayed onto a high absorption silica powder. The mixture is dried, ground and fluid-bed coated with an alcohol/shellac mixture, giving a product that contains 35% sodium gluconate, 5% alitame, 40% silica, and 20% shellac.
[0155] Sodium gluconate and sodium cyclamate in a 1/1 ratio are blended together as a powder and then agglomerated with water and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC). This blend is dried, ground and agglomerated further with a high-pH, aqueous 15% solution of Zein to obtain a product containing 34% sodium cyclamate, 34% sodium gluconate, 12% HPMC and 20% Zein.
[0156] Sodium gluconate and glycyrrhizin in a 1/1 ratio are blended together as a powder and fluid-bed coated with a solution of 25% shellac in alcohol. The coated product is agglomerated further with water and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) to obtain a product containing 30% sodium gluconate, 30% glycyrrhizin, 25% shellac, and 15% HPMC.
[0157] Sodium gluconate and sodium saccharin in a ratio of 1/1 are blended together as a powder and fluid bed coated with a solution of 25% shellac in alcohol. The coated product is agglomerated further with water and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) to obtain a product containing 30% sodium gluconate, 30% sodium saccharin, 25% shellac, and 15% HPMC.
[0158] If the blends of sodium gluconate and other high-intensity sweeteners of examples 61-66 are tested in gum formulations such as those noted in Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7, a significant delayed release of the sweetener and bitterness inhibitor would be expected. This delayed release would improve the quality of flavor. The following are examples of fiber extruded PVAC/sodium gluconate blends to give a delayed release of sodium gluconate and give reduced bitterness:
[0159] Medium molecular weight PVAC and sodium gluconate at a ratio of 3/1 are blended together as a powder and extruded. The fibers are cooled and ground to give a product containing 75% PVAC and 25% sodium gluconate.
[0160] Medium molecular weight PVAC, sodium gluconate and aspartame at a ratio of 12/4/1 are blended together as a powder and extruded, the resulting fibers are ground and give a product containing 70% PVAC, 24% sodium gluconate and 6% aspartame.
[0161] Medium molecular weight PVAC, caffeine, aspartame and sodium gluconate at a ratio of 16/4/4/1 are blended together as a powder and extruded. The fibers are ground and gives a product containing 64% PVAC, 16% caffeine, 16% sodium gluconate, and 4% aspartame.
[0162] Sodium gluconate bitterness inhibitor can be mixed with caffeine before being encapsulated or entrapped. This bitterness inhibitor or other bitterness inhibitors can be added to caffeine to reduce bitterness with fast release or delayed release of both caffeine and sodium gluconate.
[0163] A 20% hot aqueous solution of maltodextrin is mixed with a 40% hot solution of sodium gluconate. Two liters of this mixture is combined with 100 grams of caffeine, dispersed and spray dried. A final product containing 50% maltodextrin, 33% sodium gluconate and 17% caffeine is obtained.
[0164] A 2400 ml quantity of a 25% hot aqueous solution of maltodextrin is mixed with 50 grams of aspartame to form a suspension. To this is added a hot aqueous solution of 400 grams of sodium gluconate, 200 grams of caffeine, 1200 grams of hot water. This mixture is spray dried to obtain a powder containing 48% maltodextrin, 32% sodium gluconate, 16% caffeine and 4% aspartame.
[0165] To a 2400 gram quantity of a 25% hot solution of maltodextrin, 200 grams of citric acid and 50 grams of aspartame are added and suspended. To this mixture is added a hot aqueous solution of 400 grams of sodium gluconate, 200 grams of caffeine and 1200 grams of hot water. This mixture is spray dried to obtain a powder containing 41% maltodextrin, 28% sodium gluconate, 14% caffeine, 14% citric acid and 3% aspartame.
[0166] The above examples are made to obtain not only a fast release of caffeine in chewing gum, based on maltodextrin encapsulation, but also to obtain fast release of a sweetener and bitterness inhibitors to counteract bitter effects of caffeine.
[0167] It should be appreciated that the methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and described above. The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It will be appreciated that the addition of some other ingredients, process steps, materials or components not specifically included will have an adverse impact on the present invention. The best mode of the invention may therefore exclude ingredients, process steps, materials or components other than those listed above for inclusion or use in the invention. However, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- March 15, 2000 -- To raise awareness of the hunger
struggle in America, the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America
will release personal, anonymous comments to show the many faces of the
hungry nationwide. Here is the first such comment:
"When I was a youngster my parents divorced. Times were tough
and my mom worked two jobs to support us. Somehow there was just never
enough money to go around. We were lucky when we got to eat oatmeal for
all three meals. I also remember going behind the grocery stores after they
closed and getting into the dumpster searching for food that the store had
thrown away. My mom took it home, cut off the bad parts, washed it and that
helped our food supply. If I can save one child from having that happen
to them or going to bed hungry, then my mission is completed. Thanks for
The comments have been gathered from concerned people around the globe
who have electronically signed the Feinstein Petition to End Hunger. Alan
Shawn Feinstein's petition to Congress and the president asks them to make
a commitment to ending hunger in America. The Cranston philanthropist
says he will continue the hunger petition drive until Congress and the president
respond to the will of the people.
The URI Center is in strong support of the petition and urges people
to sign on today at www.uri.edu/ or www.feinsteinfoundation.com/. Anyone
accessing the sites can also send a free meal daily to a hungry person with
just one click. Anyone without access to a computer can get a petition by
calling the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger-Free America at 277-5450.
"It's a disgrace that in the greatest country in the world, there
are 30 million people who experience hunger or worry about where their next
meal is coming from. The current explosion in wealth in the U.S. has not
altered the hunger problem. It has remained the same over the past 15 to
20 years. People at the bottom of the economic ladder are not benefiting
from the booming economy," says Feinstein.
Visitors to the URI petition site are invited to share their stories
about why hunger issues are important to them to help put a face on the
issues of hunger and heighten awareness to the different hunger problems
around the globe.
The URI Hunger Center was established in 1999 as a partnership between
the University of Rhode Island and the Feinstein Foundation to move the
issue of hunger to the forefront of America's consciousness. It aims to
end hunger first in Rhode Island and then around the globe.
For Further Information: Jan Sawyer, 401-874-2116
Copyright © 1999
University of Rhode Island
more information about this site, contact firstname.lastname@example.com
File last updated: Saturday, February 24, 2001
The University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity
All rights reserved. URL: http://www.uri.edu/news/

subset: commoncrawl


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Session AV: Geophysical Flows I
8:00 AM–10:10 AM, Sunday, November 23, 2008
Room: Ballroom B
Chair: Charles Meneveau, Turbulence Research Group at Johns Hopkins University
Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.DFD.AV.4
Abstract: AV.00004 : Zonal winds generated by tides
Preview Abstract MathJax On | Off Abstract
Michael Le Bars
(IRPHE - Aix- Marseille University)
Patrice Le Gal
(IRPHE - Aix- Marseille University)
Andreas Tilgner
(University of Goettingen)
The fundamental role of tides in geo and astrophysics has been the subject of multiple studies for several centuries. Beyond the well known quasi periodic flows of ocean water on our shores, tides are also responsible for phenomena as varied as the intense volcanism on the Jovian satellite Io, or the synchronization of the Moon spin on its rotation around the Earth. We describe here a new phenomenon of zonal wind generation by tidal forcing. Following a recent theoretical and numerical analysis of Tilgner [1], we present the first experimental evidence that the nonlinear self-interaction of a tidally forced inertial mode can drive an intense axisymmetric flow in a rotating sphere. These results are relevant for zonal wind generation in planets and stars. [1] A. Tilgner, Zonal wind driven by inertial modes, {\it Phys. Rev. Lett.} {\bf 99}, 194501 (2007).
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.DFD.AV.4


text:
You won't be very communicative today. It seems you have important things on your mind, things you need to consider carefully before reaching a decision. If others want to talk, let them talk among themselves.
or email email@example.com
February 26, 2013 | 5:00am
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text:
Graston Technique utilizes stainless steel instruments to break up adhesions or scar tissue in muscle. Muscles and tendons can develop soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation with activity, repetitive stress, over use, or acute trauma. Utilizing the Graston tools helps speed healing and recovery faster than stretching, massage, exercise, physical therapy, or chiropractic alone.
Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Hand Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Athletic Trainers have utilized Graston Technique to treat athletes for years. It can also be used on every day injuries associated with posture, headaches, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, trigger finger, knee pain, IT Band syndrome, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis.
Graston Technique, ASTYM, and ART produce faster recovery times than traditional treatment alone. I strongly encourage patients to see providers who can incorporate these techniques into your therapy.
1. Trauma - Sudden accident. Stepped off a curb or fell off a ladder type of injuries.
2. Repetitive Motion Injury - Same motion over and over.
3. Improper Mechanics - Slouching at a computer makes muscles work harder to hold up your head, neck, and shoulders.
4. Aging - Years of wear and tear on the body ads up.
Scar tissue forms when the body lays down bad fibers. These bad fibers occur with any of the body's healing processes. However, with continuous repetitive stress scar tissue accumulates and becomes problematic. Some scar tissue forms between muscles everyday, but normal stretching and movement breaks it up. When scar tissue can permanently accumulate it creates fascial adhesions or "patches" that doesn't function like normal muscle or tendons.
When scar tissue limits movement it can contribute to many injuries or conditions, including headaches, nerve entrapments, back pain, sciatica, sacroiliac or back pain. It can also "grab and fish hook the nerves" such as in thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel, or ulnar tunnel syndrome. In some cases the pain nerves get caught in the scar tissue patches, which produces frequent pain.
Scar tissue also forms in tendons and muscle insertions. Because scar tissue is weaker tissue, it easily gets flared up with repetitive motion or mechanical stress. This is common in headaches, neck pain, IT Band Syndrome, or Plantar fasciitis.
With headaches, large patches of scar tissue accumulate in the trapezius, levator, and cervical paraspinal muscles. These are the "knots that never go away" or "the spots that always get sore first and lead to my headaches."
Graston helps to break up scar tissue and triggers the body's
normal healing process. The body then properly heals the weak
spots into normal tissue. This restores normal function of
the muscle and restores normal tendon strength.
Muscles are like the licorice pull and peels. One fiber is wrapped in a group of fibers called a fascicle. Each fascicle is wrapped in a group of fascicles to form a muscle bundle. All the fibers are wrapped in coverings called fascia.
Scar tissue can occur in any of these areas.
Massage is better at breaking up scar tissue between muscle bundles. Graston is better at breaking scar tissue between fascicle to fascicle.
In the end, any scar tissue that limits movement needs to
be broken up to restore normal motion. We combine massage
and Graston to break up all scar tissue that restricts movement.
Links to other pages for additional information:
To find out more on Graston or see if it could help you, click to our Home Page or Contact Page .
Graston Technique home page:
FOX 5 News Atlanta
Graston Technique for Chronic Pain
CBS News 19 Charlottesville
Make Dan Sweat: Graston Technique
ABC News 7 San Francisco
Medieval-like Tools Used to Relieve Chronic Pain
WCBD News 2 Charleston
Medical Technology: Graston Therapy
Additional Graston Videos


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Milk – Do You Know Your Options?
We all need calcium and milk is a good source, but what is the best milk for you?
Have you found that you aren't as tolerable to milk or milk products as maybe when you were young? It is becoming more common to be lactose intolerable or have an allergic reaction to milk. Listed below are different kinds of milk to help you decide what you should be drinking:
1. Cow's Milk. Americans consume about 583 million cups annually, according to 2008 statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. One cup provides about 30% of your daily requirement (around 300 mg). All cow's milk is fortified with vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium. If you're counting calories, choose nonfat milk, which has less than half the calories of whole milk (about 80 calories per cup versus about 150 calories) and slightly more calcium. Here's the fat content:
- Skim milk - less than 0.5 grams of fat per 8-ounce glass
- 1% milk – about 2 grams of fat per 8-ounce glass
- 2% milk - about 5 grams of fat per 8-ounce glass
- Whole milk – 8 grams of fat per 8-ounce glass
2. Goat's milk is popular in other parts of the world and is gaining popularity here in the U.S. It has even more calcium than cow's milk. It has more than 30% of your daily value, and more tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps the body process protein. It does contain lactose, so be careful if you have a lactose intolerance.
3. Soy Milk is a popular alternative. It is made by soaking soybeans and grinding them with water to create a milky liquid. It also comes in many flavors – vanilla or chocolate, for example – that are great in coffee, smoothies or just plain. Soy milk is rich in protein and doesn't have saturated fat. A big plus from drinking soy milk is that consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily in any form may reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the FDA (Food an Drug Administration). Because it is low in calcium, supplements may be needed for your daily requirement.
4. Almond Milk is made by soaking ground-up almonds. It comes refrigerated or on the shelf in plain and in vanilla and chocolate flavors. It is a great choice for people with allergies to dairy, soy or rice. The rich, nutty taste makes it good for smoothies, coffee and baked goods. It is a natural source for calcium and vitamin E. It provides 20%-30% of the daily recommended value of calcium. It's also low in calories and saturated fat.
5. Rice Milk is a dairy-free beverage made from ground rice isn't as thick as cow's milk. It comes in plain or vanilla flavors, and you'll find it refrigerated or on the shelf. It's good for dieters as it has no saturated fat and 1-2 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat per cup. But, it isn't a match for cow's protein. It is also a carbohydrate.
6. Hemp Milk and is made from hemp plant seeds, which don't contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. (It is legal.) It is a good choice as a dairy-free alternative. It matches cow's milk protein content with 6-8 grams per cup – and it's free of saturated fat with fiber to aid your digestive system.
7. Oat Milk is a non-dairy alternative and is made from ground up oat groats (the broken-up hulled grain). It has a mild, nutty flavor and is free of unsaturated fats. It is higher in calories than cow's milk, so be careful if you're counting calories.
8. Coconut Milk is made from coconuts, with the meat and juice combined to make this rich, creamy milk that's a staple in Indian and Thai cuisine. It's very good in oatmeal and smoothies too. A little goes a long way because it has a strong, sweet flavor. It generous amounts of phosphorous, potassium and fiber (5 grams per cup), but it is also very high in calories.
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119 Shouts - 33,606 Scrobbles
Player in the ears, embarked on board and go! "Search Network" will help disperse the adrenaline! This is music for those who do not sleep on life! For those who want to be the best! "Searching the Web on a mobile phone, I'm out of your need - it is this line was a kind of Rubicon for the group. Tired of dull tearful, but terribly popular among the young bands style, "Search web" change his music toward unbridled drive. Lyrics are transformed from sad and about love in merry Counting.
Read more about Поиск Сети on Last.fm.
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Nothing has haunted me more from the Fall Fashion Week presentations like this Chloe sweater.
I know, I know the weather is starting to heat up and our senses get confused, looking at fall sweaters and chunky footwear. However, I think a sweater is a year round essential, whether it's for keeping warm at night on the beach in the summer or for layering during the tricky transitional phases between the seasons. Since my mother was the type to never let me leave the house without bringing one, I have found myself shopping for the perfect spring knit.
Like the Chloe I referenced above, this year I am looking for interesting knits in the brights and neutrals of the spring '12 collections to dust off the dark and dreary days of winter. Begone with you, dark dreary days.
If I had my druthers I would wrap myself in this Thomas Maier cashmere wrap when the breeze gets to me:
…but since my accountant would lock up my credit cards, I'm looking at some more reasonable numbers. There's this one from a+ro available at Madewell that I think would be fantastic with jeans or capris when the sun goes down:
This bright red Eileen Fisher sweater is great for work, especially when that office mate of yours who always cranks up the A/C is having a field day:
I feel that I can't have a conversation about sweaters without mentioning one by Vince. This one sports the colorblocking trend and is perfect for layering:
My feelings for Reiss knitwear are easy and echoed by many: If Kate Middleton wears it and I can afford it, I'll buy it. This striped sweater mixes up the trend in a chic way:
This Ralph Lauren Black Label number is classic, but when using these bright colors it feels modern:
Lastly, because I yearn for that ethereal effect I first saw in the Chloe sweater at the top, I love this Overcast Pullover from Anthropologie.
I could talk about sweaters all day, every season. What are your favorites for the spring?