Aqueous Protein Dispersion via Acid-Ester Solvent Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercial use of prolamins is hindered by high production costs and the difficulty of maintaining them in an aqueous environment, with the use of organic solvents in polymer coating formulations posing safety, environmental, and flammability concerns.
Innovation Solution
Development of waterborne aqueous-alcohol soluble protein compositions that include a solid portion with an aqueous-alcohol soluble protein dispersed in a liquid portion containing water and an acid without the need for additional alcohol, using a process that involves combining water, acid, and optionally an ester of a carboxylic acid to form a dispersion, which can be used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic solvents are used in polymer coating formulations to dissolve prolamins, then the prolamins can be effectively dispersed and processed, but safety concerns arise due to flammability and carcinogenicity, and environmental concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by replacing organic solvents with aqueous acid solutions containing specific esters. This parameter change allows prolamins to be dispersed without the harmful effects of organic solvents while maintaining processability through controlled pH and ester concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces esters of carboxylic acids as intermediary substances that facilitate the dispersion of prolamins in aqueous acid solutions. These esters act as mediators that enable effective processing without requiring harmful organic solvents, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional methods are used to maintain prolamins in aqueous environment, then safety and environmental issues are reduced, but the prolamins precipitate and become difficult to process
Solution Approach 1:
Esters of carboxylic acids serve as intermediary substances that stabilize prolamins in aqueous acid solutions. These esters prevent protein precipitation by modifying the interfacial properties and solubility characteristics, enabling stable aqueous dispersions without organic solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the aqueous solution by controlling pH through acid addition and incorporating specific esters. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for protein stability in aqueous environment, preventing precipitation while maintaining safety
3Ease of manufacture
If high concentrations of prolamins are used to reduce production costs, then the viscosity and processability of the formulations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Esters act as intermediary substances that improve the flowability and processability of high-concentration protein formulations. By incorporating esters into the aqueous acid system, the patent enables better rheological properties even at high protein concentrations, thus achieving cost efficiency without sacrificing operability
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 solution enables the creation of stable, cost-effective protein dispersions suitable for applications like binders, adhesives, and coatings, reducing the reliance on organic solvents and improving environmental safety while maintaining desired flowability and dispersion stability.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid portion comprises water and an acid... the solid portion is dispersed in the liquid portion without the benefit of alcohol
Implementation Method 2
said composition further comprising an ester of a carboxylic acid... result in a dispersion having a desired flowability and to result in the protein remaining dispersed
Data Source
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AI summary
Waterborne aqueous-alcohol soluble protein compositions, methods of making the compositions, and applications thereof are disclosed. The dispersion compositions include protein, water, acid, and optionally an ester of a carboxylic acid. The methods of making the compositions including combining the protein, water, acid and optionally ester to form a dispersion without the benefit of alcohol. Applications include industrial and food applications, such as binders and coatings, for example paint binders or coatings for paper products and pharmaceuticals.