Adsorption Sheet for Cellulose Saccharification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for saccharifying cellulose using paper as a raw material face inhibition due to impurities like lignin and pitch, which also lead to contamination of the saccharification tank, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the introduction of a cellulose-containing raw material and an enzyme into a saccharification tank, with an adsorption sheet placed on the liquid surface to absorb oil components, preventing enzyme inhibition and maintaining tank cleanliness through efficient impurity collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If paper is used as a cellulose raw material, then cellulose saccharification can be performed, but impurities such as pitch and ink oil components inhibit the enzyme reaction and contaminate the saccharification tank

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaccharification efficiencyVSAvoidenzyme inhibition by impurities
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts harmful impurities (oil components, pitch, lignin) from the reaction system by introducing an adsorption agent that selectively binds these substances and removes them from the reaction solution, thereby eliminating their inhibitory effect on the enzyme while preserving the cellulose saccharification process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an adsorption agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the impurities and the enzyme system. The adsorption agent binds to harmful components through adsorption, preventing direct contact between impurities and the enzyme, thus protecting the enzyme reaction while allowing continuous saccharification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If paper is used as a cellulose raw material, then cellulose saccharification can be performed, but the saccharification tank becomes contaminated with sludge and oil components, making maintenance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaccharification efficiencyVSAvoidtank maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts contaminants (sludge, oil components, pitch) from the reaction environment by using an adsorption agent that selectively binds these substances and removes them from the reaction solution, preventing accumulation on the tank walls and facilitating easier maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-cleaning mechanism where the adsorption agent continuously removes contaminants during the saccharification process itself, allowing the system to maintain cleanliness automatically without requiring separate intensive cleaning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adsorption sheet effectively collects impurities, enhancing saccharification efficiency and maintaining tank cleanliness, resulting in improved saccharide production rates and easier tank maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

disposing an adsorption sheet on the liquid surface of the reaction solution, and decomposing the cellulose with the enzyme by stirring the reaction solution to produce a saccharide, the adsorption sheet adsorbing an oil component released from the raw material to the liquid surface of the reaction solution during the production of the saccharide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4227419A1Method for saccharifying cellulose
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4227419A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227419A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4227419A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for saccharifying cellulose includes introducing a cellulose-containing raw material and a reaction solution into a saccharification tank, introducing an enzyme into the reaction solution in the saccharification tank, disposing an adsorption sheet on the liquid surface of the reaction solution, and decomposing the cellulose with the enzyme by stirring the reaction solution to produce a saccharide. The adsorption sheet adsorbs an oil component released from the raw material to the liquid surface of the reaction solution during the production of the saccharide.