High Crystallinity Alpha-1,3-Glucan Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forms of insoluble alpha-1,3-glucan lack high crystallinity and controlled particle size, which limits their economic value and performance in various applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of insoluble alpha-1,3-glucan particles with a degree of crystallinity of at least 0.65, a weight-average degree of polymerization (DPw) of at least 15, and at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, with a significant portion of particles being in plate form and having controlled diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional enzymatic synthesis methods are used to produce insoluble alpha-1,3-glucan, then the glucan can be prepared with alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, but the degree of crystallinity remains low and particle size is uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of polymerization (DP) within specific ranges (DP 15-100 for high crystallinity, DP 35-100 for controlled particle size) and adjusting alpha-1,3 linkage content (at least 50%) to achieve the desired balance between crystallinity and particle size characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating specific structural characteristics within the glucan particles, including plate-form morphology with controlled diameter distributions (e.g., at least 70% of particles with diameter less than 1.0 micron, or 45-55% with diameter less than 0.35 micron), and high crystallinity regions that provide enhanced performance in specific applications
2Reliability
If high crystallinity is achieved in insoluble alpha-1,3-glucan particles, then economic value and performance characteristics are enhanced, but the complexity of production process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the correct degree of polymerization (DP 15-100) and alpha-1,3 linkage content (at least 50%) during the enzymatic synthesis stage, which enables the glucan to spontaneously form high crystallinity structures without requiring additional complex post-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by optimizing the enzymatic reaction conditions to produce glucan with specific molecular weight characteristics (DP 15-100) and linkage composition (at least 50% alpha-1,3), which directly results in high crystallinity and controlled particle size, thereby achieving enhanced performance without significantly increasing process complexity
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 resulting insoluble alpha-1,3-glucan particles exhibit enhanced economic value and performance characteristics, including stability under low pH conditions, unique optical characteristics, improved viscosity profiles, and enhanced pigment extender function in paint.
Implementation Method 1
providing insoluble alpha-glucan as produced in an enzymatic reaction comprising at least water, sucrose and a glucosyltransferase enzyme that synthesizes the insoluble alpha-glucan
Implementation Method 2
hydrolyzing the insoluble alpha-glucan to insoluble alpha-glucan particles with a DPw of about 35 to about 100, wherein the hydrolyzing is performed under aqueous conditions at a pH of 2.0 or less
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are compositions comprising insoluble alpha-glucan particles having a high degree of crystallinity and small particle size. For example, the alpha-glucan particles can have a degree of crystallinity of at least about 0.65, and/or an average size of less than a micron. At least 50% of the glycosidic linkages of the insoluble alpha-glucan in the disclosed particles are alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages. Further disclosed are methods of producing insoluble alpha-glucan particles, as well as their use in various applications and products.