Alpha-1,3-Glucan Dispersion via High-Pressure Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous attempts to disperse dry alpha-1,3-glucan have failed to achieve desirable levels of viscosity and stability in aqueous dispersions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a composition comprising at least 88% insoluble alpha-glucan with 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, mixed with an aqueous liquid under pressure of at least 1000 psi, to produce an aqueous dispersion with 0.5% to 10% alpha-1,3-glucan, ensuring effective dispersion and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mixing methods are used to disperse dry alpha-1,3-glucan, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but the dispersion achieves undesirable levels of viscosity and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the dry alpha-1,3-glucan into a fine powder form before mixing. This pre-preparation step ensures that when the glucan is subsequently mixed with aqueous liquid, it disperses more effectively, achieving desirable viscosity and stability without requiring overly complex mixing equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by controlling particle size, concentration, and mixing conditions. Specifically, the dry alpha-1,3-glucan is processed to specific particle size ranges and mixed at controlled concentrations with aqueous liquids under defined conditions, which optimizes dispersion stability and viscosity while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If high concentration of insoluble alpha-glucan is used in the first composition, then the productivity is improved, but the difficulty of achieving uniform dispersion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the high-concentration insoluble alpha-glucan into fine particles through pre-processing. This segmentation into smaller, more numerous particles allows the mixture to maintain high productivity while achieving uniform dispersion, as the fine particles distribute more evenly throughout the aqueous liquid without clumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of the insoluble alpha-glucan to optimize both productivity and uniformity. By controlling particle size distribution and concentration parameters, the process achieves efficient production of dispersions with consistent, uniform characteristics throughout.
3Reliability
If dry alpha-1,3-glucan is dispersed without pre-processing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the desired viscosity and stability levels cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing dry alpha-1,3-glucan into a fine powder form before mixing with aqueous liquid. This single pre-processing step significantly improves dispersion stability and achieves desirable viscosity levels while adding minimal complexity to the overall manufacturing process, making it both effective and practical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and particle size parameters of the dry alpha-1,3-glucan through pre-processing. This parameter modification enables the material to disperse properly in aqueous liquids, achieving stable dispersions with appropriate viscosity without requiring multiple complex processing steps.
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 achieves enhanced viscosity and stability in the aqueous dispersion, with at least 60% of alpha-1,3-glucan particles having diameters less than 30 micrometers and being dispersed throughout at least 60% of the volume, resulting in a stable and effective dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
the mixing comprises applying pressure of at least 1000 pounds per square inch (psi)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods of producing aqueous dispersions comprising insoluble alpha-glucan having at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages. For example, in addition to dispersing insoluble alpha-glucan that has never been dried, methods are disclosed for effectively dispersing insoluble alpha-glucan that has previously been dried. Further disclosed are aqueous dispersions comprising insoluble alpha-glucan, such as those produced by the disclosed methods. Aqueous dispersions of the present disclosure have enhanced features of viscosity, stability, and particle size distribution, for example. Application of aqueous dispersions in various products and uses are also disclosed.