Algae Protein Extraction via Osmotic Shock and Enzymes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing algae to recover protein and biogas face challenges such as decomposition, energy-intensive drying, and the use of preservatives, which lead to protein denaturation and reduced value, especially when processing marine algae harvested offshore.
Innovation Solution
A method involving osmotic shock followed by treatment with cell wall degrading enzymes, allowing for immediate on-site processing of algae at or near the harvesting location, which minimizes decomposition and preserves protein functionality, and subsequent use of the remaining biomass for biogas production and fertilizer creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seaweed is harvested offshore and transported to mainland for processing, then processing capacity is improved, but decomposition of algae occurs and protein functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing protein extraction and processing steps immediately after harvesting at the offshore location, before transport occurs. This includes conducting osmotic shock, enzyme treatment, and protein isolation while the algae are still at the harvesting site, thereby preserving protein functionality while enabling subsequent efficient transport of processed material rather than raw biomass
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by implementing a modular processing system that can be deployed at offshore locations. This intermediary processing unit acts as a bridge between harvesting and mainland processing, performing critical protein extraction steps in situ to prevent decomposition during transport while maintaining the option for further processing onshore
2Loss of energy
If seaweed is preserved offshore before transport, then water transport is reduced, but protein damage occurs due to preservation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs protein extraction and concentration as preliminary actions before transport, reducing the biomass to a more compact, stable form that requires less water transport energy. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for conventional preservation methods that damage proteins, as the extracted protein can be stored and transported in a stable, concentrated form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the algal biomass through controlled osmotic shock and enzyme treatment, transforming it from a perishable wet biomass into a stable protein extract or concentrate. This parameter change allows the material to be stored and transported without conventional preservation while maintaining protein integrity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If drying is used to preserve seaweed, then storage life is extended, but substantial energy is required and protein denaturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protein from the algal biomass in liquid form, separating it from the water and solid matrix. This extracted protein can be stored in a concentrated liquid or freeze-dried form without requiring the substantial energy input of conventional drying methods, while maintaining storage life and protein functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the protein from embedded in wet biomass to a concentrated extract or powder form through controlled precipitation and separation. This parameter change enables long-term storage without high-energy drying while preserving protein structure and function
4Reliability
If heat is applied for drying large amounts of wet algal biomass, then preservation is achieved, but costly energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts protein from the wet biomass in liquid form, concentrating it and separating it from the bulk water. This extracted protein requires minimal energy for preservation compared to drying large volumes of wet biomass, as the extraction process itself removes most water and the concentrated protein can be stored efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the bulk water and solid waste from the extraction process, recovering only the concentrated protein fraction. This selective recovery eliminates the need to process and dry large amounts of water and non-protein material, dramatically reducing the energy cost of preservation
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 method yields high-quality, functional protein with improved solubility and allows for efficient biogas production, reducing energy costs and preserving the value of algal biomass, while avoiding the need for extensive water transport and preservatives.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting algae to an osmotic shock
Implementation Method 2
treating the shocked algae with an enzyme composition comprising cell wall degrading enzymes
Implementation Method 3
the solid phase obtained in step (iii) is used for producing biogas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for processing fresh algae at ambient temperature by subjecting algae to an osmotic shock and treating the disrupted algae with an enzyme composition comprising cell wall degrading enzymes. This gentle process at ambient temperature allows for the isolation of algal protein which has good solubility, also in the presence of salt and good foaming, emulsifying and water binding properties. Another advantage is that this method of protein isolation allows for cascaded biorefinery, since protein isolation may be followed by a treatment of the remaining biomass with carbohydrate degrading enzymes to produce clean biogas in high yields and a mineral rich water stream in anaerobic digestion.