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WO2024252399A1 - Système d'enrichissement d'eau - Google Patents

Système d'enrichissement d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024252399A1
WO2024252399A1 PCT/IL2024/050559 IL2024050559W WO2024252399A1 WO 2024252399 A1 WO2024252399 A1 WO 2024252399A1 IL 2024050559 W IL2024050559 W IL 2024050559W WO 2024252399 A1 WO2024252399 A1 WO 2024252399A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
pod
nutrients
drinking
tablet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2024/050559
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Haim Wilder
Abraham Jacob Domb
Original Assignee
Green Tech Water Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Green Tech Water Ltd filed Critical Green Tech Water Ltd
Publication of WO2024252399A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024252399A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
    • C02F1/685—Devices for dosing the additives
    • C02F1/688—Devices in which the water progressively dissolves a solid compound
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/28—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
    • C02F1/283—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption using coal, charred products, or inorganic mixtures containing them
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
    • C02F2201/006—Cartridges

Definitions

  • the technology generally concerns means for enrichment of drinking water with nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, herbal extracts and other agents for wellbeing.
  • Drinking water is the simplest way to deliver nutrients to the body.
  • Drinking water contains nutritionally beneficial minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and phosphate.
  • Nutrients that are typically available through a balanced diet are not always available due to such variables as poor dietary choices, restricted food availability, and specific health conditions can lead to inadequate nutrients intake. Ensuring consistent and sufficient intake of nutrients remains challenging, especially for individuals with busy lifestyles or limited access to a balanced diet.
  • Water as an affordable most consumed beverage globally by volume, presents itself as a potential substrate for nutrition supply. Enriching water with nutrients offers an accessible method for individuals to supplement their daily nutrient intake.
  • additives include effervescent tablets, powdered mixes, and liquid drops aimed to enhance the nutritional content of water. While such products offer convenience and ease of use, their limitations impact their effectiveness. These products lack sustained-release properties; the nutrients are rapidly released upon dissolution, leading to a short window for nutrient absorption and necessitating frequent consumption throughout the day to maintain consistent nutrient supply.
  • Non-compliance with nutritional supplement regimens is also a limitation, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Considering that some of the water enrichment products contain high sugar content, artificial flavors, or sweeteners, the suboptimal outcome is further reduced.
  • the inventors of the technology disclosed herein have developed an add-on or an auxiliary element, referred to herein as a “pod”, that can be easily incorporated in water dispensing systems or units, providing controlled delivery of nutrients, minerals and other additives of choice.
  • the pod containing an enriched composition of materials e.g., nutrients, minerals and additives, may be completely replaceable, or may be configured to hold a replaceable capsule containing the functional materials.
  • the pod is shaped and structured to be mounted onto any conduit of a drinking or a water-supply unit or a tap of any water supply unit such that water is flown mainly through the pod, thereby enriching the water stream with the materials.
  • the release rate of these materials into the water stream may depend on a variety of factors, such as the suction applied onto the conduit, e.g., a drinking rod, configured with the pod, or pressure imposed on the pod by water flowing therethrough, or generally on the rate of water flow through the pod.
  • the release rate may be defined as a water contact-dependent release, whereby only when water is caused to flow through the conduit and the pod, the materials are released into the water stream.
  • the pod of the invention constantly enriches water coming in contact with the content of the pod so that a certain predetermined dose of nutrient may be provided to the user for a period of at least 24 hours, or 7 days or more, when using a system implementing the pod.
  • the pod restricts the release of nutrients by a rate controlling membrane or a matrix and by restricting the contact of water with the composition of nutrients contained in the pod. If the pod is constantly in contact with water, the maximal dose of nutrients that can be released to the water is dependent on the release profile through the membrane or matrix, as a function of water contact time.
  • the invention concerns a detachable pod configured for reversible installation in a flow path of water flown from a water source (e.g., water reservoir, water basin, water tank, water stream, tap, etc) to a water output port, the pod having walls defining a chamber or a pocket enclosing an enriched composition of materials; and having one or more ports, at least one port being shaped and structured, or generally configured, to receive an end of a water stream, i.e., an egress end of a water conduit, and optionally at least one another port that is shaped and structured to receive an ingress end of a water conduit, or an exist port through which enriched or fortified water is delivered to the user.
  • a water source e.g., water reservoir, water basin, water tank, water stream, tap, etc
  • the invention further provides a detachable pod configured for reversible installation in a flow path of water flown from a water source (e.g., water reservoir, water basin, water tank, water stream, tap, etc) to a water output port, the pod having walls defining a chamber or a pocket enclosing an enriched composition of materials; and having two or more ports, at least one port being shaped and structured, or generally configured, to receive an end of a water supply conduit and at least one another port being shaped and structured to receive another end of the water supply conduit, such that water flowing from the end to the another end flows through the pod, effectively contacting the enriched composition of materials, thereby enriching the water.
  • a water source e.g., water reservoir, water basin, water tank, water stream, tap, etc
  • the invention further provides a pod for enriching water with one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive, the pod enclosing an enriched composition of one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive and is configured to reversible mount into a water flow path of a drinking apparatus, such that a flow of water through the pod enriches the water with the one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive.
  • the "pod of the invention may be a metallic, a polymeric, a glassy or a ceramic element made of virgin and/or recyclable materials and shaped and sized as an enclosure or reservoir, which may be varied in size and shape to fit into any existing drinking apparatus or any apparatus supplying water to a user.
  • the pod may be shaped as a container or an enclosure that encloses or comprises an enriched composition of nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the enclosure may be formed of a continuous wall or shell or may comprise two or more walls or sections or parts that are detachable and attachable to each other to enable replacement of the pod content. Typically, the pod is formed not to decompose to deteriorate when in contact with water, or overtime.
  • the shape of the pod may be spherical, spheroidal, elliptical, V-shaped, L- shaped, T-shaped or tubular.
  • the pod may be shaped and sized to fit into any existing water flow line of a drinking apparatus or water supply unit to allow water flow therethrough.
  • the pod may be provided with a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an end of a water flow line. At least one of the ports is configured to receive an egress end of a water conduit flowing water out of the pod (herein an egress port). At least one another port may be configured to receive an ingress end of the water conduit flowing water into the pod (herein an ingress port).
  • the port may be a jack or a receptacle of a diameter or size or shape that is configured to receive an end of a water conduit which may be in a form of a drinking rod (a drinking strew), a water tubing or a metal tube used to flow water in the water system.
  • the one or more ports may be specifically configured to receive a water conduit of specific diameter or may be a universal port shaped to receive an end of a water conduit of any dimeter and shape.
  • the universal port may be conical to receive conduits of different diameters.
  • the port may or may not be equipped with a locking element to securely, yet reversibly, attach or associated with a water supply line.
  • the pod has two or more ports, at least one thereof is an ingress port and another is an egress port, as defined.
  • water may enter or exit the pod through one or a plurality of pores provided on the pod surface.
  • the position of the ports (ingress and egress ports) on the pod may be dictated by the drinking apparatus used.
  • Exemplary pod configurations are provided in Figs. 20-23.
  • the pod may or may not comprise surface pores which permit diffusion of water into the pod to dissolve some or all of the enriched composition contained therein.
  • the number of the pores and the size of the pores may depend on the release profile, as further described herein.
  • the pod may be a reusable or a disposable or a biodegradable pod unit.
  • the pod may integrally contain a predetermined amount of an enriched composition of nutrients, minerals and/or additives, or may contain or hold a tablet or a capsule containing the enriched composition.
  • the pod comprises the enriched composition, and the pod may be dispensable.
  • the pod is structured to receive a dispensable capsule or tablet being or comprising the enriched composition. In such embodiments, the pod may be reusable.
  • Any pod of the invention may be provided with a one-way inlet valve (permitting unidirectional flow of water into the pod) and an outlet valve permitting outflow of enriched water from the pod.
  • the pod may comprise a capsule or a tablet of the enriched composition coated with a control-release film.
  • the pod may comprise a film or a layer of an activated carbon.
  • the pod may comprise a purification chamber for further purifying the water flowing through the pod.
  • the purification chamber may comprise a material for removing solids or contaminants, including optionally microbial contaminants from the water.
  • the pod may be configured to be mounted on a water supply line of any water supply or drinking apparatus.
  • the pod may be mounted on a supply line, at any point along the supply line, as depicted for example in Fig. 30B; or may be mounted at an end of a water supply line, as depicted in Figs. 1 and 30A.
  • the water supply line may be any pipe, conduit, element or otherwise feature of a water supply apparatus or system through which water is delivered from one region or unit of the apparatus or system to another.
  • the water supply line may be a plastic line (e.g., PVC line), a metallic line (e.g., aluminum or brass), a glass line or a water supply line of any other material.
  • the invention further provides a drinking apparatus or a water supply unit configured with a pod of the invention, the pod being provided in a water supply line between a water source and a water output port, such that water flowing along the water supply line from the water source to the water output port flows internally to the pod, allowing enrichment of the water exiting the output port with one or more nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the “drinking apparatus ' or “water supply unit” may be any apparatus or unit or system for supplying drinking water to a user.
  • the drinking apparatus or supply unit are household units or bench units which may be configured for supplying water to a single user or multiple users.
  • the apparatus or unit may be electrically operated, mechanically operated, or electro-mechanically operated.
  • the apparatus or unit may be configured for supplying tap water, distilled water, mineral water, hot or cold water, filtered water, purified water, soda or sparkling water, or any type of water, which enrichment is desired.
  • the apparatus or unit or system may be configured for supplying water to a user or for supplying water into a water storage means such as bottles, containers, basins, vessels, etc, suitable for use by humans or animals.
  • the apparatus or unit is equipped with a conduit through which water is flown from an internal or an external water reservoir poor in nutrients, minerals or additives to an output port which may be a tap or a faucet or a drinking rod delivering water directly to a vessel of a user’s mouth.
  • the apparatus or unit may be a drinking bottle, e.g., a personal drinking water bottle, equipped with a drinking rod (which may be integrally formed with the bottle); a water dispensing unit, or any apparatus, unit or system that is configured to supply water, and which is equipped with a tank or a container; a tubing, a line or a conduit; a pump; a cooling unit and/or a heating unit; valves; etc.
  • the drinking apparatus is a water supply system or a water dispenser.
  • the water supply unit or dispenser may be portable or mounted. Examples include water dispensers with refill water containers, wall-mounted water dispensers, table-top water dispensers, direct-piping water dispensers, freestanding vessels of water, drinking fountains, soda fountains and others.
  • the drinking apparatus is a personal water bottle equipped with an integrally formed or a replaceable drinking rod (straw) equipped with or configured to associate with a pod of the invention, e.g., wherein the association with the pod is via a port of the pod.
  • the apparatus is a water bottle equipped with a drinking rod having a water- immersed or water-engaging end provided with a pod
  • the pod may or may not have a second port. Water may flow into the pod through a plurality of pores. By applying suction to the external or mouth-end of the rod, water is drawn into the pod through the pores or existing ports, and becomes enriched with the nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the invention further provides a drinking rod or a drinking straw equipped with a pod of the invention.
  • the drinking rod or straw has a mouth-end that is intended to be placed in a user’s mouth and a water-immersed end intended to be placed in a liquid, e.g., water, to carry the liquid to the user’s mouth.
  • the water-immersed end may be equipped with the pod so that suction force carries the liquid through the pod to the user’s mouth.
  • the rod or straw may be disposable or replaceable, and thus may be made of plastic or a paper-based material; or the rod or straw may be a reusable utensil made of silicon, metal or a natural material such as bamboo.
  • the pod may be integrally formed with the drinking rod or may be configured with a port, as disclosed herein, to receive the water-immersed end of the rod.
  • the invention further provides a water bottle, e.g., a personal bottle, equipped with a drinking rod or a drinking straw having a water-immersed end equipped with a pod of the invention, the pod being detachably connected to the rod end or is integrally formed therewith.
  • the pod may have a port to associate to the rod, the rod may be free of an ingress port.
  • the pod may nevertheless comprise a plurality of pores allowing water to flow into the pod upon suction action by the user.
  • the enriched composition of nutrients, minerals and/or additives may be provided directly in the pod or may be encapsulated or contained in a tablet or capsule that can be fitted within the pod and which is replaceable.
  • the enriched composition may be provided in a variety of forms and compositions and may be tailored to fit any design of the pod, may contain different ingredients suitable per consumer desire, may be tailored for immediate release or prolonged release, etc.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a form of a tablet of compressed nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the enriched composition may be provided in a form of a capsule containing nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the capsule may be a metallic or polymeric capsule or enclosure containing the composition in a compressed or powder form.
  • the enriched composition is provided as separate powders or granules of different nutrients, minerals or additives that can be mixed by the end-user to meet their desired water content.
  • the enriched composition may be provided in a form of a compressed tablet coated with a single layer or a multilayer of a controlled release coating or semipermeable membrane or material, wherein the single layer or the multilayer is designed to release the tablet content at a predesigned rate, as a function of pressure gradient formed in the tablet due to water flowing through the tablet, as a function of osmotic pressure variations, etc.
  • the enriched composition may be provided as a tablet with a semipermeable coating formed thereon.
  • the enriched composition may be provided as a coated tablet of compressed nutrients, minerals and/or additives with a rate controlling membrane that releases its content over time by diffusion through the coated membrane.
  • the rate-controlling membrane is a semipermeable membrane.
  • the tablet may be configured as an osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system (OROS), in which osmotic pressure variations regulate the delivery of the content of the tablet.
  • OROS osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system
  • the semipermeable coating provided on the tablet surface is perforated with one or more surface holes or orifices that permit water absorption therethrough via osmosis. Osmotic pressure causes the tablet content to be pushed through the perforations.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a tablet form, wherein the tablet is a matrix tablet formed of a mixture of the nutrients, minerals and/or additives and inert polymeric materials such as copolymers of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid (such as Eudragits polymers) and cellulose or starch derivatives (such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxy propyl cellulose, starch acetate, hydroxyethyl starch), microcrystalline cellulose, copolymers of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (Kollidon® SR), etc.
  • the release of the tablet content may be through the matrix, which retards the dissolution of the nutrients in the matrix.
  • the tablet may be provided with a semipermeable coating such as the one used in dialysis tubing.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a pod formed as a dialysis pod, permitting release that is controlled by the molecular weight cut-off of the tubing.
  • the semipermeable coating may be formed of a material selected from cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, starch acetate, ethyl starch and copolymers of acrylic acid and methyl, polysulfone, polyethersulfone (PES), etched polycarbonate, acrylates such as methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate (including Eudragits polymers) and cellulose or materials such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate phthalate, starch acetate, polyvinyl acetate derivatives, polylactide, polycaprolactone and other polymers.
  • cellulose acetate ethyl cellulose, starch acetate, ethyl starch and copolymers of acrylic acid and methyl
  • PES polyethersulfone
  • etched polycarbonate acrylates such as methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate (including Eudragits polymers)
  • cellulose or materials such as
  • the coating is formed by depositing the coating material, e.g., a polymer, onto the tablet external surface by pan-coating where the polymer solution (in solvents such as acetone and ethanol) are spayed onto the tablets while being mixed in the pan- coating chamber.
  • the coating material e.g., a polymer
  • the polymer solution in solvents such as acetone and ethanol
  • polymer latex dispersions in water may be applied for coating the tablet using pan-coating.
  • Ready for use latex dispersions for coating of pharmaceutical tablets are commercially available, including EUDRAGIT® FS 30 D, a water dispersion of a copolymer of poly(methyl) methacrylate and methacrylic acid at a 10:1 ratio.
  • the dispersion contains 30% solids and 1-2% of a surfactant.
  • Plasticizers such as triethyl citrate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) may be added to the dispersion before coating to have a flexible coating with PEG serving as porogenic agent. The amount of PEG and plasticizer may determine the flexibility and durability of the coating during use and PEG amount may thus be tuned to the desired release profile.
  • enriched composition generally refers to a composition of one or more nutrients, minerals and/or additives that is provided in a concentrate form, namely at a concentration that is typically greater than a dose, e.g., daily dose, of the materials to be delivered.
  • the enriched composition is typically not a herbal composition or a ‘mate’ or any collection of leaves, stems and other plant debris used for infusion of active materials therefrom.
  • the enriched composition is also typically of predetermined composition and ingredient concentrations of amounts; thus, excluding any composition of unknown content (e.g., composition and concentrations).
  • the composition may comprise the nutrient, mineral and/or additive with or without a solid filler or an inert or non-beneficial solid material.
  • the nutrients, minerals or additives may be solubilized in a liquid carrier and thereafter loaded onto a solid matrix material to provide a solid composition.
  • the liquid carrier may be water or an alcohol or a pro-nano-lipid dispersion formulation (PNL), as known in the art.
  • the solid matrix may be any filler material such as collagen, acrylates such as methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate (including Eudragits polymers) celluloses such as ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, hydroxy propyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and others.
  • the nutrients, minerals or additives may be provided in an encapsulated form in nano or micro-carriers such as nanoparticles, nanoscales, microparticles and others.
  • the enriched composition may comprise any nutrient, mineral or additive that may be needed, desired or suggested for consumption through consumption of drinking water, or any water-based beverage.
  • the enriched composition may contain, consist or comprise any of the material combinations disclosed herein.
  • the composition may contain only nutrients, only minerals, only additives or any combination of two or more different materials. The selection of materials may be predetermined or formulated by the user.
  • the enriched composition may be suitable for use by the general population or prepared to suit certain populations such as women, pregnant women, infants, teenagers, elderly etc.
  • the nutrients may include vitamins (such as vitamin A, B, Bl, B6, B9, C, D, D3 and K), amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and others.
  • the minerals may be selected amongst calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium, sodium, manganese, copper, potassium, phosphorus and others.
  • Additives may include herbal extracts, food additives, flavorings, antioxidants, and others. Non-limiting examples are also listed in the tables below. Each material (nutrient, mineral or additive) constitutes an independent embodiment.
  • the enriched composition comprises minerals selected from Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, and Se; vitamins selected from vitamins A,B,C, D and K; additives selected from herbs such as ginger and curcumin; amino acids such as valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, methionine, phenylalanine, histidine, tryptophan and lysine, and others.
  • a tablet for delivering vitamins over a period of 7 days may contain:
  • Vitamins E, K, and D3 are dissolved into 200 mg pro-nano-lipid dispersion formulation (PNE), composed of surfactants (Tween, Span) cocoa butter and ethyl lactate. This solution is absorbed into 300 mg MCC to form a powder that can be mixed with the water-soluble vitamins.
  • the formulated insoluble vitamins in PNL forms lipid nanoparticles upon contact with stomach fluids and being absorbed with high bioavailability. **Recommended daily dose was taken from mayoclinic.org. ***Commercial tablet for reference is Centrum Multivitamins.
  • a tablet containing minerals may be composed of:
  • Additives may also be present in tablets of the invention.
  • An exemplary tablet comprises:
  • ⁇ Reference for this composition is Onnit Alpha Brain supplement. Green tea Catechin are one of the famous trending supplements. Different polyphenols can be used in the same tablet. Nutrients, such as vitamins, and minerals, are vital for maintaining various physiological functions in the human body. While a balanced diet should ideally provide these nutrients, factors like poor dietary choices, restricted food availability, and specific health conditions can lead to inadequate intake. Products and methods of the invention ensure consistent and sufficient intake of the nutrients especially by individuals with busy lifestyles or limited access to balanced diets.
  • enrichment of the water encompasses a provision of increasing a concentration of a nutrient, a mineral or an additive in water flowing through the pod and exiting the output port of a water supply unit or a drinking rod of a water bottle.
  • the enrichment is to levels or concentrations that are generally desired or intended, or which correspond to a daily dose, or which are needed to correct a deficiency in at least one nutrient, mineral or additive, or which are prescribed by a medical practitioner.
  • Additives may include colorants, sweeteners, fruit extracts, tasting agents, plant extracts and more.
  • the invention therefore also provides a method for enriching water with nutrients, minerals and/or additives, the method comprising passing a stream of water through a pod of the invention implemented in a water supply unit.
  • the invention further provides a method for minimizing or preventing diseases and medical conditions associated with deficient consumption of nutrients, materials or additives, the method comprising supplying to a subject suffering or having predisposition from suffering from the medical condition with water enriched with nutrients, minerals or additives according to the invention.
  • the pod may be associated with a specific barcode or tag that may be embedded in the pod, the tablet, capsule or the packaged pod or enriched composition.
  • the barcode or tag may provide indication or identify the pod based on its content, concentration of ingredients, release profile, and may also include warnings as to specific ingredients which may not be suitable for every user population.
  • the barcode or tag may be read by the water supply unit into which the pod is implemented or by a user’s barcode or tag reading app.
  • the invention also provides a provision of a method for enriching a subject’s diet with nutrients, minerals or additives, the method comprising dispensing water from a water output port of a water supply unit equipped with a pod according to the invention, wherein the pod is installed in a water flow path extending from a water reservoir or water tank or water source to the water output port.
  • the invention further provides a method for enriching a subject’s diet with nutrients, minerals or additives, the method comprising mounting or installing a pod according to the invention in a water flow path extending from a water reservoir or water tank or water source to a water output port of a water supply unit, and dispensing water from the water output port of the water supply unit.
  • the methods comprise administering to the subject said waters.
  • the administration may be via subject’s drinking immediately following dispensing of the water or at any time thereafter.
  • release of the nutrients, minerals and/or additives into the water passing through the pod may be controllable to provide immediate release, sustained released or prolonged release, whereby the nutrients, minerals and/or additives are not releasable unless water flows through the pod containing same.
  • the release of the materials into the water occurs under osmotic pressure or under a pressure gradient caused by a flow of water through the pod.
  • the enriched composition e.g., in a form of a tablet, may be provided in any one or more of the following configurations: -in a compressed form, whereby the degree of compression defines the rate of release from the tablet;
  • a compartmentalized form wherein the tablet comprises different material or composition regions, each provided with a different coating, capable of differently responding to the presence of water, such that each compartment releases its content after a different residence time (time period in contact with water), at a different rate and a different composition of the nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • release of the nutrients, minerals or additives into the water may be based on several dosage modes.
  • a continuous dose is designed such that the amount of enrichment materials released into the water is constant and less dependent on the amount of water in the bottle, as long as the concentration in the water is well below the water solubility of the materials being released.
  • This is based on a continuous and constant passage of enrichment materials through a rate-controlling membrane.
  • the rate of passage of a substance is constant as long as there are concentration differences between the two sides of the membrane.
  • the key to obtaining a stable and repeatable system is the selection of polymer membrane materials so that the passage therethrough does not change over time and the surface area through which the substances pass through is constant.
  • a dosing-per-passing of water may be designed, whereby release of a dose of materials depends on the customer sipping of the straw resulting in dosing the consumed water with a predetermined amount of materials.
  • the tablet is isolated from the aqueous environment and only when sipping, the passing water dissolves substances from the tablet. The duration of the contact of the water with the surface of the tablet determines the amount dissolved in the water that is in contact during sipping. It would be possible to determine the dose by mechanical means using pressures or an electronic signal, but these are less desirable.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a form of a compressed tablet of nutrients, minerals and/or additives, wherein the tablet is a matrix tablet or a tablet coated with a rate controlling membrane selected to release the nutrients into water over a period of 10 to 200 hours.
  • a tablet coated with a membrane designed to deliver a fixed dose for the duration of use If for example, the tablet is designed to deliver 10% of the recommended daily dose of certain minerals and vitamins for a period of 7 days, a mixture of the selected nutrients, which accounts to 70% of the recommended daily dose, is compressed into a tablet and coated with a rate-controlling membrane that allows the release of the planned dose per day for 7 days into the water, no matter how much water is loaded in a drinking bottle during the day. This tablet is replaced every 7 days with a fresh tablet and the empty tablet is discarded.
  • a tablet may be prepared by pressing a powder or granules composed of calcium sulfate-700 mg, magnesium chloride-700 mg, zinc chloride-70 mg, vitamin B-10 mg, vitamin C-5 mg.
  • the tablet is wrapped in a polymer film made of cellulose acetate or EVA that is perforated by adding 10% to 50% glycerol or PEG400 (a water-soluble substance) which is extracted from the membrane into the water and creates diffusion channels of the size and number, so that the substances in the tablet are released into the water at a constant rate so that the entire amount is released for 7 days.
  • the controlled release capsule may be a reusable capsule made of a rate controlling membrane or an envelope having a surface of rate controlling membrane where the capsule or envelop is loaded with the deliverable nutrients as powder, granules or beads where the release is controlled by the water penetrating into the capsule through the rate controlling membrane which gradually dissolves the inner capsule nutrients and controlled release through the rate controlling surface.
  • the invention further provides a device for determining ability of a pod of the invention to enrich water with nutrients, the device comprising a water line equipped with a pod of the invention, the water line having a first end for drawing water from a water reservoir and a second end for outputting water passing through the pod.
  • the device is configured and operable to mimic a human sipping process.
  • the device comprises a pump, e.g., a peristaltic pump mounted on the first end of the water line.
  • the invention further provides:
  • a pod for enriching water with one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive the pod enclosing an enriched composition of one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive and is configured to reversibly mount into a water flow path of a drinking apparatus, such that a flow of water through the pod enriches the water with the one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive.
  • the pod being a detachable pod configured for reversible installation in a flow path of water flown from a water source to a water output port, the pod having walls defining a chamber or a pocket enclosing an enriched composition of materials; and having one or more ports; at least one port being shaped and structured to receive an end of a water conduit and optionally at least one another port being shaped and structured to receive another end of the water conduit.
  • the pod having two or more ports, at least one port being shaped and structured to receive an end of an egress end of a water conduit and at least one another port being shaped and structured to receive an ingress end of a water conduit.
  • the water source is a water reservoir, a water bottle, a water basin, a water container, a water tank, a water stream, a water vessel or a tap.
  • the water output port is a port of a water dispensing unit configured for delivering a volume of water.
  • the water dispensing unit is a water supply unit or a water dispenser or a drinking apparatus or a drinking bottle
  • the port is a tap or a faucet of a water supply unit or a drinking apparatus or a mouth-end of a drinking rod provided in a water bottle or water container.
  • the pod being shaped as an enclosure formed of a continuous wall or comprising two or more detachable walls to enable replacement of the pod content. In some configurations of a pod of the invention, the pod being shaped as a container or an enclosure enclosing or comprising the enriched composition.
  • the pod being shaped as a container or an enclosure enclosing or comprising a capsule comprising the enriched composition.
  • the pod enclosing or comprising a tablet consisting or comprising the enriched composition.
  • the pod comprising surface pores configured to allow water diffusion therethrough.
  • the pod is for enriching water with one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive, the pod enclosing a compressed tablet of one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive, the pod being configured to reversibly mount into a water flow path of a drinking apparatus, such that a flow of water through the pod dissolves an amount of the compressed tablet at a rate selected to enrich the water with the one or more nutrient, mineral and/or additive.
  • the tablet is coated with a semipermeable coating.
  • the pod comprising a coated tablet of compressed nutrients, minerals and/or additives with a rate controlling membrane selected to release the tablet content over time by diffusion of the nutrients, minerals and/or additives through the coating membrane.
  • the pod comprising the enriched composition in a form of a tablet configured as an osmotic-controlled release system.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a form of a matrix tablet formed of a mixture of the nutrients, minerals and/or additives and inert polymeric materials.
  • the inert polymeric material is selected from copolymers of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid and cellulose derivatives.
  • the enriched composition is provided in a form of a tablet coated with a semipermeable coating formed of a material selected from cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, starch acetate, ethyl starch and copolymers of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate.
  • the enriched composition comprising nutrients selected from vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
  • the enriched composition comprising minerals selected amongst calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, selenium, sodium, manganese, copper, potassium, and phosphorus.
  • the enriched composition comprising additives selected from herbal extracts, food additives, flavorings, and antioxidants.
  • a drinking apparatus or a water supply unit configured with a pod according to the invention the pod being provided in a water supply line between a water source and a water output port, such that water flowing along the water supply line from the water source to the water output port flows internally to the pod, allowing enrichment of the water exiting the output port with one or more nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the apparatus or unit is an electrically operated, a mechanically operated, or an electro-mechanically operated water dispensing unit.
  • the apparatus or unit is configured for supplying tap water, distilled water, mineral water, hot or cold water, soda water, purified water or filtered water.
  • the apparatus or unit is a drinking bottle equipped with a drinking rod.
  • the drinking rod is integrally formed with the pod.
  • the drinking rod is provided with the pod having a port configured to receive the drinking rod.
  • the pod having a plurality of pores.
  • application of suction to a mouth-end of the drinking rod causes water to be drawn into the pod through a plurality of pores, such that water reaching the user’s mouth are enriched with the nutrients, minerals and/or additives contained in the pod.
  • a drinking rod or drinking straw having a water-immersed end equipped with a pod according to the invention.
  • the pod is integrally formed with the end of the drinking rod.
  • the drinking rod is detachably connected to the pod.
  • the pod comprises a replaceable capsule or tablet comprising or consisting an enriched composition.
  • a water bottle e.g., a personal water bottle equipped with a drinking rod having a water-immersed end equipped with a pod according to the invention, the pod being detachably connected to the rod end or is integrally formed therewith.
  • the bottle is for enriching water poor or of low nutrient, mineral or additive concentration.
  • the bottle is for enriching water contained in the bottle, allowing a user to consume water rich with the nutrients, minerals and/or additives contained in the pod.
  • application of suction to a mouthend of the drinking rod causes water to be drawn into the pod, optionally through a plurality of pores, such that water reaching the user’s mouth are enriched with the nutrients, minerals and/or additives contained in the pod.
  • the nutrients, minerals or additives contained in the pod do not seep out from the pod into the water in the bottle.
  • the nutrients, minerals or additives contained in the pod seep out from the pod into the water in the bottle.
  • the pod comprises a replaceable tablet or a capsule containing a compressed enriched composition of nutrients, minerals and/or additives.
  • the tablet is provided with a semipermeable coating.
  • the coating is a single layer or a multilayer of a controlled release coating or semipermeable membrane, wherein the single layer or the multilayer is designed to release the tablet content at a predesigned rate.
  • a method for enriching water with nutrients, minerals and/or additives comprising passing a stream of water through a pod according to the invention, implemented in a water supply unit.
  • the water supply unit is a drinking water bottle mounted with a drinking rod equipped with the pod.
  • the method is for minimizing or preventing diseases and medical conditions associated with deficient consumption of nutrients or materials, the method comprising supplying to a subject suffering or having predisposition from suffering from the medical condition with the water enriched with nutrients, minerals or additives.
  • the method is for enriching a subject’s diet with nutrients, minerals or additives, the method comprising dispensing water from a water output port of a water supply unit equipped with the pod, wherein the pod is installed in a water flow path extending from a water reservoir or water tank or water source to the water output port.
  • the method is for enriching a subject’s diet with nutrients, minerals or additives, the method comprising mounting or installing the pod in a water flow path extending from a water reservoir or water tank or water source to a water output port of a water supply unit, and dispensing water from the water output port of the water supply unit.
  • the pod is formed of a semipermeable envelope loaded with nutrients, wherein the pod is configured for nutrient controlled release.
  • the envelope is a coated tablet of the nutrients with a rate controlling membrane constantly releasing the nutrient content over a period of at least 24 hours.
  • the pod being in a form of an enclosed chamber having semipermeable walls, allowing controlled release of the nutrients upon contact with water.
  • the pod is formed of a biodegradable material.
  • the pod is formed of a reusable material.
  • the pod is implemented in a portable water system.
  • a device for determining ability of a pod according to the invention to enrich water with nutrients comprising a water line equipped with the pod, the water line having a first end for drawing water from a water reservoir and a second end for outputting water passing through the pod.
  • Figs. 1A-C are schematic representations of a plastic pod according to some embodiments of the invention, when associated to an end of a straw without the nutrient tablet (A), and with a coated nutrient tablet (B), and a straw when positioned in a personal drinking bottle (C).
  • Fig. 2 shows the cumulative release of crystal violet in % from dialysis tubing of 12000-14000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO)
  • Fig. 3 shows the cumulative release of Vitamin C in % (determined by UV absorption) from dialysis tubing of 12000-14000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig.4 shows the cumulative release of Vitamin B 12 in % from dialysis tubing of 12000- 14000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig. 5 shows the cumulative release of Zinc in % from dialysis tubing of 12000-14000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig. 6 shows the ccumulative release of Crystal violet in % from dialysis tubing of 1000-2000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig. 7 shows the cumulative release of vitamin B 12 in % from dialysis tubing of 1000- 2000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig. 8 shows the cumulative release of vitamin C in % from dialysis tubing of 12000- 14000 Da molecular weight cut off (MWCO).
  • Fig. 9 shows a capsule loaded with calcium and magnesium salts and ascorbic acid.
  • the capsule is sealed with a semi-permeable cellulose film and holes in the upper side to enhance the release.
  • Figs. 10A-D provide: Fig. 10A Shows the results of vitamin C release from plastic capsule of Fig. 9 over time.
  • the release of calcium shows zero-order profile during 90 minutes of release. Amount of calcium released was 46 ⁇ 2% or -1332 mg. Release rate was 15 mg/min.
  • Figs. 11A-D show different cross-section configurations of pods of the invention.
  • Amount of calcium released through membrane with MWCO 12,000-14,000 D was 65.5% ⁇ 1.87% or -1895 mg; release rate was ⁇ 158mg/L.
  • Amount of calcium released through membrane with MWCO 3,500 D was 40% ⁇ 16% or -1155.5 mg; release rate was ⁇ 96.3mg/L.
  • the release profile of ascorbic acid for 15 days shows following behavior: lag time for the first 4 L (two days); zero order release for 10 liters (5 days) and steady state for the last 15 liters (7 days). Total amount of ascorbic acid released was 88.9 ⁇ 4.6 %.
  • the release rate at zero order state was 250 mg/L.
  • Figs. 14A-C show a tablet before coating (A), After coating (B), and the tablet after 7 days release in water (C).
  • Fig. 15 shows the release profile of the Minerals from the tablet coated with PLA.
  • Fig. 16 shows the cumulative release of B 1 from the tablets coated with different CA molecular weight at different concentration and with different PEG ratio, the release on the left is for the 10% Cellulose acetate 50 KDa in acetone solution with three different PEG 200 ratios.
  • Fig. 17 shows the cumulative release of vitamin B 1 from tablet coated using cellulose acetate with different ratios of calcium carbonate and PEG 200.
  • Fig. 18 shows the accumulative release of the (i) vitamin B 1 from tablet coated with different glycerol ratio to cellulose acetate, and (ii) Calcium and Magnesium release from the tablet coated with cellulose acetate: glycerol 1: 1 at 5% w/w polymer concentration.
  • Fig. 19 shows the tablet after drying the coating and before starting the release left picture, and after 3 days of release in the middle picture, and at the after 7 days at the last day if the release at the right picture.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a water enrichment pod having an L-shape according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the water enrichment pod according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • Fig. 22 is a cross sectional perspective view of the water enrichment according to some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIGS. 23A-D are zoomed-in perspective views illustrating a pod enclosing a water enrichment pod and an operation scheme thereof.
  • Fig. 24 depicts vitamin B 1 accumulative release from tablets coated using 4% w/v cellulose acetate solution and 50% PEG 1500 (ratio to polymer).
  • Set Al and A2 represent repetition of the release experiment in 50 mL (to reconfirm the release pattern), each set consists of 5 tablets.
  • Fig. 25 depicts vitamin B 1 accumulative release from tablets coated using 3% w/v cellulose acetate solution and 50% PEG 1500 (ratio to polymer).
  • Set Al and A2 represent repetition of the release experiment in 50 mL (to reconfirm the release pattern), each set consists of 5 tablets.
  • Fig. 26 depicts magnesium accumulative release from tablets coated using 4% w/v cellulose acetate solution and 50% PEG 1500 (ratio to polymer).
  • Set Al and A2 represent repetition of the release experiment in 50 mL (to reconfirm the release pattern), each set consists of 5 tablets.
  • Fig. 27 depicts magnesium accumulative release from tablets coated using 3% w/v cellulose acetate solution and 50% PEG 1500 (ratio to polymer).
  • Set Al and A2 represent repetition of the release experiment in 50 mL (to reconfirm the release pattern), each set consists of 5 tablets.
  • Fig. 28 depicts vitamin B 1 accumulative release from tablets coated using different concentration of cellulose acetate acetone solution and 50% w/w PEG 1500 (ratio to polymer).
  • the tablets weight gain following the coating experiment is presented in the figure legends.
  • the release rate from coated tablets is dependent on the coating deposition onto the tablet which determines the coating thickness. This data confirms that a 2% coating onto tablet is stable over the release period.
  • Fig. 19 depicts vitamin Bl cumulative release using the release machine.
  • the release from tablets is constant per the sipping of water from the water chamber.
  • Each data point is a result of a single sipping using the automated device mimicking the human sipping of water from a drinking water bottle.
  • Fig. 30 is an image of a test set-up mimicking a human sipping process.
  • Figs. 31A-B are depictions of a water supply unit equipped with a pod (marked with an arrow) according to the invention, in an output port of the unit (A) or along a water supply line (B).
  • the enrichment-agents compartment A tablet of nutrients that is placed inside a drinking water bottle and constantly releases minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to the water at a predetermined release rate to provide a daily dose of nutrients.
  • Nutrient Delivery The concept for the delivery product is that each agent will be encapsulated in a rate controlling membrane that guarantees a predetermined release profile for one week of each nutrient.
  • the individually encapsulated agents will be combined into a single unit to be installed into a holder.
  • the processing of the nutrients involves taking suitable amounts of commercially available nutrients (metal salts or vitamins), granulate them with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), add inactive ingredients, including microcrystalline cellulose, talk, Mg stearate, etc. and compress them into tablets and dip or spray coat with a permeable polymeric membrane to allow constant release through the coating membrane.
  • PVP polyvinyl pyrrolidone
  • the water enrichment system is optimized in such a way that the polymer bags containing the nutrients will release a constant amount of the nutrients every hour such that the amount of each nutrient that accumulates per day is predetermined per the RDA.
  • Mg/Ca tablet 700mg of Calcium carbonate and 700mg of Magnesium citrate was granulated with PVP, mixed with MCC and compressed together to generate a 1.5g tablet.
  • Zn/Se tablet 70mg of Zinc Bisglycinate, Img of L-Selenomethionine and 129 mg of Magnesium citrate as filler substance, was compressed together into a tablet of 200mg.
  • Vitamins tablet 7mg of ascorbic acid, 7mg of cyanocobalamin, 140mg of thiamine hydrochloride and 140mg of Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium was compressed together into a tablet of 300mg .
  • Coating the tablets The tablets were coated with rate controlling membrane, as follows: Tablets were individually dip coated by either ethyl cellulose in ethanol (with PEG 400 as a plasticizer) or by ethyl vinyl acetate in acetone/ethanol mixtures or Eudragit RL100 or RS 100 in ethanol to produce coated tablets.
  • Semi-permeable tubing semi-permeable plastic bags such as cellulose dialysis tubing was used as rate controlling membrane.
  • Such tubing can be made from common polymers such as PE, PET, PU or EVA, prepared by melt sheeting of the polymer mixture with a water soluble porogenic agent such as Mg citrate, CaCO3, ZnC12, NaCl, glucose, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, etc. Upon immersing in water, the porogenic agent is dissolved, leaving a porous membrane that allows the release of entrapped solid or solution of the active agent in the bag. The size and tortuosity of the pours across the tubing wall and thickness of the wall, will determine the release rate from the tubing.
  • Nutrient release was determined and optimized with the help of the Lovibond tintometer, which is a practical colorimeter which is employed to quantify the amount of different nutrients released into the water in the water bottle.
  • a mixture of the water-soluble vitamins and minerals (quantities of the individual vitamins and mineral shall be based on the daily dietary amounts) (along with a dye that has similar solubility) (5gm) can be taken in dialysis tubing of suitable pore size (MWCO - as low as possible) and the tubing can be placed in a suitable water bottle, allowing for nutrient release in a controlled and steady manner for 7 days.
  • the dialysis tubing and/or the tablets shall be placed in a specialized compartment and fitted into the water bottle and this compartment can be swapped out or a new water bottle can be purchased after 7 days.
  • the release of calcium and magnesium can be quantified indirectly by adding crystal violet (a water-soluble dye with a solubility of about 50mg/ml which is in the same range of the calcium and magnesium salts being used in the tablet and the mixture being added in the dialysis tubing) and measuring the absorbance of the release medium using a UV- Visible spectrophotometer (Crystal violet shows a peak absorbance at 592nm).
  • crystal violet a water-soluble dye with a solubility of about 50mg/ml which is in the same range of the calcium and magnesium salts being used in the tablet and the mixture being added in the dialysis tubing
  • a Lovibond tintometer shall be used to measure the amounts of zinc in the release medium i.e., the water in the water bottle or container.
  • Vitamin B12 shows a characteristic absorbance peak at 215-216nm, and it can be quantified using a UV-visible spectrophotometer like in point 4.
  • Vitamin C shows a characteristic absorbance peak at 280nm, and it can be quantified using a UV-visible spectrophotometer like in point 4.
  • the dialysis tubing containing the mineral-crystal violet mixture was placed in a container containing 500ml of deionized water and the release of crystal violet, vitamin B12, vitamin C and zinc ions were checked using UV- Visible spectroscopy (for crystal violet and the vitamins) and colorimetry (for zinc) respectively.
  • the release was checked at 30mins, 60mins, 120mins, 240mins, 360mins, 480mins and 24hrs.
  • the release was checked at 30mins, 60mins, 120mins, 240mins, 360mins, 480mins and 24hrs.
  • dialysis tubing of a smaller pore size - 1000-2000 Da (MWCO) was used to exhibit extended steady release over a period of 7-8 days.
  • the specially developed plastic capsule was filled with 8 g of dried calcium chloride dehydrate, magnesium chloride, 3:2 mixture of both salts or 6 g of ascorbic acid.
  • the capsule was closed with dialysis cellulose membrane MWCO 12,000-14,000 or 3,500D.
  • the capsule was perforated in the upper side of the capsule (see Fig. 9).
  • Fig. 10B Calcium release from perforated plastic capsules is summarized in Fig. 10B. It can be clearly seen that release from non-perforated capsule approaches zero-order release profile when release from perforated capsules is more similar to saturation curve. The release from more perforated capsule reaches the steady state earlier than release from less perforated capsule. The release from non-perforated capsule shows zero-order profile when the release from perforated capsules with 1, 4, 8, and 15 holes shows saturation curves. The capsule with 15 holes reaches the maximal release after 20 minutes of release, the capsules with 8 and 4 holes released for 30 minutes and capsules with one hole reaches the steady state after 40 minutes of release.
  • Figs. 10A and 10B The results of calcium and magnesium release from non-perforated plastic capsule in non-flow system is summarized in Figs. 10A and 10B. Release of calcium and magnesium in non-flow system matches zero order during first two hours of release (Fig. 10C), release profile of calcium and magnesium are similar to each other (Fig. 10D).
  • Figs. 12A-C The results of calcium and magnesium release from plastic capsule in flow system are summarized in Figs. 12A-C.
  • the release of calcium in flow system matches zero order (Fig. 12A).
  • the release rate of calcium through cellulose membrane with MWCO 3,500D is slower than release rate through cellulose membrane with MWCO 12,000-14, 000D (Fig. 12B).
  • the release of calcium and magnesium through cellulose membrane with MWCO 3,500D for 10 days gives zero order at first 15 liters or at first week of release (Fig. 12C).
  • the aim of this study is to prepare tablets loaded with vitamins and minerals for a sustained release in water for one week.
  • Vitamins Vitamin B12, Riboflavin (B2), Thiamine HCL (Bl), Minerals: Calcium carbonate, Calcium chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Zinc chloride, Coating materials: Polyethene Glycol (PEG 400), Poly lactic acid (PLA), Tablet excipients: Magnesium stearate, Neusilin US2
  • Tablet preparation the tablet was prepared by compressing 1.5 g of the formulation powder using tableting punch under pressure of 3 tons for 10 seconds.
  • the material composition in the tablet is mentioned in the table below.
  • Tablets Coating The tablets were coated by dipping in the coating solution for several times, the coating layer dried at room temperature for 0.5-1 h between each dipping, and then let to fully dry for 3-4 hours after the last dipping and before starting the release.
  • Vitamins and Minerals release the release was done by placing the table in 50 ml of DDW. The release of the vitamins was monitored by measuring the UV at specific wavelength for each vitamin. The release of the minerals monitored using Lovibond device
  • Vitamin Bl UV calibration curve was established at 235 and 261 nm.
  • Vitamin B2 riboflavin, UV calibration curve was established at 373 and 444 nm.
  • Results The prepared tablets were coated by dipping in the CHF solution with the coating polymers, different polymers were used to coat the tablets, the tablets were let dry then placed into aqueous solution to check the stability of the tablet for one week and the minerals and vitamins release, the tablets weight after the coating increased by 8-10% and the coating weight is approximately 120 mg, the tablet before and after the coating is shown in Figs. 14A and 14B.
  • the release of the coated tablet was conducted in 50 ml de-ionized water (DDW), and the release medium was replaced and monitored daily.
  • the release of the minerals was performed using Lovibond device using specific tablet for zinc, and specific tablet for magnesium and calcium together (total hardness).
  • the amount released of the Mg+Ca was 100% over 7 days with almost linear profile, as shown in Fig. 14.
  • the zinc released was only 50% of the loaded zinc amount with a linear release profile as seen in Fig. 15.
  • vitamins B was monitored using UV spectrophotometer, the release lasted for 7 days.
  • the aim of this work was to optimize cellulose acetate coating with different porosities to allow linear release of vitamins and minerals for 7 days.
  • Coating polymer Cellulose acetate 30 kDa and Cellulose acetate 50 kDa from Sigma Aldrich. Tablet content: Calcium chloride from BDH, Magnesium sulphate from Mallinckrodt Chemicals, Thiamine HCL (Bl) from Merck Millipore, Magnesium stearate from Thermo Scientific, and Neusilin. Pore forming agents: PEG 200 from Thermo Scientific, Calcium carbonate from Merck, Glycerol from Acros Organic Plasticizer: Diethyl phthalate from Thermo Scientific. Method:
  • the coating solution was prepared with polymer concentration of 10% and 20% w/v in acetone solutions. The coating was done by dipping the tablet two times and drying the coating for 30 min between each dip. 20% CA of both molecular weights released the vitamins very slowly. Diethyl phthalate (10% w/w to CA) was used as plasticizer in all coating solutions (Fig. 19).
  • PEG200 and Calcium carbonate dispersion in cellulose acetate acetone solution were prepared with different ratio of calcium carbonate and PEG to cellulose acetate.
  • the polymer solution concentration is 10% (w/w). It was observed that the use of the calcium carbonate slowed the release of the vitamin Bl compared to using PEG alone (Fig. 17).
  • Glycerol was used in the ratio of 1:2 and 1:1 to cellulose acetate, the polymer was prepared in two different concentrations of 5% and 10% in acetone. It was observed that the lower cellulose acetate concentration allowed the tablet to release all the content in 7 days as can be seen in Fig. 16, compared to the higher coating concentration that allowed up to 50% of the vitamin to release in the same period. The tablet was taken out and checked at each time point for inspection. It was found that the content of nutrients reduced with time and only the coating layer remained after 7 days, as can be seen in Fig. 18.
  • a Water Enrichment Capsule 100 which can be easily connected to an ingress end of a straw (preferably used in a drinking bottle) hence enriching water consumed by the end user.
  • the connection between the water enrichment capsule and the straw is done via a universal, funnel shaped, connector 200 allowing a wide range of straw’s widths / diameters to be connected to said water enrichment capsule 100.
  • FIG. 21 and Fig. 22 there is provided an exploded perspective view of the water enrichment capsule 100 comprising at the ingress end an ingress housing 201 formed by a top skin 202 and bottom skin 203 and a shell 204 at the egress end of the water enriching capsule 100.
  • the top skin 202 includes a funnel shaped connector 200 enabling a large range of straws’ widths / Diameters to connect to.
  • the ingress housing 201 may comprise a duckbill valve 205 allowing a unidirectional flow of water from the outer reservoir, preferably a drinking bottle, into the water enrichment capsule 100. The water flow through the activated carbon layer 206 aiming to remove small particles.
  • the water further flows through the enrichment unit 207 which enriches the water with nutrition additives as explained above.
  • the ingress housing 201 may also comprise a spring 208 which at the initial stage is pressed by the enrichment unit 207 and gradually expands as the enrichment unit’s 207 gradual degrades from usage. Once the enrichment unit 207 is fully exhausted, the spring 208 becomes fully expanded indicating that the water enrichment capsule 100 should be replaced. The elongation of the spring 208 may also physically block the water enrichment capsule 100 from further usage. It is to be noted that the enrichment unit 207 does not have to fully disappear in order to indicate that the water enrichment capsule 100 should be replaced, even a formation change of the enrichment unit 207 may cause sufficient expansion of the spring.
  • Fig. 23A show the water enrichment capsule 100 before usage, as can be appreciated, the spring 208 is in its compressed mode and the enrichment unit 207 exists in its full form whilst Fig. 23B show the enrichment capsule 100 after usage, the spring is fully extended and the enrichment unit 207 fully lost its volume.
  • EXAMPLE 6 shows the water enrichment capsule 100 before usage, as can be appreciated, the spring 208 is in its compressed mode and the enrichment unit 207 exists in its full form whilst Fig. 23B show the enrichment capsule 100 after usage, the spring is fully extended and the enrichment unit 207 fully lost its volume.
  • the appropriate amount of Na-Ascorbate and Avicel PH 101 was mixed with the milled granulate using Y-cone mixer for 10 min. Then the appropriate amount of Mg-stearate was added and mixed for 2 min. The final powder was used to prepare the tablets.
  • magnesium sulphate, zinc picolinate, and Avicel PH 101 was mixed with the milled granulate using Y-cone mixer for 10 min. Then the appropriate amount of Mg-stearate and Aerosol 200 was added and mixed for 2 min. The final powder was used to prepare the tablets. Those tablets were used in the optimization of the coating process, and in the preliminary release experiment to determine the release from the coated tablets.
  • Machine description high precision rotary tablet press designed specifically for product development, optimization, and the production of small volume clinical supplies.
  • the tablets were coated in the pan coating using 3-4% (w/v) cellulose acetate acetone solution. The parameters and conditions during the coating process are mentioned below. The tablets were weighed before and after the coating process to calculate the coating weight gain.
  • Coating polymer Cellulose acetate 50 kDa from Sigma Aldrich
  • Plasticizer Diethyl phthalate from Thermo-Scientific.
  • the coating stability in aqueous condition was determined by placing one coated tablet in 50 ml DDW at 75 rpm shaking. The tablets were checked daily to determine the stability of the coating for one week and to eliminate any leaky tablets with broken or punctured coating. The experiment was run in triplicate.
  • the release was done by placing one or two tablets in the tablets chamber.
  • the tablets chamber placed in water and the release started.
  • the release was monitored by collecting ⁇ 50 mL every 20-30 min, and a total daily volume of IL was collected.
  • release tablets The release from the coated tablets (release tablets) was determined in 50 mL and 500 mL DDW at 75 rpm. The medium was replaced daily and monitored by UV to determine the release of vitamin B 1 while the release of the minerals (Mg and Zn) is monitored using Lovibond device. In each release experiment, 5 tablets were used.
  • Coating solution composed of cellulose acetate at 3 or 4% w/w acetone solution, PEG 1500 used as porous inducer in the ratio of 50% w/w to the cellulose acetate.
  • the release of vitamin B 1 was linear from the coated tablets for a period of 1 week (7 days) and the release experiment was performed in 50 mL volume (repeated twice) and in 500 mL. Average data of the release graph the 4% cellulose acetate solution presented in Fig. 244, and the graph of 3% cellulose acetate solution presented in Fig. 25. The release from the 3% solution was slightly faster than from the 4%. The coating thickness needed to be determined.
  • the release of magnesium is shown in Fig. 26 and Fig. EXAMPLE 7:
  • Aim The aim of this work is to determine the release of vitamins and minerals from the tablets coated with different concentrations of cellulose acetate using PEG 1500 as porous inducer. This report focuses on the tablets coating, stability, and release.
  • Coating polymer Cellulose acetate 50 kDa from Sigma Aldrich
  • Plasticizer Diethyl phthalate from Thermo-Scientific.
  • Tablets composition (15 mm tablets): Tablets coating with organic solution:
  • the tablets were coated in the pan coating using acetone solution of cellulose acetate.
  • the parameters and conditions during the coating process are mentioned in the below Table.
  • the tablets were weighed before and after the coating process to calculate the coating weight gain.
  • the coating stability in aqueous condition was determined by placing one coated tablet in 50 ml DDW at 75 rpm shaking, the tablets were checked daily to confirm no breaking of the coating for up to one week. The experiment was done in triplicate.
  • the release from the coated tablets was determined in 50 mL DDW at 75 rpm. The medium was replaced daily and monitored by UV to determine the release of vitamin Bl. The experiment was done in triplicate. Mimicking release of nutrients using a designed device:
  • a device mimicking the human sipping process was developed made from a peristaltic pump that delivers water through a tube that runs from the chamber where the tube end is connected to the nutrient releasing capsule with the tablet to a chamber that collects water samples that are seeped through the tube from the nutrient capsule chamber as shown in Fig. 30.
  • the flow rate of water from the nutrient chamber, mimicking the drinking water bottle, to the collection chamber which mimics the human mouth, is fully controlled by an electronic system.
  • the timing and flow rate can be adjusted for automatic sampling for 1 to 10 days or more.
  • the release was done by placing one tablet in the tablet’s chamber.
  • the chamber was sealed with silicon and tested to ensure no leakage. Then it was connected to the pump using silicon pipe (15-20 cm length, inner diameter ⁇ 4.5 mm).
  • the tablets chamber placed in water and the release started by collecting ⁇ 50 mL water.
  • the release was monitored by collecting -130-170 mL every 1-2 hours, and a total daily volume of IL was collected.
  • the released profile was monitored by measuring the UV absorption of vitamin B 1 in the samples.
  • Coating solution composed of cellulose acetate at 2-5% w/w acetone solution, PEG 1500 used as porous inducer in the ratio of 50% w/w to the cellulose acetate, as mentioned in the Table below. All coated tablets were stable for over 7 days in DDW. Average data of the release graph of the different cellulose acetate solution presented in Fig. 24. The tablets coated with CA solution with 3% and 4% concentration were used to determine the release in the machine, and the release graph is presented in Fig. 259.
  • a pod made from reusable polymers or biodegradable components
  • the pod or holder of the tablets is made of polymers that are approved for being in contact with drinking water and can be dismantled into components that can be reassembled into a pod for reuse or melted into plastics for making new pods or needed plastic elements.
  • the pod is made of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester made from lactic acid, glycolic acid, caprolactone or hydroxy butyr ate.
  • the coating of the nutrient tablet is also coated with a biodegradable polymer containing a hydrophilic porogen such as glycerol, a sugar, a water- soluble salt or polyethylene glycol. The release of nutrients is controlled by the membrane pore size and thickness.
  • a biodegradable plasticizer such as triethyl citrate or tributyl citrate (TBC) or tributyl citrate acetate.
  • PLA TBC: PEG 1000 at a w/w ratio of 1:0.05:0.5 dissolved in ethyl acetate and spray coated onto nutrient tablets. The 5% loading tablet coating onto a 1.5-gram tablet, constantly releases the nutrients for 7 days.
  • the pod body is made of high molecular weight PLA containing TBC as plasticizer. At the end of the use of the pod, the used pods are added to a vacuum heating system where the PLA is decomposed into lactide which is collected and re -polymerized into PLA.
  • a capsule designed to fit the outlet of a water system was prepared by molding a capsule that is hooked to the outlet tube of a water system where the capsule contains a tablet or tablets coated with a controlled release membrane. When passing water through the capsule, an exact nutrient concentration is added to the water. An illustration is shown in Fig.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Abstract

La technologie concerne, de manière générale, des moyens d'enrichissement de l'eau potable avec des nutriments, ainsi que des procédés d'utilisation.
PCT/IL2024/050559 2023-06-08 2024-06-06 Système d'enrichissement d'eau WO2024252399A1 (fr)

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5707353A (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-01-13 Abbott Laboratories Oral administration of beneficial agents
US6358237B1 (en) * 1999-01-19 2002-03-19 Assistive Technology Products, Inc. Methods and apparatus for delivering fluids to a patient
US20100084290A1 (en) * 2008-07-21 2010-04-08 Anson Ricky L Hands free hydration system
US20140353339A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Damjan Madjar Portable drinking vessel with battery operated, pump assisted straw
US20200060466A1 (en) * 2018-08-27 2020-02-27 Mary Hughes In-line flavor dispenser
US20200107667A1 (en) * 2018-10-09 2020-04-09 Dyln Lifestyle, LLC Contoured double walled fluid container with internal compartment
US20210169264A1 (en) * 2019-11-28 2021-06-10 Cirkul, Inc. Filtration for cartridge based beverage forming systems and related methods
WO2022053999A1 (fr) * 2020-09-11 2022-03-17 Seven Vibrations Limited Système, procédé et appareil pour améliorer un fluide

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5707353A (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-01-13 Abbott Laboratories Oral administration of beneficial agents
US6358237B1 (en) * 1999-01-19 2002-03-19 Assistive Technology Products, Inc. Methods and apparatus for delivering fluids to a patient
US20100084290A1 (en) * 2008-07-21 2010-04-08 Anson Ricky L Hands free hydration system
US20140353339A1 (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-04 Damjan Madjar Portable drinking vessel with battery operated, pump assisted straw
US20200060466A1 (en) * 2018-08-27 2020-02-27 Mary Hughes In-line flavor dispenser
US20200107667A1 (en) * 2018-10-09 2020-04-09 Dyln Lifestyle, LLC Contoured double walled fluid container with internal compartment
US20210169264A1 (en) * 2019-11-28 2021-06-10 Cirkul, Inc. Filtration for cartridge based beverage forming systems and related methods
WO2022053999A1 (fr) * 2020-09-11 2022-03-17 Seven Vibrations Limited Système, procédé et appareil pour améliorer un fluide

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