ABSORBENT BIOGENIC COMPOSITION

Abstract

An absorbent biogenic composition includes a mixture of a base material, a plant-based oil, and a plant-based pH indicator.

Claims

1. An absorbent biogenic composition comprising a mixture of: a base material; a plant-based oil; and a plant-based pH indicator.

2. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition is a clumping litter.

3. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition comprises at least about 98 wt % of the base material.

4. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the base material comprises a starch, a flour, gum, fiber, polysaccharide, protein, cellulose, lignin, or any combination thereof.

5. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 4, wherein the starch comprises corn starch, potato starch, rice starch, pea starch, soybean starch, or cassava starch.

6. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 4, wherein the flour comprises corn flour, cassava flour, or soybean flour.

7. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition comprises about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt % of the plant-based oil.

8. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the plant-based oil comprises sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, or any combination thereof.

9. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 8, wherein the sunflower oil comprises high-oleic sunflower oil.

10. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition comprises about 0.001 wt % to about 1.0 wt % of the plant-based pH indicator.

11. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the plant-based pH indicator is an extract, a pigment, or any combination thereof.

12. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the plant-based pH indicator comprises one or more flavonoids.

13. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 12, wherein the one or more flavonoids comprises flavones, isoflavonoids, neoflavonoids, anthocyanins, or a combination thereof.

14. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 12, wherein the one or more flavonoids are derived from red, brown, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and black fruits and vegetables.

15. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 13, wherein red, brown, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and black fruits and vegetables comprise black carrots, purple carrots, cabbage, red cabbages, berries, red onions, kidney beans, pomegranates, grapes, tomatoes, acai, or any combination thereof.

16. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 15, wherein the berries comprise blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, or any combination thereof.

17. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition is free of non-plant-based pH indicators.

18. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 17, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition is free of phenolphthalein and bromothymol blue.

19. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition is free of any non-plant-based compounds or components.

20. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition consists of the base material, the plant-based oil, and the plant-based pH indicator.

21. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition consists of ingredients that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

22. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein, within 5 minutes after contacting with a liquid having a pH in range between about 6.2 and about 6.8, the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a first color range.

23. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein, within 5 minutes after contacting with a liquid having a pH less than about 6.2, the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a second color range, wherein the second color range is outside of the first color range.

24. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein, within 5 minutes after contacting with a liquid having a pH greater than about 6.8 the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a third color range, wherein the third color range is outside of the first color range and the second color range.

25. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 24, wherein the color in the first color range, the color in the second color range, and the color in the third color range persist for at least 24 hours to one to four weeks.

26. The absorbent biogenic composition of claim 1, wherein the absorbent biogenic composition has a shelf life of at least about 18 months.

27. A method of preparing an absorbent biogenic composition, the method comprising: combining a plant-based oil and a plant-based pH indicator to yield a coated pH indicator; and combining the coated pH indicator with a base material to yield the absorbent biogenic composition.

28. A method of preparing an absorbent biogenic composition, the method comprising: combining a base material and a plant-based pH indicator to yield a mixture; and combining the mixture with a plant-based oil to yield the absorbent biogenic composition.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the base material and a plant-based pH indicator are combined using a dry blend mixer.

30. A method of preparing an absorbent biogenic composition, the method comprising: combining a plant-based oil and a base material to yield a coated base material; and combining the coated base material with a plant-based pH indicator to yield the absorbent biogenic composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of exemplary particles of an absorbent biogenic composition.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows examples of an absorbent biogenic composition in contact with cat urine.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows example colors of an absorbent biogenic composition based on varying pH levels of added liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This disclosure describes an absorbent biogenic (e.g., plant-based) composition and a process for making an absorbent biogenic composition. The absorbent biogenic composition is a clumping animal litter. The absorbent biogenic composition includes a plant-based chromogenic pH indicator that changes color based on the pH of liquid (e.g., urine) that contacts the animal litter. The color of the animal litter can be indicative of the health of the animal.

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts absorbent biogenic composition 100 with a multiplicity of particles 102. Each particle 102 includes, consists essentially of, or consists of a mixture of a particulate base material 104, a plant-based oil 106, and a plant-based chromogenic pH indicator 108. Absorbent biogenic composition 100 is free of non-biogenic or non-plant-based components. In some cases, the plant-based oil coats the plant-based pH indicator to yield a coated pH indicator. The base material is then combined with the coated pH indicator to yield an absorbent biogenic composition. In some cases, the base material is mixed with the plant-based pH indicator using a dry blend mixer to yield a mixture. The mixture is then combined with the plant-based oil to yield an absorbent biogenic composition. In some cases, the plant-based oil and the base material are combined to yield a coated base material. The coated base material is then combined with the plant-based pH indicator to yield the absorbent biogenic composition.

[0024] The base material 104 includes, consists essentially of, or consists of starch, flour, gum, fiber, polysaccharide, protein, cellulose, lignin, or any combination thereof. The polysaccharide may include particulate polysaccharides. Suitable examples of starch include, but are not limited to, corn starch, cassava starch, soybean starch, or any combination thereof. Suitable examples of flour include, but are not limited to, corn flour, cassava flour, soybean flour, or any combination thereof. The absorbent biogenic composition includes at least 98 wt % or at least 99 wt % of the base material.

[0025] Suitable examples of plant-based oil 106 include sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, and soybean oil. In some examples, plant-based oil 106 includes, consists essentially of, or consists of sunflower oil. In one example, the sunflower oil is high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). The HOSO advantageously provides enhanced oxidative stability relative to other plant-based oils. In some cases, the HOSO provides a longer shelf life than common sunflower oil. The absorbent biogenic composition includes about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt % of the plant-based oil.

[0026] The plant-based chromogenic pH indicator can be in the form of a plant-based extractor pigment. The plant-based pH indicator includes, consists essentially of, or consists of a plant-based (e.g., vegetable-or fruit-based) extract in the form of a powder. The plant-based pH indicator can function as an antioxidant. The plant-based pH indicator can include one or more flavonoids (e.g., flavones, isoflavonoids, neoflavonoids, anthocyanins, or any combination thereof) from red, orange, yellow, brown, blue, purple, and black fruits, and vegetables.

[0027] Examples of suitable fruits and vegetables include carrots (e.g., black carrots, purple carrots), cabbage (e.g., red cabbages), berries (e.g., blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries), red onions, kidney beans, pomegranates, grapes, tomatoes, acai, or any combination thereof. The absorbent biogenic composition includes a plant-based chromogenic pH indicator (e.g., a powdered vegetable extract) standardized for a desired amount of chromogenic compound (e.g., flavonoid). The absorbent biogenic composition includes between about 0.001 wt % and about 1 wt % (e.g., between about 0.001 wt % and about 0.01 wt %, between about 0.005 wt % and about 0.5 wt %, between about 0.01 wt % and about 0.1 wt %, between about 0.01 wt % and about 0.05 wt %, between about 0.01 wt % and about 0.04 wt %) of the plant-based chromogenic pH indicator. The absorbent biogenic composition is free of phenolphthalein, bromothymol blue, and other non-plant-based pH indicators.

[0028] When the absorbent biogenic composition is contacted with liquid (e.g., urine), a color change occurs. When urine contacts the absorbent biogenic composition, the pH of the urine and chemical components found in the urine effects a visible change in color of the pH indicator.

[0029] Before contact with liquid, the absorbent biogenic composition is typically white, off-white, light yellow, or cream colored. After contact with urine (e.g., cat urine), the absorbent biogenic composition may transition to a different color (e.g., light pink, pink, strong pink, purple, light blue, blue, strong blue as measured on a spectrophotometric scale) based on the pH of the urine. A pink color is visible at a pH below about 6.2; a purple color is visible at a pH between about 6.2 and about 6.8; and a blue color is visible at a pH above about 6.8.

[0030] When the absorbent biogenic composition is contacted with urine, an agglomeration of particles (e.g., a clump) is formed. The agglomeration includes particles of the composition adhered together as a result of contact with the urine. FIG. 2 shows some examples of the absorbent biogenic composition before contact with urine 202 and after contact with urine 204. When the absorbent biogenic composition is contacted with urine, a color change occurs. When the urine has a pH in a range between about 6.2 and about 6.8, the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a first color range. The first color range includes colors typically observed with a pH between about 6.2 and about 6.8 given the plant-based pH indicator chosen, which may include shades of purple. When the urine has a pH below about 6.2, the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a second color range. The second color range is different from the first color range. The second color range includes colors typically observed with a pH below about 6.2 given the plant-based pH indicator chosen, which may include shades of pink. When the urine has a pH above about 6.8, the absorbent biogenic composition forms a clump having a color in a third color range. The third color range is different from the first color range and the second color range. The third color range includes colors typically observed with a pH above about 6.8 given the plant-based pH indicator, which may include shades of blue.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows example colors of an absorbent biogenic composition based on varying pH levels of added cat urine. When the urine has a pH of between about 6.2 and about 6.8, the absorbent biogenic composition turns a purple color. When the urine has a pH above about 6.8, the absorbent biogenic composition turns a blue color. When the urine has a pH below about 6.2, the absorbent biogenic composition turns a pink color.

[0032] When the absorbent biogenic composition is contacted with urine, the color change stabilizes (e.g., an equilibrium color is reached) within a length of time. The color change of the absorbent biogenic composition stabilizes within 5 minutes after contact with urine. The color of the absorbent biogenic composition after having contacted urine is stable for at least about 24 hours to about one to four weeks.

[0033] The stabilized color may indicate the chemical state of the urine (e.g., pH, composition, concentration, or any combination thereof). The stabilized color of the clump can indicate whether the urine is within a normal pH range (e.g., about 6.2 to about 6.8) or outside the range (less than about 6.2 or greater than about 6.8). The stabilized color may indicate the presence or absence of certain compounds in the urine. The stabilized color may indicate whether there is homogeneity in the composition of the urine throughout urination. The stabilized color of the absorbent biogenic composition when observed over multiple instances over time can indicate the overall health of the animal, and thus allow tracking of the animal's health. For a healthy animal, the absorbent biogenic composition may typically turn a characteristic color indicating a characteristic health status. A change in color may indicate a potential health concern. The stabilized color of the clump of the absorbent biogenic composition can allow monitoring of urine pH over time to determine if there is a change due at least in part to one or more physiological, biological, behavioral, or nutritional changes, or any combination thereof.

[0034] The absorbent biogenic composition includes ingredients that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredients include ingredients added to food or other material considered safe by qualified experts under the conditions of intended use. The absorbent biogenic composition is free of any non-biogenic, non-plant-based, or synthetic compounds or components. The absorbent biogenic composition has a shelf life of at least about 18 months under recommended conditions, over which time the composition maintains its ability to absorb liquid and accurately indicate pH, as measured by a spectrophotometer.

[0035] Preparing the absorbent biogenic composition includes combining the base material, plant-based oil, and plant-based pH indicator. In a first example, the plant-based oil and the plant-based pH indicator are combined to yield a mixture, and the base material is combined with the mixture. The order of addition in the first example allows the plant-based oil to form a coating over the plant-based pH indicator, and further allows the oil-coated plant-based pH indicator to form a mixture with the base material. In a second example, a base material and a pH indicator (e.g., a powdered plant-based extract, such as a powdered vegetable extract) are blended in a dry blend mixer to yield a mixture, and the plant-based oil is combined with the mixture. The order of addition in the second example allows the plant-based pH indicator to cover the base material, and further allows the plant-based oil to form a coating over the base material and the plant-based pH indicator. In a third example, the plant-based oil and the base material are combined to yield a mixture, and a plant-based pH indicator is combined with the mixture. The order of addition in the third example allows the plant-based oil to form a coating over the base material, and further allows the plant-based pH indicator to combine with the oil-coated base material.

[0036] Although this disclosure contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the subject matter or on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments.

[0037] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented, in combination, in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments, separately, or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although previously described features may be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0038] Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments, alterations, and permutations of the described embodiments are within the scope of the following claims as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While operations are depicted in the drawings or claims in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed (some operations may be considered optional), to achieve desirable results.

[0039] Accordingly, the previously described example embodiments do not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.