Biomass-Derived Methyl Methacrylate Production via Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing methyl methacrylate rely on fossil-based starting materials, leading to high CO2 emissions and environmental impact, as they are not renewable and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
Developing a method to produce methyl methacrylate using biomass-derived starting materials, such as acetone and hydrocyanic acid, obtained through fermentation or catalytic conversion of biomass, which reduces CO2 emissions and utilizes renewable resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fossil-based starting materials are used to produce methyl methacrylate, then the production process is well-established and efficient, but CO2 emissions are high and the process is not renewable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source parameter of the starting materials from fossil-based to biomass-based (specifically isobutanol from fermentation). This parameter change maintains the chemical pathway efficiency while fundamentally altering the carbon source to be renewable, thereby reducing net CO2 emissions as the biomass has already sequestered atmospheric CO2 during growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biomass (isobutanol from fermentation) as a renewable, easily replaceable carbon source compared to finite fossil fuels. The biomass can be continuously produced through fermentation processes, making it a sustainable alternative that doesn't deplete natural resources while maintaining production efficiency
2Reliability
If fossil-based starting materials are used, then current production methods are成熟 and reliable, but the starting materials are not renewable and deplete petroleum reserves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of material availability from finite (fossil fuels) to renewable (biomass). By using isobutanol produced through fermentation of renewable feedstocks, the production method maintains reliability while ensuring long-term sustainability as the carbon source can be continuously replenished through biological processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces finite fossil-based materials with renewable biomass-based materials that can be continuously produced. The fermentation process creates a sustainable supply chain where feedstocks can be regrown, ensuring the production process remains reliable without depleting natural reserves
3Productivity
If petroleum-based starting materials are used, then the synthesis pathway is well-defined and efficient, but the process contributes to greenhouse effect and environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the origin parameter of the carbon source from petroleum-based to biomass-based while maintaining the chemical synthesis pathway. The fermentation of isobutanol from renewable feedstocks preserves synthesis efficiency but alters the carbon cycle impact, as the biomass has already absorbed CO2 during growth, thereby reducing net greenhouse gas emissions
4Object-generated harmful factors
If biomass-derived starting materials are used, then CO2 emissions are reduced and renewability is improved, but the production method requires new processes such as fermentation and catalytic conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fermentation and catalytic conversion as intermediary processes to bridge biomass feedstocks and the required chemical intermediates for methyl methacrylate production. These intermediary steps convert renewable biological materials into chemically suitable forms (isobutanol, then subsequent intermediates) while maintaining overall process efficiency and reducing environmental impact
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 effectively produces methyl methacrylate with a significant portion of its carbon originating from biomass, reducing environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining the chemical properties suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
acetone and hydrocyanic acid, obtained through fermentation or catalytic conversion of biomass
Implementation Method 2
acetone and hydrocyanic acid, obtained through fermentation or catalytic conversion of biomass
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methyl methacrylate characterized in that at least one portion of the carbons thereof is biologically sourced and, more specifically, in that it contains between 0.2×10−10 and 1.2×10−10 wt.-% of 14C in relation to total carbon weight according to the ASTM D6866 standard. The preparation method uses acetone cyanohydrin as a raw material, the acetone cyanohydrin being obtained by condensing cyanohydric acid on acetone, and the methyl methacrylate is prepared using a process involving the addition of methanol. According to the invention, at least one from among the acetone, cyanohydric acid and methanol is obtained by a reaction or series of reactions involving the biomass.