Arthrospira Extract Preparation via Controlled Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting pharmaceutically effective substances from Arthrospira sp. struggle to maximize production under optimal stress conditions, often resulting in low yields due to harsh conditions that can harm the organisms.
Innovation Solution
A process using a conventional extruder to disrupt Arthrospira powder with controlled temperature and pressure, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate and solvent removal, enhances the extraction of antimicrobial compounds, achieving higher yields and bioactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If harsh stress conditions are applied to maximize substance production, then the yield of desired substances increases, but the organisms die as a result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies controlled stress parameters (temperature, pH, osmotic pressure) to induce substance production while maintaining organism viability. By carefully adjusting these parameters within optimal ranges rather than applying extreme conditions, the process achieves high yields of desired substances without causing organism death.
Solution Approach 2:
The process incorporates monitoring and adjustment of stress conditions based on organism response. By observing production levels and organism health, the stress parameters can be dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal production while preventing excessive stress that would kill the organisms.
2Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used, then the process is simple, but the extraction efficiency of pharmaceutically effective substances is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary stress treatment to the Arthrospira organisms before extraction to maximize the accumulation of desired substances. This pre-treatment step ensures that the organisms are in optimal condition for extraction, thereby improving extraction efficiency without requiring complex extraction equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stress conditions act as an intermediary that facilitates better extraction. By subjecting organisms to controlled stress, the cellular structures and substance availability are optimized for subsequent extraction, achieving higher efficiency with relatively simple extraction equipment.
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 process significantly increases the antimicrobial activity of the Arthrospira extract, demonstrating enhanced antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects, as shown by increased chitinase activity and inhibition of various pathogens in vitro and clinical studies.
Implementation Method 1
adding water at a temperature in each case between 130° C. and 160° C., inclusive, and a pressure between in each case 8 MPa and 13 MPa, inclusive
Implementation Method 2
adding water at a temperature in each case between 130° C. and 160° C., inclusive
Implementation Method 3
the Arthrospira constituents are extracted using an organic solvent, preferably ethyl acetate
Implementation Method 4
the solvent used during the extraction can be removed, for example evaporated off in a rotary evaporator
Implementation Method 5
the extract remaining after the solvent has been removed is filtered for decolouring and/or for removing the odour of the extract, e.g. using activated carbon
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutically effective extract from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. having the following steps: extrusion of a powder containing Arthrospira sp. with the addition of water; extraction of the extrudate with an organic solvent; and provision of the extract as a pharmaceutically effective composition.