Bio-cellulose Drying via Glycol Soaking for Rapid Gelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing dry bio-cellulose require several hours to several days to gel, making it challenging for industrial use due to contamination risks and logistical issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving soaking bio-cellulose in a glycol-based compound solution, followed by drying, which allows for quick gelation upon exposure to water, reducing contamination and storage costs, and optionally incorporating medicinal components for enhanced applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dry bio-cellulose is produced for transport and storage, then contamination by fungi or bacteria is prevented, but the time required to gel is extended to several hours to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating bio-cellulose with a glycol-based compound (such as 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerol, or propylene glycol) before drying. This pre-treatment modifies the cellulose structure in advance, enabling it to gel quickly upon exposure to water while maintaining the stability and contamination prevention benefits of the dry form during storage and transport.
2Productivity
If bio-cellulose is kept in dry form for transport, then contamination is prevented, but gelation takes several hours to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical properties of bio-cellulose through glycol-based compound treatment. This changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cellulose, creating a dry form that remains stable during storage yet gelates rapidly (within seconds to minutes) when rehydrated, thus resolving the contradiction between storage stability and quick gelation.
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 enables dry bio-cellulose to gel within seconds to minutes, preventing microbial contamination and allowing for stable storage at room temperature, with the option to incorporate medicinal components for cosmetic or medical use.
Implementation Method 1
soaking or immersing the bio-cellulose in a solution containing a glycol-based compound
Implementation Method 2
is gelled by exposure to or contact with water for 1 second to 60 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for producing dried bio-cellulose which, according to one embodiment of the present invention, prevents contamination caused by microorganisms during the transport and production processes, does not require an additional anti-microorganism system in the production process, and can reduce the cost of transport and production by being stored at room temperature for a long time. Also, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dried bio cellulose can be used as a cosmetic or pharmaceutical material for delivering medicinal substances through prompt gelation in several seconds or minutes.