Multi-layer films having uniform content
The present invention relates to edible multi-layer films that dissolve in water. In particular, the edible multi-layer films have a first water-soluble film layer and one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with the first film layer. The film layers include a polymer composition which contains polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with at least one water-soluble polymer. The edible multi-layer films may include pockets defined between the layers that house an active component. Upon addition of water, the multi-layer film dissolves, thereby releasing the active component into the water.
1 . An edible multi-layer film comprising:
a first water-soluble film layer; and
one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer,
wherein said first and additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with at least one water-soluble polymer.
2 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polydextrose and combinations thereof.
3 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said additional film layer is in full face-to-face engagement with said first film layer.
4 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said additional film layer is in perimetric face-to-face engagement with said first film layer.
5 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer are joined at said at least partial face-to-face engagement.
6 . The multi-layer film according to claim 5 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer are heat sealed at said at least partial face-to-face engagement.
7 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , further comprising one or more pockets defined between said first film layer and said additional film layer.
8 . The multi-layer film according to claim 7 , further comprising an active component housed in said one or more pockets.
9 . The multi-layer film according to claim 8 , wherein said active component is selected from the group consisting of: food products; pharmaceutical agents; cosmetic agents; drugs; medicaments; antidotes; vaccines; antigens or allergens; mouthwash components; flavors; fragrances; enzymes; preservatives; sweetening agents; colorants; spices; vitamins; and combinations thereof.
10 . The multi-layer film according to claim 8 , wherein said active component comprises dextromethorphan.
11 . The multi-layer film according to claim 8 , wherein said active component comprises a powder.
12 . The multi-layer film according to claim 11 , wherein said active component comprises infant formula.
13 . The multi-layer film according to claim 12 , wherein said infant formula comprises a fat component, a carbohydrate component, and a protein component.
14 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein one or both of said first film layer and said additional film layer further comprises an active component.
15 . The multi-layer film according to claim 13 , wherein said active component is selected from the group consisting of: pharmaceutical agents; cosmetic agents; drugs; medicaments; antidotes; vaccines; antigens or allergens; mouthwash components; flavors; fragrances; enzymes; preservatives; sweetening agents; colorants; spices; vitamins; and combinations thereof.
16 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said polyethylene oxide has a molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 900,000.
17 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said polyethylene oxide is present in amounts of about 20% to about 50% by weight of said polymer composition.
18 . The multi-layer film according to claim 2 , wherein said hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is present in amounts of about 25% to about 50% by weight of said polymer composition.
19 . The multi-layer film according to claim 2 , wherein said hydroxypropyl cellulose is present in amounts of about 20% to about 75% by weight of said polymer composition.
20 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer are free of added plasticizers.
21 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer further comprise a plasticizer.
22 . The multi-layer film according to claim 21 , wherein said plasticizer is present in amounts of up to about 20% by weight of said polymer composition.
23 . The multi-layer film according to claim 21 , wherein said polyethylene oxide is present in amounts of about 12.5% to about 50% by weight of said polymer composition.
24 . The multi-layer film according to claim 21 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer further comprise hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose present in amounts of about 25% to about 75% by weight of said polymer composition.
25 . The multi-layer film according to claim 21 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer further comprise hydroxypropyl cellulose present in amounts of about 12.5% to about 75% by weight of said polymer composition.
26 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer and said additional film layer further comprise up to about 40% polydextrose by weight of said polymer composition.
27 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer is compositionally the same as said additional film layer.
28 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said first film layer is compositionally different from said additional film layer.
29 . The multi-layer film according to claim 28 , wherein said first film layer comprises an edible acid and said additional film layer comprises a base.
30 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , further comprising an outer container which houses said multi-layer film.
31 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said water-soluble cellulosic polymer comprises sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
32 . The multi-layer film according to claim 31 , wherein said sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is present in amounts of about 25% to about 50% by weight of said polymer composition.
33 . The multi-layer film according to claim 31 , wherein said polyethylene oxide is present in amounts of about 50% to about 75% by weight of said polymer composition.
34 . The multi-layer film according to claim 1 , wherein said film comprises three-film layers.
35 . A consumable product comprising:
a) an outer container having one or more compartments;
b) one or more edible bi-layer films housed in said one or more compartments,
wherein said bi-layer film comprises:
i) a first water-soluble film layer;
ii) a second water-soluble film layer which is in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer;
iii) one or more pockets defined between said first film layer and said second film layer; and
iv) a food product housed in said one or more pockets,
wherein said first and second film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises:
about 20% to about 50% by weight polyethylene oxide;
about 25% to about 50% by weight hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose;
about 20% to about 75% by weight hydroxypropyl cellulose; and
up to about 20% by weight polydextrose.
36 . The consumable product according to claim 35 , wherein said food product comprises infant formula.
37 . A method of making an edible multi-layer film, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a first water-soluble film layer;
b) positioning a second water-soluble film layer in at least partial face-to-face engagement with the first film layer;
c) sealing the film layers together at the face-to-face engagement;
d) optionally positioning an additional water-soluble film layer in at least partial face-to-face engagement with the second film layer and sealing the additional layer to the second layer; and
e) repeating step d) as desired,
wherein said first, second and additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with at least one water-soluble polymer.
38 . The method according to claim 37 , wherein the step of sealing the film layers comprises applying heat to seal the film layers.
39 . The method according to claim 37 , wherein the step of sealing the film layers comprises sealing the film layers on at least three sides.
40 . The method according to claim 37 , wherein the step of sealing the film layers comprises perimetrically sealing the film layers.
41 . The method according to claim 37 , further comprising the step of applying an active component to the first film layer prior to positioning the second film layer in at least partial face-to-face engagement with the first film layer.
42 . The method according to claim 41 , wherein the active component comprises a food product.
43 . The method according to claim 37 , wherein the step of providing a first water-soluble film layer comprises positioning a first water-soluble film layer over a plurality of cavities.
44 . The method according to claim 43 , further comprising the step of applying a vacuum to the first water-soluble film layer positioned in the plurality of cavities.
45 . A method of preparing a hot liquid food product, comprising the steps of:
a) providing an edible multi-layer film comprising:
i) a first water-soluble film layer;
ii) one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer;
iii) one or more pockets defined between said first film layer and said additional film layer; and
iv) a food product housed in said one or more pockets,
wherein said first and said additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose;
b) adding hot water to the multi-layer film; and
c) releasing the food product as the multi-layer film dissolves in the hot water.
46 . An edible multi-layer film comprising:
a first water-soluble film layer; and
one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer,
wherein said first and additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises a first water-soluble polymer having a first glass transition temperature and a second water-soluble polymer having a second glass transition temperature which is at least about 20° C. higher than said first glass transition temperature.
47 . The multi-layer film according to claim 46 , wherein said polymer composition has a third glass transition temperature which is greater than about 30° C.
48 . The multi-layer film according to claim 46 , wherein said second glass transition temperature is at least about 50° C. higher than said first glass transition temperature.
49 . An edible multi-layer film comprising:
a first water-soluble film layer; and
one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer,
wherein said first and additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises a first water-soluble polymer having a melt temperature and a second water-soluble polymer having a glass transition temperature which is at least about 10° C. higher than said melt temperature.
50 . An edible multi-layer film comprising:
a first water-soluble film layer; and
one or more additional water-soluble film layers in at least partial face-to-face engagement with said first film layer,
wherein said first and additional film layers comprise a polymer composition which comprises polyethylene oxide alone or in combination with at least one water-soluble polymer and wherein said multi-layer film layers are uniform in thickness and compositional content.