Functionalization of Micro- and Nano-Particles for Selective Attachment to Calcium Biomineral Surfaces

Abstract

A seven-carbon fatty acid or derivative thereof has been identified as an excellent energy source for humans or human infants. A nutritional supplement suitable for humans or human infants comprising a seven carbon fatty acid chain compound or derivative thereof can be used to increase energy production derived from fatty acid metabolism. For example, administering a seven carbon fatty acid chain compound or derivative thereof can be used to accelerate the growth rate of a prematurely born human infant.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of providing a nutritional supplement suitable for enteral or parenteral consumption by humans or human infants, comprising the steps of:
 connecting a nutritional supplement source to a feeding tube connected to a subject in need of a enteral or parenteral nutritional supplement, wherein said nutritional supplement source comprises a seven-carbon fatty acid chain compound or a derivative thereof suitable for enteral or parenteral consumption.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said nutritional supplement source comprises n-heptanoic acid. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said nutritional supplement source comprises a triglyceride comprising n-heptanoic acid. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said triglyceride comprises triheptanoin. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said derivative is a five carbon fatty acid chain compound. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said derivative is selected from the group consisting of 4-methylhexanoate, 4-methylhexenoate, 3-hydroxy4-methylhexanoate, 5-methylhexanoate, 5-methylhexenoate and 3-hydroxy-5methylhexanoate. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said compound or derivative thereof is capable of being broken down by normal-oxidation in humans to methylbutyric acid. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said compound or derivative thereof is capable of being broken down by normal-oxidation in humans to isovaleric acid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said compound or derivative is capable of being broken down by normal-oxidation in humans to nvaleryl-CoA. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said compound or derivative is capable of being broken down by normal-oxidation in humans to propionyl-CoA in one or more oxidative procedures. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said compound or derivative is suitable for parenteral administration. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein said supplement is a part of a total parenteral nutrition regimen. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said compound or derivative comprises from about 15 to about 40% of the calories of said total parenteral nutrition regimen. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said compound or derivative comprises from about 20 to about 35% of the calories of said total parenteral nutrition regimen. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said compound or derivative comprises about 25% of the calories of said total parenteral nutrition regimen. 
     
     
         31 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A method of providing a nutritional supplement suitable for enteral or parenteral consumption by humans or human infants, comprising the steps of:
 providing a subject with a feeding tube;   connecting a nutritional supplement source to the feeding tube, wherein the nutritional supplement source comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of an odd carbon fatty acid that comprises seven or less carbons that is substantially immediately bioavailable and is at least partially water-soluble—and is sufficient to treat the glycogen storage disease, wherein the odd carbon fatty acid is adapted for a dosage of between 1 to 2 grams per kilogram body weight per day, wherein the odd carbon fatty acid comprises an acid value of 0.1 or less mg KOH/gr, a hydroxyl value of 2.8 or less mg KOH/gr; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for enteral or parenteral consumption.   
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the odd carbon fatty acid is unneutralized. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the odd carbon fatty acid has a purity of at least 98 percent. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the odd carbon fatty acid has a purity of at least 97 percent. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the odd carbon fatty acid comprises C7, C5, C3 and mixtures or combinations thereof.