U.S. patent application number 12/492860 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-31 for methods for reducing the sensory effects of odorous compounds.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nano Terra, Inc.. Invention is credited to Karan Chauhan, Brian T. Mayers, Joseph M. MCLELLAN.
Application Number | 20090324784 12/492860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41444843 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090324784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCLELLAN; Joseph M. ; et
al. |
December 31, 2009 |
METHODS FOR REDUCING THE SENSORY EFFECTS OF ODOROUS COMPOUNDS
Abstract
The present invention is directed to compositions containing a
food product capable of developing a volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compound after
packaging, and a pristine metal in an amount sufficient to minimize
the sensory effects of the volatile, malodorous compounds at a time
of use.
Inventors: |
MCLELLAN; Joseph M.;
(Somerville, MA) ; Mayers; Brian T.; (Somerville,
MA) ; Chauhan; Karan; (Cambridge, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX P.L.L.C.
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
Nano Terra, Inc.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
41444843 |
Appl. No.: |
12/492860 |
Filed: |
June 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61075993 |
Jun 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/124 ;
426/271 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/266 20130101;
A23L 5/276 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/124 ;
426/271 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/72 20060101
B65D085/72; B65B 55/00 20060101 B65B055/00 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising: a sealed package containing: a food
product capable of forming a volatile, malodorous
nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof; and a
pristine metal present in an amount sufficient to sequester a
volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a volatile,
malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof,
such that a total concentration of volatile, malodorous
nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is below a
human detection level at a time of use.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pristine metal is
selected from: gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, and
combinations thereof.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pristine metal is
present as at least one of: a film, a component of a film, a
colloid, a sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a
mesoparticle, a metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a
foil, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, or a
combination thereof.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
sealed package is transparent or opaque.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sealed package contains
a liquid food product, and the pristine metal is present: on an
inner surface of the sealed package; in at least a portion of the
liquid food product; or a combination thereof, and wherein the
pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a
pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm.sup.2 per liter of the
liquid food product.
6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the pristine metal is
present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 10 cm.sup.2 per liter of the liquid food product.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the sealed package contains
a solid or semi-solid food product, and the pristine metal is
present on an inner surface of the sealed package, and wherein the
pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to provide a
pristine metal surface area of about 0.1 cm.sup.2 per milligram of
the solid or semi-solid food product.
8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the pristine metal is
present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 0.5 cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid or semi-solid
food product.
9. A process for sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a
sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof, from a food
product prior to use, the process comprising: providing to a sealed
food product a pristine metal suitable for sequestering a
nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a
combination thereof, wherein the pristine metal is present: in or
on a sealed package containing the food product; in at least a
portion of the sealed food product; or a combination thereof, and
wherein the pristine metal is present in an amount sufficient to
sequester a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing
compound, or a combination thereof that is formed in situ prior to
use of the food product such that malodorous nitrogen-containing
and sulfur-containing compounds is below a human detection level at
a time of use.
10. The process of claim 9, wherein the food product is a
protein-containing food product that contains food selected from: a
meat, poultry, a seafood, soy, whey, an egg, a dairy product,
ovalbumin, and combinations thereof.
11. The process of claim 9, wherein a sulfur-containing compound
includes a functional group selected from: a thiol, a dithiol, a
sulfide, a disulfide, a trisulfide, a sulfone, a sulfoxide, a
sulfur-containing heterocycle, and combinations thereof.
12. The process of claim 9, wherein the sulfur-containing compound
includes 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol.
13. The process of claim 9, wherein a nitrogen-containing compound
includes a functional group selected from: an amine, an amide, a
nitro, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, and combinations
thereof.
14. The process of claim 9, wherein a nitrogen-containing compound
includes a compound selected from: spermine, spermidine,
putrescine, and combinations thereof.
15. The process of claim 9, wherein the pristine metal is selected
from: gold, platinum, silver, copper, palladium, and combinations
thereof.
16. The process of claim 9, wherein the pristine metal is present
as at least one of: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a
sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a
metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a
stopper, a coin, a disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, or a
combination thereof.
17. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding
a pristine metal to a liquid food product in an amount sufficient
to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm.sup.2 per
liter of the liquid food product.
18. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding
a pristine metal to a liquid food product in an amount sufficient
to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 10 cm.sup.2 per
liter of the liquid food product.
19. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding
a pristine metal to a package containing a solid or semi-solid food
product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 0.1 cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid or semi-solid
food product.
20. The process of claim 9, wherein the providing comprises adding
a pristine metal to a package containing a solid or semi-solid food
product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 0.5 cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid or semi-solid
food product.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Patent Appl. No. 61/075,993, filed Jun. 26, 2008, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to food product
compositions that exhibit reduced sensory effects arising from
volatile, malodorous compounds and methods of making the same.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Methods of protecting food products and beverages from
processes of aging and degradation are well known. For example,
refrigeration and packaging materials have provided means to
decrease the rate of food spoilage. However, even using these
methods of preservation, many food products and beverages are
susceptible to developing undesirable odors prior to use, for
example, during shipment or storage.
[0006] In the case of hopped malt beverages, such as beer, ale,
malt liquor, porter, and the like, a variety of volatile,
malodorous compounds can be formed during storage (see, e.g., Food
Chemistry 95:357 (2006)). Manufacturers and retailers are
particularly concerned with the production of sulfur-containing
compounds such as thiols (e.g., 3-methyl-2-butene thiol, methyl
mercaptan, hydrogen sulfide, and the like) that have a "skunky"
odor and are readily detectable by the human nose even at
sub-micromolar concentration. Sulfur-containing compounds typically
result from photochemical reactions, and the resulting tainted
beverages are commonly referred to as "light struck" or
"sunstruck." In order to avoid this problem, many manufacturers
package their products in tinted glass capable of absorbing
ultraviolet and visible light having a wavelength of about 560 nm
or less, with amber and green tinted glass being most common.
However, such packaging prevents a consumer from viewing a product
at the point of sale.
[0007] Alternative methods of protecting beverage products include
the addition of photostabilizing materials (e.g., compounds
containing 1,8-epoxy and/or 1,4-epoxy groups, such as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,421) to a product, exposing a product to
actinide radiation of a specific wavelength in order to decompose,
e.g., riboflavin (a compound that can lead to thiol production, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,115,290), as well as co-fermenting a
product with enzymes capable of removing and/or inactivating
specific compounds capable of promoting thiol formation (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,542).
[0008] Solid and semi-solid food products, in particular those that
contain high levels of proteins and/or free amino acids are also
susceptible to developing volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing
compounds and/or sulfur-containing compounds prior to use.
[0009] Packaging materials can incorporate, for example,
polyalkylene imines, alumina and/or silica-containing zeolites, and
the like, that are capable of sequestering specific compounds
arising from the partial degradation of food products (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,482, 5,284,892 and 5,413,827). However, many
materials are not safe for human consumption or have other problems
associated with their disposal and/or production.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] What is needed is a facile, low-cost method for reducing the
presence of volatile, malodorous sulfur- and/or nitrogen-containing
compounds in a food product such as a beverage and/or solid and
semi-solid food product. Thus, the present invention is directed to
compositions and processes for reducing an unpleasant odor and/or
flavor arising from a nitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing compound
in a food product, such as a liquid food product, a semi-solid food
product or a solid food product. The present invention permits all
manner of food products to be packaged in transparent packaging
without concern for the formation of volatile, malodorous compounds
within a sealed package prior to use.
[0011] The present invention is directed to a composition
comprising a liquid, semi-solid or solid food product in a sealed
package, and a pristine metal in an amount sufficient to sequester
a volatile, malodorous nitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing
compound.
[0012] The present invention is directed to a composition
comprising: a sealed package containing: a food product capable of
forming a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination
thereof; and a pristine metal present in an amount sufficient to
sequester a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination
thereof, such that a total concentration of volatile, malodorous
nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is below a
human detection level at a time of use.
[0013] The present invention is also directed to a process for
sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing
compound, or a combination thereof, from a food product prior to
use, the process comprising: providing to a sealed food product a
pristine metal suitable for sequestering a nitrogen-containing
compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof,
wherein the pristine metal is present: in or on a sealed package
containing the food product; in at least a portion of the sealed
food product; or a combination thereof, and the pristine metal is
present in an amount sufficient to sequester a nitrogen-containing
compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof
that is formed in situ prior to use of the food product.
[0014] Pristine metals suitable for use with the present invention
include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, silver, copper,
palladium, and combinations thereof. A pristine metal can be
present as: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a sol, a
nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a
metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a coin, a
disk, a stirring rod, a sieve, a filter, or a combination
thereof.
[0015] A pristine metal can added to a food product prior to
processing, during processing and/or after processing of the food
product. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a sealed
package containing a food product is transparent or opaque.
[0016] In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a liquid food
product, and a pristine metal is present: on an inner surface of
the sealed package; in at least a portion of the liquid food
product; or a combination thereof, and the pristine metal is
present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 1 cm.sup.2 per liter of the liquid food product. In
some embodiments, a pristine metal is present in an amount
sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about 10
cm.sup.2 per liter of the liquid food product. In some embodiments,
a sealed package contains a solid or semi-solid food product, and a
pristine metal is present on an inner surface of the sealed package
in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of
about 0.1 cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food
product. In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present in an
amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface area of about
0.5 cm.sup.2 per milligram of a solid or semi-solid food
product.
[0017] Sulfur-containing compounds can include a functional group
selected from: a thiol, a dithiol, a sulfide, a disulfide, a
trisulfide, a sulfone, a sulfoxide, a sulfur-containing
heterocycle, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a
sulfur-containing compound includes 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol.
[0018] Nitrogen-containing compounds can include a functional group
selected from: an amine, an amide, a nitro, a nitrogen-containing
heterocycle, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a
nitrogen-containing compound includes a compound selected from:
spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and combinations thereof.
[0019] Additional embodiments, include the use of a pristine metal
as a point of use device for removing a volatile, malodorous
nitrogen- and/or sulfur-containing compound from a food product, as
well as the addition of a haloamide and/or a maleimide to a food
product or a package therefor.
[0020] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
method-for reducing an odor arising from a volatile, malodorous
compound by the addition of a pristine metal to a commercial
product and/or a package therefor, such as, but not limited to,
tissue, air fresheners, perfume, deodorizer, soap, shampoo,
toothpaste, mouthwash, and the like.
[0021] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising: a sealed package containing a food product
and a metal, wherein the sealed package contains a compound having
an unpleasant flavor and/or odor in a concentration of about 100
nmol or less. In some embodiments, the sealed package is a bottle
that contains a fermented malt beverage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] This specification discloses one or more embodiments that
incorporate the features of this invention. The disclosed
embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The
invention is defined by the claims appended hereto. The
embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to
"one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc.,
indicate that the embodiment(s) described can include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the
knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,
structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments
whether or not explicitly described.
[0023] References to spatial descriptions (e.g., "above," "below,"
"up," "down," "top," "bottom," etc.) made herein are for purposes
of description and illustration only, and should be interpreted as
non-limiting upon the compositions, methods, and products of any
method of the present invention, which can be spatially arranged in
any orientation or manner.
Compositions
[0024] The present invention is directed to a composition
comprising: a sealed package containing: a food product capable of
forming a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination
thereof; and a pristine metal present in an amount sufficient to
sequester a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing compound, a
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing compound, or a combination
thereof, such that a total concentration of volatile, malodorous
nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is below a
human detection level at a time of use.
[0025] Generally, the present invention provides methods for
removing, reducing or otherwise sequestering volatile, malodorous
compounds from a food product that can give rise to unpleasant
odors and/or flavors. The present invention permits all varieties
food products to have enhanced shelf life and reduced odor. Food
products suitable for use with the present invention are not
particularly limited by form or composition, and include liquid,
semi-solid, and/or solid food products, or any combination
thereof.
[0026] As used herein, "at a time of use" refers to a time at
which: a sealed package containing a food product is opened, a food
product is removed from a sealed package and/or a food product is
ingested or otherwise consumed. In some embodiments, the listed
activities can occur substantially simultaneously.
[0027] A food product for use with the present invention can be
fresh, raw, cooked, baked, grilled, irradiated, pickled, fermented,
steamed, processed, preserved, and the like, and combinations
thereof.
[0028] Food products suitable for use with the present include, but
are not limited to, meats, poultry, fish and other seafood, dairy
(e.g., cheese, milk, yogurt, and the like), ovalbumin, soy, whey,
grains, cereals, breads, vegetables, fruits, fermented malt
beverages, carbonated beverages, juices, sports drinks,
vitamin-supplemented drinks, protein drinks, health shakes, herbs,
spices, candy, pastries, desserts, sweets, mushrooms, soups,
creams, cheeses, butters, dressings, condiments, gravies, and
combinations thereof.
[0029] In some embodiments, a food product of the present invention
comprises a fermented malt beverage such as, but not limited to,
beer, ale, malt liquor, porter, and the like, and combinations
thereof.
[0030] In some embodiments, a food product of the present invention
comprises a fermented juice beverage, liquor and/or liqueur such
as, but not limited to, fermented and/or distilled beverages
prepared from grapes, agave, apples, pears, oranges, pineapples,
grapefruits, lemons, limes, cherries, raspberries, blackberries,
juniper berries, apricots, peaches, currants, plums or prunes,
anise, licorice, potatoes, wheat, rice, rye, corn, sugar cane, and
the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a food
product of the present invention comprises a liquor or liqueur such
as, but not limited to, vodka, tequila, gin, whisky, absinthe,
brandy, cognac, rye, rum, and the like.
[0031] In some embodiments, a composition of the present invention
comprises a commercial product having a distinct flavor and/or odor
that can be adversely affected by a second, unwanted odor and/or
flavor. The present invention is suitable for use with an aerosol,
a liquid, a semi-solid, and/or a solid product, or any combination
thereof. Commercial products suitable for use with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, bathroom tissue, air
fresheners, perfumes, deodorizers, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste,
mouthwash, and combinations thereof.
[0032] The present invention is suitable for removing, reducing, or
otherwise sequestering volatile, malodorous compounds that contain
nitrogen and/or sulfur. Such compounds can arise from reactions
(e.g., combination, substitution, oxidation and/or reduction
reactions), between ingredients present in a food product, or
between a food product and an environmental reagent. Such reactions
can lead to degradation and/or spoilage of a food product at an
accelerated rate. In some embodiments, compounds that can
participate in a reaction that leads to an unpleasant odor and/or
flavor can be introduced by cooking, baking, grilling, preserving,
pickling, fermenting, vaporizing and/or evaporating a food product
prior to packaging.
[0033] As used herein, "volatile" compounds refer to molecules,
species, moieties, and the like that are detectable by a human nose
at ambient conditions (i.e., a pressure of about 1 bar and a
temperature of about 25.degree. C.). In some embodiments, a
volatile compound has a molecular weight of about 1,000 Daltons
("Da") or less, about 750 Da or less, about 500 Da or less, about
400 Da or less, about 300 Da or less, about 250 Da or less, about
200 Da or less, about 150 Da or less, or about 100 Da or less.
[0034] Volatile malodorous sulfur-containing compounds include, but
are not limited to, thiols, dithiols, sulfides, disulfides,
sulfones, sulfoxides, sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, and
combinations thereof. Exemplary sulfur-containing compounds
include, but are not limited to, 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol,
hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl trisulfide,
3-(methylthio)propionaldehyde, 3-methyl-3-mercaptobutylformate, and
combinations thereof.
[0035] Volatile malodorous nitrogen-containing compounds include,
but are not limited to, In some embodiments, an unpleasant odor or
flavor of the present invention comprises nitrogen-containing
compounds such as, but not limited to: amines, amides, nitro and
nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. Exemplary
nitrogen-containing compounds include, but are not limited to,
ammonia, methylamine, 2-acetylpyrazine, 2-methoxypyrazine,
spermine, spermidine, putrescine, ethyl nicotinate, and
combinations thereof.
[0036] Odors and/or flavors are generally considered unpleasant if
an odor or flavor is detectable by a human. The detection levels
for many compounds can vary between subjects and therefore it is
necessary to maintain a level of a volatile, malodorous compound at
or below a minimum level. The present invention does this by
sequestering a volatile, malodorous nitrogen- and/or
sulfur-containing compound using a pristine metal. Thus, the
present invention enables a consumer to ingest a food product that
may otherwise contain a detectable amount of a volatile, malodorous
compound and still be safe to consume. In some embodiments, the
compositions of the present invention provide a food product having
a total concentration of volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing
and sulfur-containing compounds of about 100 nmol or less, about 75
nmol or less, about 50 nmol or less, about 25 nmol or less, about
10 nmol or less, about 5 nmol or less, about 1 nmol or less, about
500 pmol or less, about 100 pmol or less, about 50 pmol or less,
about 10 pmol or less, or about 1 pmol about or less per milligram
of the food product.
[0037] In some embodiments, a total concentration of volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is
about 1 nmol to about 100 nmol, about 1 nmol to about 75 nmol,
about 1 nmol to about 50 nmol, about 1 nmol to about 25 nmol, about
1 nmol to about 10 nmol, about 5 nmol to about 100 nmol, about 5
nmol to about 50 nmol, about 10 nmol to about 100 nmol, about 10
nmol to about 50 nmol, about 25 nmol to about 100 nmol, or about 50
nmol to about 100 nmol per milligram of a food product.
[0038] In some embodiments, a total concentration of volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and sulfur-containing compounds is
about 1 pmol to about 10 nmol, about 10 pmol to about 10 nmol,
about 100 pmol to about 10 nmol, about 500 pmol to about 10 nmol,
about 1 pmol to about 1 nmol, about 10 pmol to about 1 nmol, about
100 pmol to about 1 nmol, about 1 pmol to about 500 pmol, about 10
nmol to about 500 pmol, about 100 pmol to about 500 pmol, or about
1 pmol to about 100 pmol per milligram of a food product.
[0039] The compositions of the present invention comprise a
pristine metal in an amount sufficient to sequester a volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound.
As used herein, "sequester" refers to the formation of a chemical
bonding interaction between a pristine metal and a volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound.
Bonding interactions within the term "sequestering,"include, but
are not limited to, a covalent bond (such as a metal-sigma bond, a
metal-pi bond, a partial bond between a metal and a volatile
compound, a metal-carbon bond, metal-sulfur bond, a metal-nitrogen
bond, a metal-oxygen bond, a nitrogen-oxygen bond, a sulfur-sulfur
bond, and the like), an ionic bond, and combinations thereof.
[0040] As used herein, "pristine metal" refers to a transition
metal, a group IIIB metal, a group IVB metal, an alloy thereof, a
nitride thereof, an oxide thereof, a sulfide thereof, or a
combination thereof capable of forming a bond with a
sulfur-containing and/or a nitrogen-containing compound. In some
embodiments, a pristine metal comprises a metal oxide, a metal
nitride, a metal sulfide, or a combination thereof. In some
embodiments, a surface of a pristine metal is substantially free
from oxidation. In some embodiments, a pristine metal has an
oxidation state of zero.
[0041] Pristine metals suitable for use with the present invention
include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, silver, copper,
palladium, and combinations thereof.
[0042] A pristine metal can comprise any shape or form that permits
a volatile, malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing
compound to become bonded thereto. In some embodiments, a pristine
metal is present as: a film, a component of a film, a colloid, a
sol, a nanoparticle, a nanocage, a microparticle, a mesoparticle, a
metal-coated particle, a leaf, a wire, a glitter, a foil, a coin, a
disk, a stirring rod, a filter, a sieve, or a combination
thereof.
[0043] As used herein, a "film" refers to a layer or coating that
is applied to a substrate. Films of the present invention can be
applied to a portion of a food product, a portion of an interior
surface of a package containing a food product, and/or to a
substrate that is then applied to a food product and/or an interior
surface of a package. In some embodiments, a film of the present
invention consists essentially of a pristine metal. In some
embodiments, a film contains a material in addition to a pristine
metal layer and/or coating. For example, substrates suitable for
use with films of the present invention include plastics and
polymers having an adhesive backing layer.
[0044] As used herein, a "colloid" refers to a substance containing
particles dispersed or suspended throughout another substance, such
as, a liquid, a polymer, a gel, and the like. In some embodiments,
a colloid comprises particles having a microscopic or smaller size.
A "sol" refers to a fluid colloidal system. Most often one in which
the medium is a liquid.
[0045] Nanoparticles of the present invention comprise particles in
the solid state having at least one physical dimension of about 1
nm to about 100 nm.
[0046] Microparticles of the present invention comprise particles
in the solid state having at least one physical dimension of
greater than about 100 nm to about 10 .mu.m.
[0047] Mesoparticles of the present invention comprise particles in
the solid state having at least one physical dimension of greater
than about 10 .mu.m to about 10 mm.
[0048] Metal leaf of the present invention comprises a sheet or
film comprising a pristine metal having a thickness of about 30 nm
to about 1 .mu.m. Foil of the present invention comprises a sheet
or film comprising a pristine metal having a thickness of greater
than about 1 .mu.m to about 1 mm.
[0049] Wire of the present invention comprises pristine metal as an
elongated cylinder, tube, thread or rod having a circular,
ellipsoidal, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal
or star shape. Generally, a wire has a length at least 10 times
greater than a lateral dimension (e.g., a diameter).
[0050] Glitter of the present invention can comprise platelets,
particles, beads, and the like having at least one lateral
dimension of about 1 mm or greater. Glitter can optionally include
a light reflective and/or light refractive surface.
[0051] In some embodiments, a pristine metal can be regenerated,
for example, by thermal, chemical, biochemical, electrochemical,
photochemical and/or mechanical treatment. For example, a pristine
metal composition of the present invention can be treated to remove
a volatile nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound
and reused in a second sealed package. Thus, the present invention
includes recycling the pristine metal such that the pristine metal
can be used multiple times.
[0052] In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on the
surface of a magnetic particle. Magnetic particles suitable for use
with the present invention include, but are not limited to,
particles containing iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, chromium
oxide, MgOFe.sub.2O.sub.3, MnOFe.sub.2O.sub.3, FeOFe.sub.2O.sub.3,
NiOFe.sub.2O.sub.3, CuOFe.sub.2O.sub.3, MnAs, MnSb, MnBi,
Y.sub.3Fe.sub.5O.sub.12, doped variants thereof, and combinations
thereof.
[0053] In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on a
non-metal support such as, but not limited to, a plastic (e.g.,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, an acrylic polymer,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a nylon, polylactic acid, and the
like), a glass, diamond, graphite, quartz, alumina, and
combinations thereof.
[0054] Packaging of the present invention comprises any type of
package or container that can be sealed. Packaging materials
suitable for use with the present invention include, but are not
limited to, plastic (e.g., blown, foamed, extruded, injected and/or
metal-coated plastics, and the like), paper (e.g., folded, coated
and/or corrugated paper, and the like), wax, wood, glass, metal
(foil, vapor deposited and/or extruded metal, and the like),
laminates thereof, composites thereof, and combinations
thereof.
[0055] In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a
sealed package selected from: a bag, a box, a tray, a bowl, a can,
a tube, and a bottle.
[0056] In some embodiments, a pristine metal is present on at least
a portion of a package selected from: a stopper, a cap, a lid, an
adhesive sheet, and the like suitable for enclosing or otherwise
sealing a package. In some embodiments, a stopper, cap and/or lid
includes a material selected from: cork, a plastic, an elastomer, a
metal, and the like, and combinations thereof.
[0057] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a package is
transparent to a visible and/or ultraviolet light. Thus, the
present invention is particularly suited for sequestering a
nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound that can form
when a food product is exposed to ultraviolet and/or visible
light.
[0058] As used herein, "transparent" refers to a transmission of
about 50% or more. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a
package is transparent to at least one wavelength of about 350 nm
to about 560 nm, about 400 nm to about 560 nm, about 430 nm to
about 560 nm, about 450 nm to about 560 nm, about 480 nm to about
560 nm, about 500 nm to about 560 nm, or about 530 nm to about 560
nm. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a package appears
substantially transparent to a human eye. Thus, in some embodiments
the present invention is directed to a UV- and/or visible-light
degradable food product contained in an optically transparent
sealed package comprising a pristine metal in an amount sufficient
to sequester a nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing
compound generated within the package prior to use.
[0059] In some embodiments, a pristine metal composition of the
present invention is present on an interior surface of a package
that contains a food product.
[0060] In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a liquid food
product, and a pristine metal is present: on an inner surface of
the sealed package; in at least a portion of the liquid food
product; or a combination thereof, and the pristine metal is
present in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 1 cm.sup.2, about 10 cm.sup.2, about 20 cm.sup.2,
about 30 cm.sup.2, about 50 cm.sup.2, about 75 cm.sup.2, or about
100 cm.sup.2 per liter of the liquid food product.
[0061] In some embodiments, a sealed package contains a solid or
semi-solid food product, and a pristine metal is present on an
inner surface of the sealed package in an amount sufficient to
provide a pristine metal surface area of about 0.1 cm.sup.2, about
0.5 cm.sup.2, about 1 cm.sup.2, about 2 cm.sup.2, about 3 cm.sup.2,
about 5 cm.sup.2, or about 10 cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid
or semi-solid food product.
[0062] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising a sealed package transparent to at least one
wavelength of about 350 nm to about 560 nm, containing: a liquid
food product capable of forming a volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing compound; and a pristine metal present in a
concentration of about 1 cm.sup.2 or more per liter of the liquid
food product, wherein a total concentration of volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing compounds is about 100 nmol or less per milligram
of the food product at a time of use.
[0063] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising a sealed package transparent to at least one
wavelength of about 350 nm to about 560 nm, containing: a
semi-solid and/or solid food product capable of forming a volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound;
and a pristine metal present in a concentration of about 0.1
cm.sup.2 or more per milligram of the semi-solid and/or solid food
product, wherein a total concentration of volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing compounds is about 100 nmol or less per milligram
of the food product at a time of use.
Processes
[0064] The present invention is directed to a process for
sequestering a nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing
compound, or a combination thereof, from a food product prior to
use, the process comprising: providing to a sealed food product a
pristine metal suitable for sequestering a nitrogen-containing
compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a combination thereof,
wherein the pristine metal is present: in or on a sealed package
containing the food product; in at least a portion of the sealed
food product; or a combination thereof, and wherein the pristine
metal is present in an amount sufficient to sequester a
nitrogen-containing compound, a sulfur-containing compound, or a
combination thereof that is formed in situ prior to use of the food
product.
[0065] A pristine metal can added to a food product prior to
processing, during processing and/or after processing of the food
product.
[0066] In some embodiments, the providing comprises adding a
pristine metal to a liquid food product in an amount sufficient to
provide a pristine metal surface area of about 1 cm.sup.2, about 10
cm.sup.2, about 20 cm.sup.2, about 30 cm.sup.2, about 50 cm.sup.2,
about 75 cm.sup.2, or about 100 cm.sup.2 per liter of the liquid
food product.
[0067] In some embodiments, the providing comprises adding a
pristine metal to a package containing a solid or semi-solid food
product in an amount sufficient to provide a pristine metal surface
area of about 0.1 cm.sup.2, about 0.5 cm.sup.2, about 1 cm.sup.2,
about 2 cm.sup.2, about 3 cm.sup.2, about 5 cm.sup.2, or about 10
cm.sup.2 per milligram of the solid or semi-solid food product.
[0068] In some embodiments, a pristine metal is added to a food or
commercial product by a consumer who purchases the product along
with a pristine metal composition. Thus, as used herein,
"providing" a pristine metal includes incorporating a pristine
metal into a food product and/or the packaging therefor, as well as
separately providing a food product and a pristine metal, and
including instructions for a consumer to mix the food product with
the pristine metal prior to use. For example, pouring a liquid food
product through a sieve or filter comprising a pristine metal is
within the scope of the present invention.
[0069] In some embodiments, a pristine metal is regenerated or
recycled. Regeneration of a pristine metal includes any method that
returns a metal for use with the present invention to a pristine
state such that a metal is capable of sequestering a volatile,
malodorous nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compound.
Regeneration includes, but is not limited to, thermal, chemical,
biochemical, electrochemical, photochemical, mechanical processes,
and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments an
electric potential is applied to a pristine metal in order to
oxidize nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds
sequestered thereon. In some embodiments, a chemical reagent (e.g.,
an acid) is applied to a pristine metal surface (e.g., copper) to
remove any nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds
sequestered thereon. In some embodiments, a pristine metal is
heated thermally in an oxidizing or a reducing atmosphere to remove
any nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds
sequestered thereon. In some embodiments, a pristine metal surface
is exposed to a plasma (e.g., an oxygen plasma) to remove any
nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds sequestered
thereon.
[0070] The following examples illustrate compositions and processes
for reducing or eliminating the odor or flavors of
nitrogen-containing and/or sulfur-containing compounds in food
products are given for the purpose of illustrating the present
invention and shall not be construed as being limitations on the
scope or spirit of the invention.
EXAMPLES
Prophetic Example 1
[0071] At least a portion of an interior surface of a bottle will
be coated with a film comprising a pristine metal (e.g., Au) by
sputtering, vapor deposition, electrodeposition, or screen
printing. The thickness of the pristine metal film will be varied
from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. After the film is deposited, the
resulting bottle will be cleaned and filled with a liquid food
product, e.g., a hopped malt beverage, sealed, labeled and
distributed for sale. The pristine metal film will sequester any
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing
compounds that are formed within the sealed package prior to
use.
Prophetic Example 2
[0072] A metal colloids (e.g., Au colloid) comprising metal
particles and a dispersion system will be mixed with a plastic melt
and cooled to provide a plastic tray comprising a plurality of
pristine metal particles. A liquid, semi-solid and/or solid food
product will be provided to one or more areas of the tray, and the
tray and the food product will be sealed to provide a sealed
package. The tray comprising a plurality of pristine metal
particles will sequester any volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing
and/or nitrogen-containing compounds that are formed within the
sealed package prior to use.
Prophetic Example 3
[0073] A textured plastic strip will be coated with a thin film
comprising a pristine metal by sputtering, vapor deposition,
electroplating, electroless deposition, or screen printing. The
coated strip will be affixed to the inside surface of a cap,
stopper, or lid and placed on a package comprising a food product
to provide a sealed package. The strip will extend away from an
interior surface of a cap, stopper, or lid and can optionally be
partially immersed in a liquid, semi-solid, or solid food product
contained within the sealed package. The coated strip comprising a
pristine metal layer will sequester any volatile, malodorous
sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compounds that are
formed within the sealed package prior to use.
Prophetic Example 4
[0074] A transparent package will be filled with a fermented malt
beverage and a pristine metal leaf (e.g., gold leaf), glitter
and/or flake. The fermented beverage will be added to the container
before or after a pristine metal. In some embodiments, a pristine
metal will be added directly to the fermented malt beverage prior
to packaging. The pristine metal will sequester any volatile,
malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing compounds
that are formed within the sealed package prior to use. The
pristine metal can also improve the attractiveness of the packaging
by improving the aesthetic appeal and perceived value of the
fermented malt beverage.
Prophetic Example 5
[0075] A disposable tray will be coated with a thin layer of gold
(via, e.g., vapor deposition, sputtering, and the like). A liquid,
semi-solid and/or solid food product will be provided to one or
more areas of the coated tray, and the coated tray and the food
product will be sealed to provide a sealed package. The coated tray
will sequester any volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or
nitrogen-containing compounds that are formed within the sealed
package prior to use.
[0076] The coated tray can be recycled by returning the coated tray
to the manufacturer for regeneration of the pristine metal, removal
of the pristine metal from the surface of the coated tray, and the
like.
Prophetic Example 6
[0077] A funnel will be coated with a pristine metal, and sold to a
consumer either as a stand alone item, or as part of an integrated
food product packaging system comprising a fermented beverage in a
sealed package. A package comprising the funnel will include
instructions directing a consumer to pour the fermented beverage
through the funnel prior to ingestion of the fermented beverage
product. In some embodiments, a funnel can have a traditional
conical shape or a columnar shape. In some embodiments, a funnel
can be at least partially filled with a porous matrix comprising a
pristine metal.
Prophetic Example 7
[0078] A wire mesh comprising a pristine metal (e.g., copper and/or
gold) will be placed across an opening of a bottle containing a
liquid food product. The liquid food product will be dispensed from
the bottle, and a volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or
nitrogen-containing compound will be removed from the liquid food
product during the dispensing.
[0079] In a related embodiment, a wire mesh comprising a pristine
metal (e.g., copper and/or gold) will be positioned transversely
within the headspace region of a bottle, and the bottle will be
filled with a liquid food product. The wire mesh will sequester a
volatile, malodorous sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing
compound that forms inside the bottle prior to use.
Conclusion
[0080] These examples illustrate possible embodiments of the
present invention. While various embodiments of the present
invention have been described above, it should be understood that
they have been presented by way of example only, and not
limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus,
the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
[0081] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description
section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to
be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections
can set forth one or more, but not all exemplary embodiments of the
present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are
not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims
in any way.
[0082] All documents cited herein, including journal articles or
abstracts, published or corresponding U.S. or foreign patent
applications, issued or foreign patents, or any other documents,
are each entirely incorporated by reference herein, including all
data, tables, figures, and text presented in the cited
documents.
* * * * *