Biologically-Derived 1,3-Propanediol Solvent for Low-Emission Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing 1,3-propanediol result in environmental concerns due to greenhouse gas emissions and the use of petroleum-based solvents, which contribute to global warming and skin irritation issues in personal care products.

Innovation Solution

Development of biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol and its esters, produced through fermentation by genetically-engineered organisms, which are biodegradable and do not increase atmospheric CO2 levels, used as solvents for extracting botanical and fragrance compounds, reducing environmental impact and skin irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If petroleum-based 1,3-propanediol is used as a solvent, then extraction efficiency is improved, but environmental harm increases due to greenhouse gas emissions and skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the source parameter of 1,3-propanediol from petroleum-based to biologically-derived through fermentation. This parameter change maintains the solvent's extraction efficiency while eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and reducing skin irritation, as the biologically-derived version is produced via renewable fermentation processes rather than petroleum refining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable 1,3-propanediol that can be readily decomposed after use. This allows the solvent to be discarded without persistent environmental harm, as it naturally breaks down in the environment rather than accumulating like petroleum-based solvents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional production methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but environmental impact increases due to carbon emissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcarbon emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fermentation processes where microorganisms naturally convert sugars to 1,3-propanediol. This self-service biological process eliminates the need for energy-intensive petroleum refining and associated carbon emissions, while the fermentable sugars can be sourced from renewable biomass at competitive costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the production method parameter from petroleum refining to biological fermentation. This parameter change reduces carbon emissions by using renewable biomass feedstocks and natural microbial conversion processes, while maintaining economic viability through established fermentation technologies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If petroleum-based solvents are used in personal care products, then product performance is improved, but skin irritation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct performanceVSAvoidskin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical origin parameter of the solvent from petroleum-based to biologically-derived. This parameter change maintains the solvating and performance properties needed for personal care products while reducing skin irritation, as biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol has a more compatible profile with human skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If non-biodegradable solvents are used, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but environmental persistence increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the biodegradability parameter of the solvent from non-biodegradable to biodegradable. This parameter change maintains extraction effectiveness while ensuring the solvent breaks down naturally in the environment, preventing long-term persistence and environmental accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol and its esters enhance the stability of enzymes in detergents, provide a sustainable extraction method for personal care and cosmetic products, and offer a low VOC paint stripper, while maintaining product quality and reducing environmental footprint.

Implementation Method 1

biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol and its esters, produced through fermentation by genetically-engineered organisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS9668951B2Pharmaceutical compositions comprising renewably-based biodegradable 1,3-propanediol

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 PRIMIENT COVATION LLC

AI summary

Biodegradable pharmaceutical compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol and its esters are provided. The 1,3-propanediol and its esters in the pharmaceutical composition are biologically derived, and as such, the pharmaceutical compositions exhibit a low anthropogenic CO2 emission profile.