Hydrocolloid cellular solid matrices
OwnerAmos Nussinovitchinventor
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Abstract
The invention relates to novel hydrocolloid cellular solid matrices having predetermined moisture absorption properties, caloric value, biodegradability, pore size, pore density, pore distribution and structure. Certain cellular solid matrices of the invention can be used as edibles, and these can be produced as calorie-less, low calorie, high calorie and ultra-high calorie content cellular solids. Certain types of cellular solid matrices can be used in medicine and also in a variety of industries.
Claims54
A method for the production of a cellular solid matrix having predetermined characteristics of moisture absorption, biodegradability, pore size, pore density, pore distribution and structure, said method comprising:
- a. providing a hydrocolloid gel solution;
- b. expanding the hydrocolloid gel solution with a gas prior to or during gelation, wherein said gas becomes entrapped as bubbles within the matrix of said gel, and wherein said gel keeps its integrity;
- and
- c. drying said expanded gel,
- wherein said hydrocolloid gel is selected from the group consisting of agar, agarose, pectin, carrageenan, alginate, gelatin, gellan, konjak mannan, xanthan gum plus locust bean gum, or a combination thereof.
A biodegradable cellular solid matrix having predetermined characteristics of moisture absorption, biodegradability, pore size, pore density, pore distribution and structure, said cellular solid is produced by:
- a. expanding a hydrocolloid gel solution with a gas, wherein said gas becomes entrapped as bubbles within the matrix of said gel, and wherein said gel keeps its integrity;
- and
- b. drying said expanded gel,
- wherein said hydrocolloid gel is selected from the group consisting of agar, agarose, pectin, carrageenan, alginate, gelatin, gellan, konjak mannan, xanthan gum plus locust bean gum, or a combination thereof.
A method for the production of a cellular solid matrix comprising:
- (a) mixing a hydrocolloid gum with an oil at a temperature above the gel setting point to form a hydrocolloid gel;
- (b) heating said hydrocolloid gel comprising the oil at a temperature below the gel melting point until the removal of the oil from the gel, thereby forming pores in place of the oil, and
- (c) drying the gel of step (b),
- wherein said hydrocolloid gel is selected from the group consisting of agar, agarose, pectin, carrageenan, alginate, gelatin, gellan, konjak mannan, xanthan gum plus locust bean gum, or a combination thereof.
A method for the production of a cellular solid matrix comprising:
- (a) mixing a hydrocolloid gel with sodium iodide in conditions which permit partial dissolution of the gel to form pores in the gel;
- and
- (b) drying the gel of step (a).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.