Advanced Stevia Extract Innovation: Natural Sweetener Tech
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a process for preparing compositions comprising steviol glycosides, but it had limitations in terms of sweetness level, flavor profile, and solubility. This invention addresses these limitations by introducing proprietary cultivars, optimized extraction processes, and solubility-enhancing agents to produce high-quality stevia extracts.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty of this invention lies in the introduction of proprietary cultivars, optimized extraction processes, and solubility-enhancing agents, which provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step is the combination of these elements to produce high-quality stevia extracts with enhanced sweetness level, flavor profile, and solubility.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention include using different Stevia rebaudiana cultivars, varying the extraction process parameters, and incorporating different solubility-enhancing agents. Variations of the invention may include using different types of sweeteners or flavor enhancers, or applying the invention to different industries such as pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in the food and beverage industry, as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The improved stevia extracts can be used as natural sweeteners and flavor enhancers, providing a competitive advantage to companies that adopt this technology. The market for natural sweeteners is growing rapidly, and this invention is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A23 | A23L2/60 |
| A | A01 | A01H4/005 |
| A | A01 | A01H4/008 |
| A | A01 | A01H5/12 |
| A | A01 | A01H6/1488 |
| A | A21 | A21D2/181 |
| A | A21 | A21D2/36 |
| A | A21 | A21D13/062 |
| A | A23 | A23C9/1307 |
| A | A23 | A23G3/36 |
| A | A23 | A23G4/06 |
| A | A23 | A23L2/52 |
| A | A23 | A23L2/54 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/36 |
| A | A23 | A23L33/105 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/9789 |
| A | A61 | A61Q1/00 |
| A | A61 | A61Q11/00 |
| C | C07 | C07H1/08 |
| C | C07 | C07H15/24 |
| C | C07 | C07H15/256 |
| C | C12 | C12N15/8282 |
| A | A23 | A23G3/42 |
| A | A23 | A23G4/10 |
| A | A23 | A23V2002/00 |
| A | A23 | A23V2250/262 |
| A | A61 | A61K36/00 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Agricultural biotechnology and food science, specifically focused on plant breeding, extraction techniques, and high-intensity sweetener production involving Stevia rebaudiana cultivars and steviol glycoside processing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degrees in plant biotechnology, food science, or chemical engineering, having expertise in plant breeding techniques, extraction methodologies, and glycoside concentration optimization, with access to standard laboratory equipment and genetic modification technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core teachings, involving standard plant breeding techniques, extraction parameter optimization, and glycoside concentration manipulation that are well-established in the stevia research domain. The disclosed modifications represent incremental improvements using known methodological approaches within the established framework of stevia extract production. These variations would be considered routine design choices for a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance stevia extract characteristics.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,972 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stevia extracts |
| Assignee(s) | THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, PURECIRCLE SDN BHD |