Single Alpha Chain Collagen Extraction for Pure Electrospinning Feedstock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collagen extraction result in impure forms lacking non-helical ends, leading to limited utility in applications like electrospinning, and the use of aggressive solvents like HFP and TFE denatures collagen, limiting its effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A novel extraction method involving alkaline treatment, filtration, and controlled pH adjustments to isolate pure single alpha chain collagens (SACCs), which are highly soluble in benign solvents and retain non-helical ends for stable fibril formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard acid solubilisation extraction is used, then collagen can be obtained, but the yield is limited to 2% from wet weight and the product is contaminated with beta and gamma regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collagen extraction process into distinct stages: initial acid solubilisation to release collagen, followed by separate alkaline treatment and filtration steps to isolate single alpha chains from beta and gamma regions. This segmentation allows sequential purification, achieving both high yield and high purity by handling different collagen forms in separate process stages rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the desired single alpha chain collagen from the complex mixture containing beta and gamma regions. By applying alkaline treatment and using filtration membranes with specific molecular weight cut-offs, the method selectively extracts pure single alpha chains while leaving behind contaminated forms, thereby achieving high purity product with improved yield.
2Ease of manufacture
If aggressive solvents like HFP and TFE are used for electrospinning, then collagen can be processed, but the solvents denature collagen and limit effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the collagen product by isolating single alpha chains with specific molecular weights and structural characteristics. This parameter change enables the collagen to be processed using benign solvents like acetic acid and PBS instead of aggressive fluorinated solvents, maintaining structural integrity while achieving electrospinning processability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and harmful fluorinated solvents (HFP, TFE) with cheap, benign, and environmentally friendly alternatives like acetic acid and PBS. This substitution eliminates the denaturation problem while maintaining electrospinning effectiveness, using readily available and safe solvents instead of specialized aggressive chemicals.
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 method produces highly soluble and stable SACCs that can be electrospun into nanofiber scaffolds suitable for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, avoiding solvent denaturation and improving downstream applications.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining an extraction of collagen in alkaline solution
Implementation Method 2
filtering the extraction using at least one first filter membrane to produce a first filter retentate
Implementation Method 3
adjusting the pH of the first filter retentate so that it is acidic thereby at least partially solubilising the collagen bound by same
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the production of single alpha chain collagens and an isolated or purified product comprising single alpha chain collagens.