Advanced Stevia Sweetener Extraction & Solubility Tech
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Highly soluble stevia sweetener', disclosed a process for preparing highly soluble individual or combined sweet glycosides from a Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract. However, the original process has limitations, such as low solubility and inefficient preparation methods. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing novel methods and systems that enhance the solubility and efficiency of Stevia sweetener preparation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present invention introduces several novel and non-obvious features, including the use of a solvent ratio of at least 2:1 with the crystalline Rebaudioside A powder, the addition of a solubility enhancer, and the use of a controlled temperature and pressure mixing process. These features provide a significant enhancement in solubility and efficiency compared to the original patent, and are not obvious to those skilled in the art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention may include varying the ratio of solvent to crystalline Rebaudioside A powder, using different solubility enhancers, or modifying the mixing process. Additionally, the invention may be adapted for use with different types of Stevia sweeteners or in combination with other sweetener preparation processes.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present invention has significant commercial potential in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the production of low-calorie sweeteners and sugar substitutes. The enhanced solubility and efficiency of the Stevia sweetener preparation process may lead to increased adoption and market share in the growing market for natural sweeteners.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A23 | A23L27/33 |
| A | A23 | A23G3/36 |
| A | A23 | A23G9/32 |
| A | A23 | A23L2/60 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/00 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/10 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/11 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/12 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/30 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/31 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/34 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/35 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/36 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/37 |
| A | A23 | A23L33/21 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/602 |
| A | A61 | A61K8/9789 |
| A | A61 | A61K36/28 |
| A | A61 | A61Q19/00 |
| A | A23 | A23L27/21 |
| A | A23 | A23V2002/00 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/10 |
| A | A61 | A61K2800/92 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Food Science and Chemical Engineering, specifically focused on sweetener extraction and processing technologies, with expertise in solubility enhancement techniques for plant-derived glycosides
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced degree in food science or chemical engineering, experienced in sweetener extraction methods, familiar with stevia glycoside processing, and knowledgeable about solubility modification techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person skilled in the art would recognize that modifying solvent ratios, introducing controlled temperature mixing, and adding solubility enhancers represent predictable engineering variations to the original stevia sweetener extraction process. These modifications follow established techniques for improving glycoside solubility and represent incremental improvements within the known technological framework of stevia sweetener preparation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,974 |
|---|---|
| Title | Highly soluble stevia sweetener |
| Assignee(s) | PURECIRCLE SDN BHD |