US Patent 7888304 Use of carrageenan in an enzyme flush

The present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for clearing and cleaning enteral feeding tubes. More particularly, the composition is an ingestible gel composition that comprises enzymes for degrading buildup in enteral feeding tubes, carrageenan, and divalent metal ions or a source thereof. The carrageenan present in the composition stabilizes the enzymes at room temperatures, allowing for long-term storage of the composition. Upon injecting the gelled composition into the feeding tube, body heat from the patient melts the gel, and the enzymes are released to act on debris present in the feeding tube.