Derivative works

Defensive Disclosure and Prior Art Generation for US Patent 12,037,567

Document ID: DPD-20260509-001
Publication Date: May 9, 2026
Title: Derivative Formulations, Expanded Applications, and Integrated Systems for Ketogenic Beverages Containing D-1,3-Butanediol
Author: Senior Patent Strategist and Research Engineer, Defensive Publishing Division

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Introduction

This document discloses a series of derivative works, expanded applications, and systems integrations based on the core teachings of U.S. Patent 12,037,567. The purpose of this disclosure is to establish prior art and place into the public domain a comprehensive set of variations and foreseeable improvements related to beverages containing D-1,3-butanediol for the purpose of increasing or maintaining a state of ketosis. This disclosure is intended to render obvious any subsequent patent claims that represent incremental modifications of the concepts described herein.

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Section 1: Derivatives of Core Claims

The following disclosures are derivative variations of the methods claimed in US Patent 12,037,567, specifically the administration of a beverage containing at least 0.5% by volume of D-1,3-butanediol (with substantially no L-1,3-butanediol) to increase or maintain blood ketone levels above 0.5 mmol/L.

Axis 1: Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Use of Bio-fermented D-1,3-Butanediol with Co-cultured Probiotics

• Enabling Description: A method for increasing ketone bodies by administering a beverage where the D-1,3-butanediol is produced via a genetically engineered yeast strain (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) optimized for the synthesis of the D-isomer. The fermentation broth, containing the D-1,3-butanediol, is not fully purified but is co-cultured with a specific probiotic strain (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) known to enhance gut barrier function. The final beverage contains at least 0.5% D-1,3-butanediol, live probiotic cultures, and residual prebiotics from the yeast cell walls, creating a symbiotic ketogenic functional beverage.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Engineered Yeast Culture] -- Fermentation --> B(D-1,3-Butanediol Broth);
      C[Probiotic Culture: L. rhamnosus] -- Co-culturing --> B;
      B -- Minimal Filtration --> D{Symbiotic Ketogenic Beverage};
      D -- Administration --> E[Subject: Ketone Levels Increase];
  

Derivative 1.2: Encapsulated D-1,3-Butanediol with pH-Triggered Release

• Enabling Description: A method for maintaining ketone bodies using a beverage containing D-1,3-butanediol that has been micro-encapsulated in a pH-sensitive polymer, such as Eudragit® L 100-55. This polymer is stable in the acidic environment of the stomach but dissolves in the more neutral pH of the small intestine. This provides a delayed and sustained release of the D-1,3-butanediol, preventing a rapid spike in blood levels and prolonging the ketogenic effect, which is ideal for maintaining stable ketosis over several hours. The beverage is a suspension of these microcapsules in a flavored aqueous solution.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant Consumer
      participant Stomach (pH 1.5-3.5)
      participant Small_Intestine (pH 6.0-7.4)
      participant Bloodstream
      Consumer->>Stomach: Ingests Beverage
      Stomach->>Stomach: Microcapsules Remain Intact
      Stomach->>Small_Intestine: Transit of Beverage
      Small_Intestine->>Small_Intestine: Polymer Dissolves, Releases D-1,3-BD
      Small_Intestine->>Bloodstream: Absorption of D-1,3-BD
      Bloodstream->>Bloodstream: Ketone Levels Maintained
  

Derivative 1.3: D-1,3-Butanediol in an Oleogel Emulsion

• Enabling Description: A method for increasing ketone bodies where the D-1,3-butanediol is emulsified within an oleogel matrix, formed from a structuring agent like ethylcellulose in a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. This creates a creamy, high-fat beverage that provides both an exogenous ketone precursor (D-1,3-butanediol) and a direct ketogenic substrate (MCT oil). The emulsion is stabilized with a food-grade emulsifier like lecithin. This formulation enhances palatability and combines two distinct pathways for ketone production.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  classDiagram
    class OleogelBeverage {
      +MCT_Oil : float
      +Ethylcellulose : float
      +D_1_3_Butanediol : float
      +Lecithin : float
      +Water : float
      +Administer()
    }
    class D_1_3_Butanediol {
      <<Component>>
      +Concentration >= 0.5%
    }
    class MCT_Oil {
      <<Component>>
      +KetogenicSubstrate
    }
    OleogelBeverage "1" *-- "1" D_1_3_Butanediol : contains
    OleogelBeverage "1" *-- "1" MCT_Oil : contains
  

Axis 2: Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Cryogenic Formulation for High-Altitude Performance

• Enabling Description: A method for maintaining ketosis in high-altitude environments. A highly concentrated beverage (>30% D-1,3-butanediol by volume) is formulated with cryoprotectants (e.g., glycerol) to remain liquid at sub-zero temperatures. This "cryo-keto" fluid is administered to subjects at altitudes above 14,000 feet, where metabolic demands are high and glucose utilization is less efficient. The high concentration allows for a low-volume dose to deliver a significant ketogenic stimulus, counteracting hypoxia-induced cognitive and physical decline.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  flowchart LR
      subgraph High-Altitude Environment [-10°C, >14,000 ft]
          A(Subject) -- Ingests --> B[Cryo-Keto Beverage];
      end
      B -- Contains --> C{D-1,3-BD > 30%};
      B -- Contains --> D[Glycerol Cryoprotectant];
      A -- Maintains --> E[Blood Ketones > 0.5 mmol/L];
      E -- Mitigates --> F[Hypoxia Effects];
  

Derivative 2.2: Nanoscale Emulsion for Rapid Transmucosal Absorption

• Enabling Description: A method for rapidly increasing ketone bodies via a nano-emulsion beverage. D-1,3-butanediol is formulated into oil-in-water nano-droplets with a mean diameter of less than 100 nm, using a high-pressure homogenizer and a surfactant like Tween 80. This formulation is designed for sublingual and buccal (transmucosal) absorption, bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver. A small volume (5-10 mL) is held in the mouth, leading to a rapid onset of ketosis within minutes, suitable for emergency medical or military applications.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  stateDiagram-v2
      [*] --> Ingestion
      Ingestion --> Transmucosal_Absorption : Held in mouth
      Transmucosal_Absorption --> Rapid_Ketosis : Bypasses first-pass metabolism
      Rapid_Ketosis --> Metabolic_Effect
      Ingestion --> GI_Absorption : Swallowed
      GI_Absorption --> Slower_Ketosis
      Slower_Ketosis --> Metabolic_Effect
  

Axis 3: Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Aerospace - Astronaut Countermeasure for Microgravity

• Enabling Description: A method to mitigate muscle and bone density loss in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight. The beverage, containing D-1,3-butanediol and fortified with calcium and vitamin D, is administered daily. The resulting state of mild, sustained ketosis provides an alternative energy source for muscle tissue, potentially reducing the catabolism of muscle proteins. The metabolic state may also influence signaling pathways related to bone remodeling, helping to counteract microgravity-induced osteopenia. The beverage is packaged in a zero-G compatible pouch.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[Astronaut in Microgravity] -- Daily Ingestion --> B(Fortified Ketogenic Beverage);
      B --> C{D-1,3-BD + Ca/Vit D};
      C --> D[Sustained Ketosis];
      D -- Provides --> E[Alternative Muscle Fuel];
      E -- Reduces --> F[Muscle Protein Catabolism];
      D -- Influences --> G[Bone Remodeling Pathways];
      G -- Reduces --> H[Bone Density Loss];
  

Derivative 3.2: AgTech - Livestock Feed Supplement for Ketosis Induction

• Enabling Description: A method to improve the metabolic health of dairy cattle during the transition period (pre- and post-calving) when they are susceptible to ketosis. An aqueous solution of D-1,3-butanediol (at least 0.5%) is incorporated into the total mixed ration (TMR) or administered as a drench. This preemptively increases blood ketone levels, providing a readily available energy source and reducing the severity of negative energy balance. This can lead to improved milk yield, better reproductive performance, and lower incidence of metabolic disorders.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  sequenceDiagram
      participant Farmer
      participant DairyCow
      participant Rumen
      participant Liver
      Farmer->>DairyCow: Administers D-1,3-BD Drench
      DairyCow->>Rumen: Drench enters digestive system
      Rumen->>Liver: D-1,3-BD absorbed
      Liver->>Liver: Converts D-1,3-BD to Ketones
      Liver-->>DairyCow: Increased Blood Ketones
      DairyCow-->>Farmer: Improved Metabolic Health
  

Derivative 3.3: Consumer Electronics - "Nootropic" Beverage for E-Sports Athletes

• Enabling Description: A method to enhance cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue in competitive gamers. A "nootropic" functional beverage containing D-1,3-butanediol, caffeine, and L-theanine is consumed prior to and during gaming sessions. The brain's ability to utilize ketones for energy, especially during prolonged periods of high cognitive load, provides a more stable fuel source than glucose alone. This can improve reaction time, focus, and decision-making speed while the L-theanine mitigates the jitteriness from caffeine.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  flowchart
      A[Gamer Consumes Beverage] --> B{Ingredients: D-1,3-BD, Caffeine, L-Theanine};
      B --> C[Brain Utilizes Ketones & Glucose];
      C --> D[Stable Cognitive Fuel Supply];
      D --> E[Enhanced Focus & Reaction Time];
      B --> F[Caffeine Stimulates CNS];
      B --> G[L-Theanine Modulates Jitters];
      E & F & G --> H[Improved Gaming Performance];
  

Axis 4: Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Optimized Personalized Ketogenic Dosing

• Enabling Description: A system for maintaining precise ketosis levels. A subject wears a continuous ketone monitor (CKM) which transmits real-time data via IoT to a cloud-based AI platform. The AI algorithm processes this data along with inputs from a wearable (activity level, heart rate) and a diet-tracking app. The AI then calculates the precise dose of a D-1,3-butanediol beverage required to maintain the user's ketone levels within a target therapeutic window (e.g., 1.5-2.5 mmol/L) and sends a notification to the user's smartphone with the recommended dosage and timing.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph LR
      A[Wearable Sensor] -- Activity Data --> D{AI Platform};
      B[Continuous Ketone Monitor] -- Ketone Data --> D;
      C[Diet App] -- Meal Data --> D;
      D -- Analyzes & Predicts --> E[Optimal D-1,3-BD Dose];
      E -- Sends --> F[User Smartphone Notification];
      F -- Instructs --> G[User];
      G -- Consumes --> H(Keto Beverage);
      H -- Affects --> B;
  

Derivative 4.2: Blockchain-Verified Supply Chain for Clinical-Grade D-1,3-Butanediol

• Enabling Description: A method for ensuring the purity and isomer-specificity of D-1,3-butanediol used in medical-grade ketogenic beverages for treating conditions like epilepsy. Each batch of synthesized D-1,3-butanediol is tested for purity (e.g., >99.5% D-isomer, <0.1% L-isomer) using chiral chromatography. The results, batch number, and manufacturing location are immutably recorded on a private blockchain. A QR code on the final beverage product allows a clinician or patient to scan and verify the entire supply chain history and certificate of analysis for that specific batch, ensuring authenticity and safety.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  erDiagram
      MANUFACTURER ||--o{ BATCH : produces
      BATCH {
          string BatchID
          string PurityData
          string IsomerRatio
      }
      BATCH ||--|{ BLOCKCHAIN_TRANSACTION : is_recorded_in
      BLOCKCHAIN_TRANSACTION {
          string TransactionID
          string Timestamp
          string BatchID
      }
      PRODUCT ||--|| BATCH : contains
      PRODUCT {
          string ProductID
          string QRCode
      }
      CONSUMER {
          string Device
      }
      CONSUMER }o--|| PRODUCT : scans
  

Axis 5: The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Low-Power Mode - A "Keto-Priming" Beverage

• Enabling Description: A method to gently acclimate a user to a ketogenic state, designed to minimize the side effects of "keto flu." The beverage contains a sub-therapeutic concentration of D-1,3-butanediol (0.5% - 1.0%) combined with a precise blend of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium). This "keto-priming" beverage does not induce deep ketosis on its own but provides enough exogenous ketones to slightly reduce the brain's immediate demand for glucose while replenishing electrolytes lost during the initial diuretic phase of a ketogenic diet. It is designed to be consumed for the first 3-5 days of transitioning to a low-carbohydrate diet.
• Mermaid Diagram:

  graph TD
      A[User Starting Keto Diet] -- Consumes --> B(Keto-Priming Beverage);
      B --> C{Low-Dose D-1,3-BD (0.5-1.0%)};
      B --> D{Electrolyte Blend};
      C --> E[Mild Elevation of Ketones];
      E --> F[Reduces Brain Glucose Demand];
      D --> G[Replenishes Lost Electrolytes];
      F & G --> H[Mitigates 'Keto Flu' Symptoms];
  

Section 2: Combination Prior Art with Open-Source Standards

Combination 2.1: Integration with OpenAPS for Diabetic Ketosis Management

• Disclosure: A method combining the D-1,3-butanediol beverage with the Open Artificial Pancreas System (OpenAPS). For individuals with Type 1 Diabetes using a DIY hybrid closed-loop system, the beverage can be used as a therapeutic intervention to manage hyperglycemic events. When the OpenAPS algorithm predicts a sustained high blood glucose level that is slow to respond to insulin, the system could recommend a dose of the ketogenic beverage. The resulting ketones provide an alternative fuel source for the body's cells, reducing the immediate need for glucose and lowering the risk of glucotoxicity, while the system continues to titrate insulin. The D-1,3-butanediol consumption event would be logged as an input to the OpenAPS algorithm, allowing it to adjust its insulin delivery predictions.

Combination 2.2: Integration with the Quantified Self (QS) Data Framework

• Disclosure: A method where the consumption of the D-1,3-butanediol beverage is tracked and correlated with other life-log data using a Quantified Self framework. Users would log beverage intake (time, volume) via an open API. This data is integrated with other data streams such as sleep data (from Oura), activity data (from Strava), and cognitive performance data (from a Stroop test app). Open-source data analysis tools (e.g., Python with Pandas/SciPy libraries) are used to run correlation analyses to identify the objective impact of beverage-induced ketosis on various personal health and performance metrics, with the data and analysis methods shared within the QS community.

Combination 2.3: Use in Conjunction with Open-Source Bio-Reactor Designs

• Disclosure: A method for producing the D-1,3-butanediol beverage using open-source hardware and software for bioreactors. Following public schematics for building a small-scale, automated bioreactor (e.g., from Open-Bio-Reactors.org), a user cultivates a non-pathogenic, genetically modified E. coli strain (with its genetic modifications published under an open-source license) engineered to produce D-1,3-butanediol from a simple sugar feedstock. The entire process, from culturing to filtration and final beverage mixing, is managed by open-source control software, making small-batch, decentralized production of the core active ingredient feasible.