A Method for Extracting Fucoidan Using an Electromagnetic Field

Abstract

A method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises: a brown algae pretreatment step of producing pretreated brown algae by crushing brown algae, including one or more selected from wakame seaweed and kelp, to a size of 0.5 to 2 mm; a hydration step of producing a primary mixture by adding the pretreated brown algae to a buffer solution of pH 5 to 7 and stirring it at a temperature of 4 to 10°C after the brown algae pretreatment step; and an elution step of applying a pulsed electromagnetic field to the primary mixture after the hydration step and breaking the cell walls of the brown algae through the pulsed electromagnetic field to elute fucoidan.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for extracting fucoidan, and more specifically, to a technology for effectively extracting fucoidan from brown algae (e.g., wakame, kelp) using an electromagnetic field. Background Technology

[0002] Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the cell walls of brown algae such as wakame and kelp, and is known as a substance with various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, anticancer, and antiviral properties.

[0003] In particular, research related to promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss has been actively conducted recently, and due to these characteristics, fucoidan is widely utilized as an important raw material in various industrial fields, such as pharmaceuticals, health functional foods, and cosmetics.

[0004] Fucoidan is attracting attention as a functional substance that can contribute to health promotion and disease prevention, and its demand is on a continuous upward trend.

[0005] However, existing fucoidan extraction methods have various limitations and problems, making large-scale industrial application difficult.

[0006] More specifically, traditional methods for extracting fucoidan primarily utilize chemical methods using acid or basic solvents, biological methods using enzymes, or physical extraction methods involving high-temperature heating.

[0007] In the case of chemical methods, there are significant concerns regarding environmental pollution and harm to the human body due to the use of toxic chemicals, and there is a possibility that the safety and quality of the final product may be degraded due to residual chemicals.

[0008] Biological methods utilize enzymes to break down cell walls and proceed under relatively mild conditions; however, they are not economically viable for large-scale processes due to the difficulty in securing enzymes and high production costs.

[0009] In addition, while the high-temperature heat extraction method enables mass production with a relatively simple process, it has the disadvantage that the structural stability of fucoidan is damaged and its biological activity is reduced at high temperatures.

[0010] In addition, existing physical treatment methods such as ultrasound or high-pressure treatment are used to extract fucoidan by breaking down cell walls, but these methods have the problem of high energy consumption and low process efficiency.

[0011] Ultrasonic treatment requires high energy and makes uniform processing difficult, while high-pressure treatment is less economical due to high equipment and maintenance costs.

[0012] These limitations make high-quality mass production of fucoidan difficult and act as a major obstacle, especially in the modern industrial environment that demands eco-friendly and economical processes.

[0013] In conclusion, despite their respective advantages, existing technologies have limitations in terms of environmental friendliness, economic feasibility, and quality maintenance, leading to a need for the development of new technologies capable of stably mass-producing fucoidan. Prior art literature

[0014] KR 10-2014-0020005 A 'Extracts of Cistanche deserticola and Fucoidan having hair loss prevention and hair growth promotion effects and method for preparing the same' (2014.02.18) The problem to be solved

[0015] The method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems. It aims to provide a method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field that can effectively destroy the cell walls of brown algae by utilizing low-temperature treatment and an electromagnetic field to increase the extraction efficiency of fucoidan, and can stably produce high-quality fucoidan without high-temperature treatment or harmful chemicals. means of solving the problem

[0016] A method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the method comprises: a brown algae pretreatment step of producing pretreated brown algae by crushing brown algae, including one or more selected from wakame seaweed and kelp, to a size of 0.5 to 2 mm; a hydration step of producing a primary mixture by adding the pretreated brown algae to a buffer solution of pH 5 to 7 and stirring it at a temperature of 4 to 10°C after the brown algae pretreatment step; and an elution step of applying a pulsed electromagnetic field to the primary mixture after the hydration step and breaking the cell walls of the brown algae through the pulsed electromagnetic field to elute fucoidan.

[0017] More specifically, the above elution step is characterized in that, when applying the pulsed electromagnetic field, the frequency of the pulsed electromagnetic field satisfies 1 to 50 kHz, the voltage is set within the range of 1 to 30 kV / cm, and the application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field is 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

[0018] More specifically, the brown algae pretreatment step is characterized by immersing crushed brown algae in a sodium chloride aqueous solution for 30 to 60 minutes to perform desalination and producing pretreated brown algae, and maintaining a state of storage at a temperature of 4 to 10°C from after desalination until the hydration step is performed. Effects of the invention

[0019] A method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention can maximize the elution efficiency of fucoidan by crushing and pre-treating brown algae and applying hydration and a pulsed electromagnetic field under optimal conditions.

[0020] In particular, by maintaining a buffer solution of pH 5 to 7 and a temperature of 4 to 10°C, the structural stability of fucoidan can be preserved while effectively extracting it without high-temperature treatment. Furthermore, unlike conventional ultrasonic or high-pressure treatments, the cell walls are selectively destroyed using an electromagnetic field, thereby preventing the degradation of fucoidan quality and improving the yield.

[0021] In addition, by specifically setting the frequency, voltage, and application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field, the reproducibility and efficiency of the fucoidan extraction process can be increased, and by setting the optimal range of frequency (1~50 kHz) and voltage (1~30 kV / cm), cell wall destruction can be efficiently achieved and damage to the quality of fucoidan due to excessive processing can be prevented.

[0022] In addition, by appropriately adjusting the application time (30 seconds to 10 minutes), it is possible to maintain high extraction efficiency while minimizing energy consumption, thereby ensuring both economic efficiency and eco-friendliness.

[0023] In addition, by including a desalination process in which brown algae are immersed in an aqueous sodium chloride solution to remove salt, the removal of salt and impurities can be achieved, thereby increasing extraction efficiency in subsequent processes. Furthermore, by storing the brown algae at 4 to 10°C from the time of desalination until the hydration stage, the freshness of the brown algae is maintained, and the quality of the fucoidan is preserved by preventing thermal denaturation. Through this process, it contributes to the stable production of high-quality fucoidan and provides a more precise and stable process compared to existing physical treatment methods. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block flowchart illustrating the sequence of a method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0028] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of other components other than those mentioned.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0030] Hereinafter, the method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block flowchart illustrating the sequence of a method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a brown algae pretreatment step (S100), a hydration step (S200), and an elution step (S300).

[0033] First, the brown algae pretreatment step (S100) is a step for performing pretreatment on brown algae, and the brown algae may include one or more selected from wakame and kelp.

[0034] At this time, the brown algae may be prepared as pre-treated brown algae by crushing them to a size of 0.5 to 2 mm, which is set as the optimal particle size to effectively expose the cell walls of the brown algae and maximize the desalination and fucoidan elution efficiency in subsequent processes.

[0035] In particular, if the particle size of the above brown algae is less than 0.5 mm, the brown algae tissue becomes excessively fine, leading to excessive damage to the cell wall and a decrease in the structural stability of the fucoidan.

[0036] On the other hand, if the particle size of the above brown algae exceeds 2 mm, the cell wall exposure area decreases, causing a problem of reduced desalination and fucoidan extraction efficiency, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0037] More specifically, the brown algae pretreatment step (S100) is performed by immersing the crushed brown algae in a sodium chloride aqueous solution for 30 to 60 minutes to perform desalination and produce pretreated brown algae.

[0038] The concentration of the sodium chloride aqueous solution is set to 3 to 5%, and this concentration range is optimized to effectively remove salt and impurities without damaging the cell wall structure of brown algae.

[0039] Here, the concentration of the sodium chloride aqueous solution is set to 3 to 5%. If it is less than 3%, the salt is not sufficiently removed, resulting in impurities remaining in subsequent processes and a decrease in extraction efficiency. If it exceeds 5%, excessive osmotic pressure is applied to the brown algae cell walls, causing structural damage or a decrease in the quality of fucoidan. Therefore, the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0040] In addition, the immersion time is set to be 30 to 60 minutes, so that salt removal is sufficiently performed while preventing damage to the brown algae tissue caused by excessive treatment.

[0041] In particular, the above-mentioned immersion time is set to be carried out for 30 to 60 minutes. If the immersion time is less than 30 minutes, the salt removal is incomplete, which leads to a problem of quality degradation due to residual salt in subsequent processes. If it exceeds 60 minutes, unnecessary time is required, and tissue damage to brown algae increases, which impairs the structural stability of fucoidan. Therefore, the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0042] The above-mentioned pretreated brown algae are maintained at a temperature of 4 to 10°C from after desalination until the above-mentioned hydration step is carried out.

[0043] As described above, by including a desalination process in which the brown algae are immersed in an aqueous sodium chloride solution to remove salt, the effect of removing salt and impurities can be provided to increase the extraction efficiency in subsequent processes.

[0044] In addition, by storing at 4 to 10°C from after desalination until the hydration stage, the freshness of brown algae can be maintained and quality preserved by preventing thermal denaturation of fucoidan. Through this process, it contributes to the stable production of high-quality fucoidan and provides a more precise and stable process compared to existing physical processing methods.

[0045] At this time, if the storage temperature of the pre-treated brown algae is less than 4℃, the brown algae tissue becomes rigid and undergoes physical deformation due to the low temperature, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of fucoidan extraction; and if it exceeds 10℃, the quality of the brown algae deteriorates due to microbial proliferation and oxidation reactions, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0046] Next, the hydration step (S200) is a step performed to carry out the hydration of the pretreated brown algae.

[0047] More specifically, the hydration step (S200) is performed after the brown algae pretreatment step (S100). When performing the hydration step (S200), the pretreated brown algae is introduced into a buffer solution with a pH of 5 to 7 and stirred at a temperature of 4 to 10°C to produce a primary mixture that has been hydrated.

[0048] In particular, if the stirring temperature is less than 4℃, the brown algae tissue becomes rigid and undergoes physical deformation due to the low temperature, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of fucoidan extraction; and if it exceeds 10℃, the quality of the brown algae deteriorates due to microbial proliferation and oxidation reactions, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0049] In addition, if the pH of the buffer solution is less than 5, problems arise such as the chemical structure of fucoidan being deformed or decomposition being accelerated due to acidic conditions, and if it exceeds 7, problems arise such as the elution efficiency of fucoidan decreasing or quality deterioration occurring due to alkaline conditions, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0050] The stirring speed is set to a range of 50 to 200 rpm, which promotes uniform contact between the buffer solution and brown algae, contributing to maximizing the fucoidan elution efficiency.

[0051] Here, if the stirring speed is less than 50 rpm, there is insufficient contact between the buffer solution and the brown algae, resulting in a decrease in the uniformity of the hydration process and a reduction in elution efficiency. If the stirring speed exceeds 200 rpm, there is an increase in damage to the brown algae tissue due to excessive stirring or a decrease in process stability due to bubble generation. Therefore, the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0052] In addition, the stirring time is set to at least 30 minutes to induce sufficient hydration, and during this process, pH conditions play an important role in maintaining the chemical stability of fucoidan.

[0053] Next, the elution step (S300) is a step performed after the hydration step, and is carried out to selectively destroy the cell walls of the brown algae to elute the fucoidan contained in the brown algae.

[0054] More specifically, a pulsed electromagnetic field is applied to the primary mixture, and the process proceeds to break down the cell walls of the brown algae through the pulsed electromagnetic field to elute fucoidan.

[0055] In particular, when the pulsed electromagnetic field is applied during the above elution step (S300), the frequency of the pulsed electromagnetic field satisfies 1 to 50 kHz.

[0056] At this time, if the frequency of the pulsed electromagnetic field is less than 1 kHz, the cell wall is not sufficiently destroyed, resulting in a problem where the dissolution efficiency of fucoidan is reduced, and if the frequency of the pulsed electromagnetic field exceeds 50 kHz, damage to intracellular substances occurs due to the excessive electromagnetic field or damage to the structural stability of fucoidan due to thermal effects, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0057] In addition, the voltage for generating the pulsed electromagnetic field is set within the range of 1 to 30 kV / cm. At this time, if the voltage of the pulsed electromagnetic field is less than 1 kV / cm, the electric field for breaking down the cell wall is insufficient, resulting in inefficient extraction of fucoidan; and if the voltage of the pulsed electromagnetic field exceeds 30 kV / cm, the excessive voltage may cause thermal damage or damage to the material and equipment to be processed, so the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0058] In addition, the application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field is to satisfy between 30 seconds and 10 minutes. If the application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field is less than 30 seconds, the cell wall is not sufficiently destroyed, resulting in a decrease in the amount of fucoidan extracted. If the application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field exceeds 10 minutes, the quality of fucoidan deteriorates due to thermal effects along with unnecessary energy consumption. Therefore, the above-mentioned range is satisfied.

[0059] In addition, the present invention offers the advantage of reducing energy consumption by approximately 20 to 30 percent compared to conventional ultrasonic or high-pressure processing methods, which contributes to further enhancing economic efficiency in large-scale industrial processes.

[0060] Furthermore, by excluding high-temperature treatment, the present invention can preserve the physiological activity of fucoidan to the maximum extent, thereby providing a significant competitive advantage in the development of health functional products.

[0061] By specifically setting the frequency and voltage conditions of the pulsed electromagnetic field as well as the application time, the reproducibility and efficiency of the fucoidan extraction process can be increased, and by setting the optimal range of frequency (1~50 kHz) and voltage (1~30 kV / cm), cell wall destruction can be efficiently achieved and damage to the quality of fucoidan due to excessive processing can be prevented.

[0062] In addition, by appropriately adjusting the application time (30 seconds to 10 minutes), it is possible to maintain high extraction efficiency while minimizing energy consumption, thereby ensuring both economic efficiency and eco-friendliness.

[0063] As described above, the present invention can maximize the elution efficiency of fucoidan by crushing brown algae, properly desalting and storing them, and applying hydration and pulsed electromagnetic fields under optimal conditions.

[0064] In particular, by maintaining a buffer solution of pH 5 to 7 and a temperature of 4 to 10°C, the structural stability of fucoidan can be preserved while effectively extracting it without high-temperature treatment. Unlike conventional ultrasonic or high-pressure treatments, the cell walls are selectively destroyed using an electromagnetic field, thereby preventing the degradation of fucoidan quality and allowing for the simultaneous expectation of high extraction efficiency and quality improvement.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely for the purpose of explaining the invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or equivalent embodiments are possible from the detailed description of the invention.

[0066] Therefore, the true scope of rights of the present invention must be determined by the technical concept of the patent claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0067] S100: Brown algae pretreatment step S200: Hydration stage S300: Dissolution stage

Claims

Claim 1 A method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field, wherein the method comprises: a brown algae pretreatment step of producing pretreated brown algae by crushing brown algae, including one or more selected from wakame and kelp, to a size of 0.5 to 2 mm; a hydration step of producing a primary mixture by adding the pretreated brown algae to a buffer solution of pH 5 to 7 and stirring it at a temperature of 4 to 10°C after the brown algae pretreatment step; and an elution step of applying a pulsed electromagnetic field to the primary mixture after the hydration step, and eluting fucoidan by destroying the cell walls of the brown algae through the pulsed electromagnetic field. Claim 2 A method for extracting fucoidan using an electromagnetic field according to claim 1, wherein the brown algae pretreatment step involves immersing crushed brown algae in an aqueous sodium chloride solution for 30 to 60 minutes to perform desalination and producing pretreated brown algae, and maintaining a state of storage at a temperature of 4 to 10°C from after desalination until the hydration step is performed, and wherein the elution step is characterized in that, when the pulsed electromagnetic field is applied, the frequency of the pulsed electromagnetic field satisfies 1 to 50 kHz, the voltage is set within the range of 1 to 30 kV / cm, and the application time of the pulsed electromagnetic field is 30 seconds to 10 minutes.

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