CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of priory of Israeli Application No. 296290, titled "ARTIFICIAL EDIBLE EGG AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME", filed 7 September 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates generally to vegan egg substitutes. More specifically, the present invention relates to an artificial edible egg and methods of making such an egg.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Vegan egg substitutes usually come in the form of liquid/powder as to make an omelet replacement, or as ready-to-use vegan boiled eggs. Some commercial products provide vegan white substitutes together with a separate vegan yolk substitute, in the same product, as to make a vegan fried egg (sunny side up).

[004] However, none of these products is encapsulated in a brittle shell, which provides the user the same experience as when using poultry eggs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] Some aspects of the invention are directed to an artificial edible egg, comprising: an egg white; an egg yolk, encompassed by the egg white; and a brittle non-toxic shell coating the egg white and configured to be broken similarly to a poultry eggshell. In some embodiments, the artificial edible egg further comprising a non-toxic membrane coating the egg white, thus forming a barrier between the egg white and the brittle non-toxic shell.

[006] In some embodiments, the brittle non-toxic shell comprises 10-100 wt.% non- toxic polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer is a hydrophobic soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a phase change material. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a cross-linkable polymer, crosslinked by a di(or higher)-acid with hydroxy functional components. [007] In some embodiments, the brittle non-toxic shell comprises 0.5-90 wt.% inorganic compound. In some embodiments, the inorganic compound is selected from (a) sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate mixed with calcium hydroxide, (b) zinc oxide and (c) Casein Phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) mixture.

[008] In some embodiments, the non-toxic membrane comprises polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the polysaccharides are selected from locust bean gum immersed in ethanol, pullulan with/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum treated with an anticaking agent and, any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the non-toxic membrane comprises acids and/or fatty acids and 10-90 wt.% polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the non-toxic membrane comprises 0.2-30 wt.% sodium alginate and calcium salt. In some embodiments, the non-toxic membrane comprises a coating selected from cyanoacrylates, transglutaminase, fibronigen-thrombin, natural glues and latex emulsions.

[009] In some embodiments, the non-toxic membrane comprises 0.5-30 wt% of Shellac or Zein in a solvent.

[010] In some embodiments, the egg white is a vegan egg white. In some embodiments, the egg yolk is a vegan egg yolk. In some embodiments, the artificial edible egg further comprises a vitelline membrane forming a barrier between the egg yolk and the egg white, artificial edible egg the vitelline membrane comprises hydrocolloids and/or polysaccharides. [Oi l] Some additional aspects of the invention are directed to a composition for coating an artificial egg, comprising: a shell composition for forming a brittle non-toxic shell configured to be broken similarly to a poultry eggshell. In some embodiments, the composition may further include a membrane composition for forming a non-toxic membrane for encompassing an egg white and forming a barrier between the egg white and the brittle non-toxic shell.

[012] In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the polysaccharides are selected from locust bean gum immersed in ethanol, pullulan with/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum treated with an anticaking agent and, any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises acids, or waxes, fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, or esters and 10-90 wt.% polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises 0.2-30 wt.% sodium alginate and calcium salt. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises a coating selected from cyanoacrylates, transglutaminase, fibronigen-thrombin, natural glues and latex emulsions. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises 0.5-30 wt.% Shellac or Zein in solvent.

[013] In some embodiments, the shell composition comprises 10-100 wt.% non-toxic polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer is a hydrophobic soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a phase change material., waxes, fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes or esters. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a cross-linkable polymer, crosslinked by a di(or higher)-acid with hydroxy functional components. In some embodiments, the shell composition comprises 0.5-90 wt.% inorganic compound. In some embodiments, the inorganic compound is selected from (a) sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate mixed with calcium hydroxide, (b) zinc oxide, and (c) Casein Phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) mixture.

[014] Some additional aspects of the invention are directed to a method of making an artificial edible egg, comprising: providing a frozen egg white encompassing a frozen egg yolk; and coating the frozen egg white with a brittle non-toxic shell. In some embodiments, the method may include coating the frozen egg white with a non-toxic membrane, thus forming a barrier between the frozen egg white and the brittle non-toxic shell.

[015] In some embodiments, coating the non-toxic membrane with a brittle edible shell comprises at least one of: immersing, spraying and printing, the coated frozen egg white using a solution containing a shell composition configured to form the brittle non-toxic shell. In some embodiments, the shell composition comprises 10-100 wt.% non-toxic polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer is a hydrophobic soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a phase change material. In some embodiments, the non-toxic polymer comprises a cross-linkable polymer, crosslinked by a di(or higher)-acid with hydroxy functional components.

[016] In some embodiments, coating the non-toxic membrane with a brittle nontoxic shell comprises depositing an inorganic shell composition using one of: chemical bath deposition, electrodeposition, or electroless deposition. In some embodiments, the brittle non-toxic shell comprises 0.5-90 wt.% inorganic compound. In some embodiments, the inorganic compound is selected from (a) sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate mixed with calcium hydroxide, (b) zinc oxide and (c) Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) mixture. [017] In some embodiments, coating the frozen egg white with a non-toxic membrane comprises at least one of: immersing the frozen egg white in a liquid membrane solution, casting of the liquid membrane solution on top of the frozen egg white or spray coating the liquid membrane solution on top of the frozen egg white. In some embodiments, the membrane solution comprises a membrane composition.

[018] In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the polysaccharides are selected from locust bean gum immersed in ethanol, pullulan with/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum treated with an anticaking agent and, any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises acids and/or fatty acids and 10-90 wt.% polysaccharides. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises 0.2-30 wt.% sodium alginate and calcium salt. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises at least one of: cyanoacrylates, transglutaminase, fibronigen-thrombin, and natural glues and latex emulsions. In some embodiments, the membrane composition comprises Shellac or Zein based coatings, composition of these are 0.5-30 wt/wt% of Shellac or Zein in solvent.

[019] Some aspects of the invention are directed to another method of making an artificial edible egg, comprising: coating two or more molds with composition for coating an artificial egg according to any one the embodiments disclosed herein, wherein each mold is configured to form a portion of an eggshell; extracting two or more portions of the eggshell from the two or more molds; filling at least one portion with an egg white and an egg yolk; and adhering the two or more portions of the eggshell.

[020] In some embodiments, a first mold is configured to form a first portion comprises an opening, and a second mold is configured to form a second portion and the method further comprises filling a second portion with the egg white and the egg yolk; adhering the first portion on top of the second portion; filling additional egg white via the opening; and closing the opening. In some embodiments, closing is by adhering a third portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[021] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: [022] Figs. 1A and IB are illustrations of edible eggs according to some embodiments of the invention;

[023] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method of making an edible egg according to some embodiments of the invention;

[024] Figs. 3 A, 3B, and 3C are images of breaking an egg, a whole vegan egg and broken eggshells according to some embodiments of the invention;

[025] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of another method of making an artificial edible egg according to some embodiments of the invention;

[026] Figs 5A and 5B are images of nonlimiting examples for molds for making an eggshell according to some embodiments of the invention;

[027] Fig. 6A is an image of a nonlimiting example of an eggshell fabricated using a mold according to some embodiments of the invention;

[028] Fig. 6B includes illustration of a nonlimiting example for making an eggshell according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[029] Fig. 7 is an image of a broken eggshell holding an egg white and an egg yolk according to some embodiments of the invention.

[030] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[031] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[032] Some aspects of the invention are directed to an artificial edible egg that includes a brittle shell, coated from the inside by a thin membrane encompassing a liquid egg white and a liquid egg yolk that may be covered by a vitelline membrane. Such an egg provides the user the same cooking experience as when using poultry eggs. In some embodiments, the user may take the egg, and break the shell in order to extract the liquid egg white and the liquid egg yolk. The user may then scramble the liquid egg white and the liquid egg yolk, may separate the liquid egg white from the liquid egg yolk, according to his/her desire or as required in a recipe, and the like. In some embodiments, the user may boil the whole egg, then break the shell to extract the boiled vegan egg.

[033] Some additional aspects of the invention may be directed to compositions for forming the thin membrane and brittle shell.

[034] As used herein, non-toxic material is a material considered safe and non-toxic (Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS)) and/or materials compliant under CFR 21 to be used for packaging with direct food contact, to be used in the food industry. Such a material may be edible, or non-edible but is harmless when swallowed by a human.

[035] Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and IB which are illustrations of artificial edible eggs according to some embodiments of the invention. An egg 10 may include an egg white 2 and an egg yolk 4, encompassed by egg white 2. In some embodiments, egg yolk 4 may be coated by a vitelline membrane 3. In some embodiments, egg 10 further includes a brittle non-toxic shell 8 coating egg white 2 and configured to be broken similarly to a poultry eggshell, as illustrated in Fig. 1A. In some embodiments, egg 10 may further include a non-toxic membrane 6 coating egg white 2 thus forming a barrier between egg white 2 and brittle non-toxic shell 8, as illustrated in Fig. IB. In such case brittle non-toxic shell 8 may coat non-toxic membrane 6.

[036] In some embodiments, egg white 2 may be any known artificial (e.g., vegan) egg white. For example, egg white 2 may include a mixture of proteins, gelling agents, polysaccharides and hydrocolloids. In some embodiments, egg white 2 may be a poultry egg white, cultivated/cloned egg white and the like.

[037] In some embodiments, egg yolk 4 may be any known artificial (e.g., vegan) egg yolk. For example, egg yolk 4 may include proteins, fats, and optionally pigments. In some embodiments, egg yolk 4 may be a poultry egg yolk, cultivated/cloned egg yolk and the like. In some embodiments, egg yolk 4 may be coated with vitelline membrane 3. For example, vitelline membrane 3 may include hydrocolloids and/or polysaccharides, that may be treated with a solvent or a chemically reactive/modifying solution. In another example, vitelline membrane 3 may include an edible polymer with or without a plasticizer. [038] In some embodiments, non-toxic membrane 6 may be a thin layer separating liquid egg whited 2 from brittle non-toxic shell 8. Membrane 6 may be flexible and may be configured to be tom easily when breaking brittle non-toxic shell 8. Membrane 6 may be made from any non-toxic material. In some embodiments, the thickness of non-toxic membrane 6 may be 0.1-5 mm, and any value in between, for example, 0.2-2 mm, 0.5-4 mm, 1-5 mm and the like.

[039] In some embodiments, non-toxic membrane 6 may be made from a designated composition. The non-toxic membrane composition may be provided as a mixture of dry materials to be mixed with a solvent, or as a ready-to-use solution, to be used during the making of the egg 10 as discussed with respect to the method of Fig. 2. Accordingly, any one of the materials and mixtures disclosed with respect to non-toxic membrane 6 can be included in a non-toxic membrane composition according to some embodiments of the invention.

[040] In one embodiment, non-toxic membrane 6 includes polysaccharides, for example, pectin locust bean gum, pullulan with/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum treated with an anti-caking agent, and any combination thereof. For example, 0.2%-30 wt.% sodium alginate, or any value in between (e.g., 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 15, 50 and 25 wt.%) may be mixed in a solution with various polysaccharides, such as, pectin or locust bean gum, and xanthan gum. In another example, membrane 6 may include pullulan and/or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) that may be reacted with the following: polycarboxylic acids, halogenated dicarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic anhydrides, aldehyde compounds, N-methylol compounds, isocyanate compounds, metaphosphoric acid salts, divinyl compounds, bis-aziridine. In yet another example, membrane 6 may include a mixture of acids/fatty acids/alcohols/aldehydes/esters and 10-90 wt.% (or any value in between) of polysaccharides such as celluloses or other hydroxy-functional molecules, e.g., glutaric acid with stearic acid or stearyl alcohol or oleic acid with ethyl cellulose. In yet another example, membrane 6 may include 30-70 wt.% (or any value in between, e.g., 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 wt.%) glutaraldehyde with an amine (such as prolamine), xyloglucan with hemicellulose/pectin-polyphenol.

[041] In one embodiment, non-toxic membrane 6 comprises a coating selected from cyanoacrylates, transglutaminase, fibrinogen-thrombin, natural glues and latex emulsions. [042] In one embodiment, non-toxic membrane 6 comprises 0.5-30 wt.% (or any value in between, e.g., 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) Shellac or Zein based coatings. Wherein Shellac is a natural resin, a mixture of several different materials, regarded as a natural thermoplastic and Zein is a maize prolamine protein.

[043] In some embodiments, brittle non-toxic shell 8 may include any coating material that is heat resistant, brittle (e g., similar to a poultry eggshell). The coating may be of any color or texture, but must withstand boiling and keep physical integrity, and have enough tensile strength to resist egg expansion while boiling yet remain brittle. In some embodiments, the thickness of brittle non-toxic shell 8 may be between 0.1 mm to 5 mm (and any value in between).

[044] In some embodiments, brittle non-toxic shell 8 may be made from a designated composition. The brittle non-toxic shell composition may be provided as a mixture of dry materials to be mixed with a solvent, or as a ready-to-use solution, to be used during the making of the egg 10 as discussed with respect to the method of Fig. 2. Accordingly, any one of the materials and mixtures disclosed with respect to brittle non-toxic shell 8 can be included in a brittle non-toxic shell composition according to some embodiments of the invention.

[045] In some embodiments, brittle non-toxic shell 8 may include 10-100 wt.% non- toxic polymer (or any value in between, e.g., 10-30 wt.%, 20-90 wt.%, 30- 100 wt.%, 40-60 wt.% and the like). In one embodiment, the non-toxic polymer may be hydrophobic soluble polymer. The hydrophobic soluble may be, for example, methyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) or Locust Bean Gum or other type of hydrophilic soluble polymer. The hydrophilic soluble polymer may be mixed with CaSO4.

[046] In one embodiment, the non-toxic polymer comprises a phase change material. Some nonlimiting examples for phase change materials may include Koster-Keunen wax, fatty acids (or di-acids), and other organic wax or crystals. Another nonlimiting example may include stearic or behenic acid with ethyl cellulose or Undecanedioic acid with ethyl cellulose.

[047] In one embodiment, the non-toxic polymer comprises a cross-linkable polymer, crosslinked by a di(or higher)-acid with hydroxy functional components, such as azelaic acid/tartaric acid with propanediol/di(trimethylolpropane). [048] In one embodiment, the non-toxic polymer comprises thermoset polymers and methods of polymerizing may include cyanoacrylates and 2K polyurethanes and epoxy systems.

[049] In one embodiment, the non-toxic polymer comprises Transglutaminase with high loading of Inorganic filler resulting in a tough-feel coating.

[050] In some embodiments, brittle non-toxic shell 8 may include 0.5-90 wt.% (or any value in between) inorganic compound, for example, 1-50 wt.%, 10-90 wt.%, 40-80 wt.%, 5-60 wt.% and the like. In some embodiments, brittle non-toxic shell 8 may not include inorganic compound at all. In some embodiments, when the amount of inorganic compound is between 0.5 to 5 wt.%, the inorganic compound adds manly to the color and/or texture of shell 8. In some embodiments, the inorganic compound is selected from (a) sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate mixed with calcium hydroxide, (b) zinc oxide, and (c) Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) mixture and any combination thereof.

[051] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which is a flowchart of a method of making an artificial egg according to some embodiments of the invention. The method of Fig. 2 may be conducted using the membrane composition and the shell composition according to embodiments of the invention. In step 22, a frozen egg white encompassing a frozen egg yolk may be provided. For example, frozen egg white 2 encompassing frozen egg yolk 4 may be provided. In some embodiments, vitelline membrane 3 may separate between frozen egg white 2 and frozen egg yolk 4. A nonlimiting example for making a frozen egg is given herein below.

[052] In step 24, the frozen egg white may be coated with a non-toxic membrane. For example, frozen egg white 2 may be coated with non-toxic membrane 8. In some embodiments, coating the frozen egg white with a non-toxic membrane comprises at least one of: immersing the frozen egg white in a liquid membrane solution, or casting of the liquid membrane solution on top of the frozen egg white, or spray coating the liquid membrane solution on top of the frozen egg white. For example, a solution of 0.2%-30% wt.% (and any value in between) sodium alginate in ethanol may be used for forming the membrane, for example, using immersion, or spray coating, or printing and the like. In order to increase the durability of the coating polysaccharide, such as, pectin or Locust Bean Gum may be added. [053] In another example, Ca ⁺ ions in solution or in powder form may be applied on the sodium alginate coating. In this stage, a very strong layer is formed, but with poor adhesion properties to other surfaces such as the shell. The Ca ⁺ may then be removed from the coating using for example, alginate lyase, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), sodium citrate and/or polyphosphoate for surface modification. This may cause crosslinking of the alginate and improve the adhesion of the alginate to the surface of the frozen egg white.

[054] In yet another example, a solution comprising 0.1-10 wt.% (and any value in between) Xanthan Gum (e g., 0.5 to 9 wt.%, 1 to 8 wt.%, 3 to 8 wt.%, 4 to 6 wt.% and the like) , with or without Sodium Alginate may be applied using immersion, spray coating, printing and the like. In other to form a durable coating, Ca ⁺ ions in powder form such as Calcium Sulfate may be applied on the coating.

[055] In some embodiments, the coating may be formed by chemically reacting

Pullulan or Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose with a reactive component such as: polycarboxylic acids, halogenated dicarboxylic acids, polycarboxylic anhydrides, aldehyde compounds, N-methylol compounds, isocyanate compounds, metaphosphoric acid salts, divinyl compounds, bis-aziridine. For example, by immersing the frozen egg or casting/smearing/spraying of the HPMC/Pullulan coating solution upon the surface of the frozen egg and applying the reactive component. Another possibility is to mix the coating with the reactive component and apply by immersion, casting, smearing or spraying while the chemical reaction is taking place.

[056] In some embodiments, the coating may be formed by mixing of acids/fatty acids and polysaccharides such as celluloses or other hydroxy-functional molecules. For example, mixing glutaric acid with stearic acid or stearyl alcohol or oleic acid with ethyl cellulose and applying the mixture by heating of the solution above the gelation point of the polysaccharide and to the melting point of the acid/fatty acid. The formed mixture can then be used for immersion of the frozen egg or casted/smeared or sprayed on it.

[057] In some embodiments, the coating may be formed by Glycosaminoglycan reaction with their binding proteins, for example, glutaraldehyde with an amine (such as prolamin), xyloglucan with hemicellulose/pectin-polyphenol. These can also react with a pre-deposited polysaccharide. Such a coating may be applied by methods similar to those described in herein above. [058] In some embodiments, the membrane coating can also be achieved by using the following food-grade polymers with a softening component, such as non-reactive glycol, oil, etc., to prevent a rigid membrane. The food-grade polymers may be selected from cyanoacrylates, poly-lactic acid (PLA), PolyPropyl ene, Bambusoideae-based plastics, Polysaccharides and the like. Such a coating may be applied by either casting or spraying in their resin/molten/dissolved state. Another method of applying thermoplastic materials for making the shell is by injection moulding for 2 halves of the egg, sealing the content of the artificial egg and then sealing the “stitching” line of the two parts by heat, glue or solvent.

[059] In some embodiments, the membrane coating may be made using transglutaminase, fibronigen-thrombin, natural glues, latex emulsions, etc. Such a coating may be applied by immersion, smearing, casting or spraying of the reacted or dissolved material. In such method, the egg is kept frozen while the chemical reaction (in case of transglutaminase or fibronigen-thrombin) takes place and for the latter while the solvent evaporates.

[060] In some embodiments, the membrane coating can be made using a solution of Shellac or Zein, to form the membrane itself, or to use as an adhesion promoter to other solutions. For Shellac, it can be used as is using solvents, whether by immersion, casting or spraying, and then evaporation of the solvent. For Zein, although also possible to be used with Shellac as well, other materials such as Locust Bean Gum, Sodium Alginate, Methyl Cellulose, Ethyl Cellulose, Hypermellose, wax or any other phase-change material can be used to enable fdm formation. These solutions are usually comprised ofEthanol-Water with Zein and other film stabilizers or materials acting as surfactants in the formulation. Such a coating may be applied by immersion, casting or spraying, and then evaporation of the solvent.

[061] The membrane can also be used to assist in the shell formation. A method described as deposition/mineralization requires a surface to be “activated” on (or deposited on), and the membrane can be doped with activation molecules or nucleation sites for such processes.

[062] In step 26, the non-toxic membrane and/or the frozen egg white is coated with a brittle non-toxic shell. For example, membrane 6 or directly white egg 2 may be coated with brittle non-toxic shell 8. In some embodiments, coating the non-toxic membrane or the frozen white egg with a brittle shell comprises at least one of: immersing, spraying and printing, the coated frozen egg white using a solution containing a shell composition configured to form the brittle non-toxic shell.

[063] In some embodiments, the shell can be prepared by one or more methods described herein below or a combination one layer or more consecutive layers.

[064] In some embodiments, silane coupling agents (1 -20 wt.% or any value in between) may be added to a polymer-based shell in order to form more “ceramic” structure. The silane can be added to any method described hereinbelow. The added silanes are later post-cured with humid and warm environment to enable cross-linking of the silanes. This may create silane bridges and toughen the shell.

[065] In some embodiments, the shell composition comprises 10-100 wt.% (and any value in between) non-toxic polymer, for example, 10-90 wt.%, 20 -80 wt.%, 30-70 wt.%, 40-60 wt.% and the like.

[066] For example, the shell composition may include methylcellulose or HPMC, or Locust Bean Gum or other types of hydrophilic soluble polymer to be mixed with CaSCh, in an aqueous solution. The coating may then be immersed in a hydrophobic solution to prevent deterioration in water. The coating may then be left for 30 min for the CaSCh to harden. The dissolved polymer becomes the matrix in the composite with the CaSO4 as the filler. The finish solution can be ethyl cellulose in a solvent, Zein/Shellac based coatings, fatty acids or adhesive.

[067] In yet another example, the non-toxic polymer may be a phase change material such as, but not limited to, Koster-Keunen wax, fatty acids (or di-acids), fatty esters/aldehydes/alcohols and other organic wax or crystals. Nonlimiting examples would be stearic or behenic acid with ethyl cellulose or Undecanedioic Acid and/or Docosanol and/or Behenyl Stearate with ethyl cellulose. These mixtures may be melted to a liquid phase for coating the frozen egg and the membrane.

[068] In yet another example, coating the non-toxic polymer may be done by chemically reacting and cross-linking of a di(or higher)-acid with hydroxy functional components such as azelaic acid/tartaric acid with propane-diol or a polysaccharide containing multiple Hydroxy groups. The shell may be coated by two main methods. First method is chemically reacting both moieties and dissolving the product with a known suitable solvent, applying on the frozen egg and evaporation of said solvent. Second method would be the mixture of both moieties such as propane-diol and azelaic acid, applying the mixture upon the frozen egg and using local heating reacting the layer.

[069] In yet another example, the non-toxic polymer may be cyanoacrylates and 2K polyurethanes and epoxy systems. For example, using Transglutaminase with high loading of inorganic filler results in a tough-feel coating. The shell may be coated by a method best fitting the adhesive, thermoset polymer used system. As an example, cyanoacrylates in certain viscosities may be sprayed, and in other cases especially with high loading of fillers can be cast or as immersion resin. Transglutaminase is a natural adhesive with high viscosity and thus can’t be sprayed, only cast or applied by other mechanical means such as rollers, etc. In yet another example, the Transglutaminase may be mixed with high loading of inorganic filler resulting in a tough-feel coating and making it a more brittle coating.

[070] In some embodiments, coating the non-toxic membrane with a brittle nontoxic shell comprises depositing an inorganic shell composition using one of: chemical bath deposition, electrodeposition, or electroless deposition. These methods usually require an already present activation layer, or a surface pre-treated containing nucleation sites/ seeds In some embodiments, the brittle non-toxic shell comprises 0.5-90 wt.% inorganic compound or any value in between as discussed herein above.

[071] For example, the shell composition may be a solution of sodium carbonate/bicarbonate mixed with calcium hydroxide solution or hard water, to be used for example, in a chemical bath deposition. In another example, the shell may include zinc oxide layers, that can be formed by using methods such as, nucleation sites and or chemical activation which can be formed the egg membrane. In yet another example, the shell composition may include a mixture of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) for forming a mineral layer. Many methods are well established with different variations, in all the mineralization occurs by a supersaturated solution with precursors as nucleation sites. Using nucleation sites such as Apatite crystals, carboxyl functional groups, or fluoride ions (or hydroxy/chlorine) may facilitate in forming the mineral based shell. Adding the following materials may improve the coating, for example, Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) or Tripolyphophate. Another example would be to phosphorylate an acidic polymer with either carboxyl or amine functional groups or both and immerse in a solution of Calcium Hydroxide and afterwards in a buffer solution of pH 7.4 with different ions composition (such as: Na ⁺ K ⁺ Mg2 ⁺ Ca2 ⁺ O' HCO,' FbPO SO i ² ' )•

[072] It should be noted that forming the external shell may comprise of at least one of the methods described or any combination of them.

[073] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which is a flowchart of another method of making an artificial edible egg, according to some embodiments of the invention. The method of Fig. 4A may include in step 42 comprising: coating two or more molds with composition (e.g., a a shell composition for forming a brittle non-toxic shell configured to be broken similarly to a poultry eggshell) for coating an artificial egg according to any one the embodiments disclosed herein, wherein each mold is configured to form a portion of an eggshell. Two types of molds may be used for making the portions, a female mold, shown in Fig. 5A and a male mold shown in Fig. 5B. The female mold may coated from the outside with a shell composition, as illustrated. The male mold may be coated on the inside with the shell composition.

[074] Any coating technique can be used for coating the female mold or the male mold, for example, smearing, spraying, dipping, printing, chemical/electrical deposition, etc. In some embodiments, a plurality of thin (e.g., 0.1 mm or less) layers may be coated in or on the mold until a desired thickness is obtained. The outcome of the process may be an open portion of an eggshell having a thickness of between 0.1 to 2 mm, for example, 0.15 to 1.5 mm, 0.2 to 1 mm, 0.5 to 1 mm and any value or range in between. In some embodiments, the coated mold may be dried to form a substantially dry eggshell portion.

[075] In some embodiments, a first mold is configured to form a first portion comprising an opening, a second mold is configured to form a second portion excluding a hole, and the method may include comprising a third mold for forming a third portion configured to cover the hole. Fig. 6A is image of a first portion 82 of an eggshell 80 with an opening 81, a second portion 84 of the eggshell, and a third portion 86 of the eggshell, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[076] Some nonlimiting examples for shell compositions may include: solvent based compositions (e.g., ethyl cellulose with/out a mineral filler or organic filler dissolved in a solvent, ethanol/acetone/etc.); phase transition materials (ethyl cellulose with organic acids) coated externally; and the like. [077] In step 44, the method may include extracting two or more portions of the eggshell from the two or more molds. As shown in Fig. 6A, first potion 82 (with or without opening 81), second portion 84 and optionally third portion 86 were extracted from the corresponding molds.

[078] In step 46, the method may include filling at least one portion with an egg white and an egg yolk. For example, second portion 84 may be filled with the egg white and the egg yolk.

[079] In step 48, the method may include adhering the two or more portions of the eggshell, as to form the artificial egg. For example, first portion 82 (with or without opening 81) may be placed on top of filled second portion 82, such that an overlapping area 85 (illustrated in Fig. 6B) is formed. In some embodiments, overlapping areas of portions 82 and 84 may be adhered to each other, for example, by gluing, welding, stitching, healing, and the like.

[080] In some embodiments, an additional egg white may be added to the artificial egg, for example, from opening 81, or by using two needles (one for inserting the egg white and one for extracting air).

[081] In some embodiments, when first portion 82 include opening 81 or needle holes, the method may include closing the opening or the needle holes. In some embodiments, closing is by adhering third portion 86. In some embodiments, closing is by depositing additional layers of on top of opening 81 or the needle holes.

[082] In some embodiments, a membrane composition may be applied to the inner walls and./or exterior wall of any one of portions 82, 84 and 86 in order to further form a liquid/gas barrier.

Example

Example I

[083] A vegan egg was made according to the method of Fig. 2. A vegan egg yolk was made by mixing 50-80 wt.% polysaccharides (e.g., Methyl Cellulose, Starch), 5-15 wt.% proteins (Soy/Legumes based), 5-15 wt.% fats (mono-di glycerides and 10-40 wt.% Lecithin. The vegan egg yolk mixture was frozen in a spherical mold. The frozen vegan egg yolk was then either submerged in or sprayed with sodium alginate and locust bean gum solution, in order to form the vitelline membrane. Full coverage was obtained forming a uniform layer, either instantly or after freezing, the covered vegan yolk was immersed was ethanol. [084] A vegan egg white was made by mixing 50-80 wt.% polysaccharides (e.g., Methyl Cellulose, Starch) and 5-15 wt.% proteins (e.g., Soy/Legumes based) and 5-15% other nutrients (nutritional yeast). The vegan yolk and vegan egg white were poured into a mold having a shape of an egg and were frozen.

[085] A non-toxic membrane solution for coating the frozen vegan yolk and vegan egg white was prepared. The solution included of 60 wt.% ethyl cellulose, 40 wt.% Decyl- Alcoholand ethanol and was used to cover the surface of the frozen egg and while still frozen (-113°C to -1°C at 1 atm or under different conditions according to ethanol phase diagram). Such conditions enabled the evaporation of the ethanol. The frozen vegan yolk and vegan egg white were dipped inside the solution to achieve full coverage of the vegan egg white [086] After fixation of the membrane, the brittle shell was coated by dipping the frozen coated egg in a brittle non-toxic shell solution. The brittle non-toxic shell solution included 30 wt.% ethyl cellulose, 30 wt.% Stearyl Alcohol or Stearic Acid or Ascorbyl Palmitate (or a combination) dispersed with 40 wt.% calcium carbonate. The solution was preheated to a temperature of 130 °C. Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C are images showing breaking the vegan egg, a whole vegan egg, and broken eggshells, made as discussed herein the Examples section. As shown in the images the artificial egg.

Example II

[087] Another vegan egg was made according to the method of Fig. 4. The shell composition comprises: 3-20 wt.% Ethyl Cellulose of low viscosity grade (10 cPs - 100 cPs); 3-20 wt.% Ethyl Cellulose of high viscosity grade (100 cPs - 300 cPs); 20-40 wt.% Organic (Cornflower, etc) or inorganic filler (Calcium Carbonate, etc...) or a combination of both; and 20-74 wt.% organic solvent (e g., ethanol).

[088] Several layers of the shell composition were formed by immersion/dipping on female molds, as shown in Fig. 5A. Three portions were made, portion 82 comprising opening 81, portion 84 and small portion 86 for covering opening 81, as shown in Fig. 6 A. [089] Portion 84 was filled with a vegan egg white and a vegan egg yolk (as discussed herein above). Then portion 82 was attached to portion 84, by slightly overlapping at the edges of each portion. The overlapping areas were glued to each other to form an artificial egg. An additional egg white was added via opening 81, until shell 80 was filled. Portion 86 was glued on top of opening 81 in order to seal shell 80 and to form a complete artificial egg- [090] Fig. 7 is an image of a broken artificial egg formed using the method of Fig. 4 according to some embodiments of the invention.

[091] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Furthermore, all formulas described herein are intended as examples only and other or different formulas may be used. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[092] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[093] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.