Fermentation Broth Antifoaming Agent Removal via Cloud Point Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing antifoaming agents from fermentation broths, such as those using mineral clays or high temperatures, are labor-intensive, costly, and can damage heat-labile molecules, leading to reduced product quality and fouling of filtration membranes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving filtration of the fermentation broth at a temperature range of 1° C. to 15° C. above the cloud point of the antifoaming agent, effectively separating polyalkylene glycol-based antifoaming agents from the molecule of interest, thereby avoiding the use of mineral clays and high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating the fermentation broth to temperatures around 60° C. to remove antifoaming agents, then the antifoaming agents are effectively removed, but the heat-labile molecules of interest may be damaged and lose their function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (60°C) to a controlled range (1-15°C above cloud point), fundamentally altering the removal mechanism while protecting heat-labile molecules. This parameter change enables selective removal of antifoaming agents based on their cloud point properties rather than thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition (cloud point) of polyalkylene glycol-based antifoaming agents to achieve removal. By heating to temperatures above the cloud point, the antifoaming agents undergo phase separation and precipitate, allowing their removal through filtration without requiring high temperatures that would damage heat-labile molecules.
2Reliability
If using mineral clay to remove antifoaming agents, then the antifoaming agents are separated, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly with additional complexing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antifoaming agents from the fermentation broth using a simple filtration process based on their cloud point properties. This direct extraction approach eliminates the need for mineral clay addition and complexing steps, reducing process complexity while maintaining effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The antifoaming agents self-separate from the fermentation broth when heated to temperatures above their cloud point. This self-separation mechanism eliminates the need for external agents like mineral clay, making the process simpler and more efficient without requiring additional complexing steps.
3Reliability
If filtering at temperatures above the cloud point of the antifoaming agent, then the antifoaming agents are effectively removed, but the filtration membranes may become fouled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a moderate temperature increase (1-15°C above cloud point) rather than excessive heating. This partial action is sufficient to trigger the cloud point phase separation of antifoaming agents while avoiding excessive thermal stress that would cause membrane fouling. The controlled temperature range achieves effective removal without harmful side effects.
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 efficiently removes antifoaming agents while preserving heat-labile molecules, reducing fouling of membranes, and improving the quality of the final product by maintaining the integrity and function of the molecules of interest.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the fermentation broth at a temperature in the range of 1° C. to 15° C. above the cloud point of the antifoaming agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for separating a molecule of interest from an antifoaming agent in a fermentation broth comprising said molecule of interest and said antifoaming agent. The method comprises the steps of filtering the fermentation broth at a temperature in the range of 1° C. to 15° C. above the cloud point of the antifoaming agent, and thereby obtaining a first fraction of the fermentation broth comprising the molecule of interest and a second fraction of the fermentation broth comprising the antifoaming agent, wherein the antifoaming agent is a polyalkylene glycol based antifoaming agent. The invention further relates to a process for purifying a molecule of interest from a fermentation broth comprising said method.