Aldehyde-Bisulfite Complex Removal in Enzyme Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing bisulfite materials from enzyme compositions often adversely affect enzyme activity, particularly under neutral, non-oxidizing conditions, and are not convenient, as they can be toxic to individuals and alter organoleptic properties.

Innovation Solution

A method involving contacting the enzyme composition with a monofunctional aldehyde, such as an aldose sugar, to form an aldehyde-bisulfite complex, which is then separated, maintaining enzyme activity and avoiding toxic byproducts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional techniques such as base extraction and neutralization by an oxidizing agent are used to remove bisulfite materials, then bisulfite materials are removed from the composition, but the catalytic activity of enzymes in the composition is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebisulfite materialsVSAvoidcatalytic activity of enzymes
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an oxidizing enzyme (such as glucose oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, or catalase) as an intermediary agent to remove bisulfite materials. This enzymatic intermediary catalyzes the oxidation of bisulfite under mild, neutral conditions, converting it to sulfate without requiring harsh chemical reagents that would denature the target enzymes. The oxidizing enzyme acts as a mediator that selectively targets bisulfite while preserving the structural integrity and catalytic activity of other enzymes in the composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reaction parameters from harsh chemical conditions (strong bases, high concentrations of oxidizing agents) to mild physiological conditions (neutral pH, ambient temperature, enzymatic catalysis). By adjusting these parameters, the removal process becomes selective and gentle enough to preserve enzyme activity while still effectively eliminating bisulfite materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bisulfite materials are removed to eliminate toxicity and organoleptic alterations, then safety and product quality are improved, but existing removal methods are complex and not convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoxicity and organoleptic alterationsVSAvoidcomplexity of removal process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs oxidizing enzymes that can function autonomously under physiological conditions to remove bisulfite materials. These enzymes self-catalyze the oxidation reaction without requiring external intervention, complex equipment, or multiple processing steps. The system essentially serves itself by utilizing naturally occurring or easily added enzymatic systems that operate under the same mild conditions as the enzyme composition itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from chemical to enzymatic parameters, the process simplifies from multi-step chemical treatments to a single, straightforward enzymatic reaction that occurs under neutral, aqueous conditions already present in the composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If conventional removal methods are used, then bisulfite materials are eliminated, but the process conditions are harsh and not suitable for maintaining enzyme stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebisulfite materialsVSAvoidenzyme stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the reaction parameters from harsh chemical conditions (strong bases, high-temperature treatments, concentrated oxidizing agents) to mild enzymatic conditions (neutral pH, ambient temperature, dilute enzymatic solutions). These modified parameters create a stable environment that preserves enzyme structure and function while still achieving effective bisulfite removal through enzymatic oxidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The oxidizing enzyme serves as a gentle intermediary that mediates the removal of bisulfite without directly exposing the target enzymes to harsh conditions. The intermediary enzyme creates a protected reaction pathway that achieves bisulfite elimination while maintaining enzyme stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach effectively removes bisulfite materials while preserving over 50% of enzyme activity, preferably up to 90%, under neutral, non-oxidizing conditions, resulting in a bisulfite-free composition suitable for oral and personal care products.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the composition with a compound containing at least one aldehyde functional group to form an aldehyde-bisulfite complex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP1915441B1Method to remove bisufite by-products from enzyme compositions
Publication Date: 2013.09.18 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

Provided are methods of removing bisulfite material from a composition that contains a bisulfite material and an enzyme. The method includes contacting the composition with a compound containing at least one aldehyde functional group to form an aldehyde-bisulfite complex, whereby the aldehyde-bisulfite complex may be separated from the composition.