Algal Biomass Omega-7 Isolation via Transesterification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for palmitoleic acid exceeds its limited supply from natural sources like sea buckthorn, macadamia nut oil, and mink oil, necessitating an alternative and cost-effective method to obtain high concentrations of omega-7 fatty acids.
Innovation Solution
Cultivating algae strains such as Nannochloropsis to produce a desirable fatty acid profile, followed by extraction and isolation processes like transesterification, distillation, and crystallization to obtain omega-7 fatty acids, which can be used in various products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If natural sources like sea buckthorn, macadamia nut oil, and mink oil are used to obtain palmitoleic acid, then high concentration of omega-7 fatty acids can be achieved, but supply is limited and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter from natural/limited sources to algal biomass which can be cultivated. By controlling cultivation parameters (nutrient composition, light conditions, temperature, pH) and genetic modification, the fatty acid profile can be optimized to achieve high palmitoleic acid concentrations while maintaining scalability and cost-effectiveness through controlled agricultural parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a biological copy system by cultivating algal strains that replicate the desirable fatty acid production characteristics. Through strain selection, genetic modification, and cultivation, the system produces palmitoleic acid-rich oil that mirrors the beneficial properties of natural sources while overcoming their supply limitations through renewable agricultural production.
2Productivity
If algal biomass is cultivated to produce omega-7 fatty acids, then sustainable and cost-effective production is achieved, but complex extraction and isolation processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction and isolation process into distinct operational steps: (1) cell disruption to release intracellular contents, (2) liquid-liquid extraction to separate lipids from aqueous phase, (3) chromatographic separation to isolate palmitoleic acid from other fatty acids, and (4) purification steps. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and facilitates process scaling while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediary substances and methods including organic solvents (hexane, ether) as intermediaries in the extraction phase, and chromatographic media as intermediaries in the separation phase. These intermediaries enable selective transfer and separation of palmitoleic acid from the complex algal biomass, simplifying the overall process by using well-established separation chemistry rather than complex direct purification methods.
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 provides a sustainable and cost-effective source of omega-7 fatty acids, enabling their use in cosmetics, nutrition, medicine, and pharmaceuticals, addressing the supply limitations of natural sources.
Implementation Method 1
One implementation includes transesterification of an algal lipid extract and distillation of the esterification product
Implementation Method 2
One implementation includes transesterification of an algal lipid extract and distillation of the esterification product
Implementation Method 3
The omega-7 ester rich fraction is then processed in a crystallization step to isolate at least one omega-7 product
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed here are compositions rich in omega-7 fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid, and products rich in omega-7 fatty acids derived from algal biomass. The algae and/or compositions rich in omega-7 fatty acids may be used in products or as ingredients of products. Methods and systems for increasing the production or concentration of omega-7 fatty acids, and isolating omega-7 fatty acids from algal biomass are also disclosed herein.