High-S-Methylmethionine Broccoli Breeding for Bioactive Compound Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broccoli plants have relatively low S-methylmethionine content, limiting their potential health benefits and applications in pharmaceutical and food compositions.
Innovation Solution
Developing broccoli plants with high S-methylmethionine content through cross-pollination and doubled haploid production, followed by selective breeding to enhance the genetic trait associated with increased S-methylmethionine production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods (soxhlet extraction, maceration, steam distillation) are used to obtain volatile oils from Brassica oleracea, then the extraction process is simple and equipment requirements are low, but the extraction yield is low (0.01-0.05%) and the process is time-consuming (18-72 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the extraction conditions including using supercritical CO2 as the extraction medium, operating at temperatures of 31-50°C and pressures of 73-300 atm, and employing a co-solvent system with ethanol or methanol to enhance extraction efficiency and reduce time while maintaining product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical extraction methods (soxhlet extraction, maceration, steam distillation) with supercritical fluid extraction technology, substituting the mechanical heating and prolonged soaking processes with a controlled supercritical fluid system that achieves faster extraction with lower energy input and higher yield
2Productivity
If supercritical fluid extraction is used to improve extraction yield and reduce time, then extraction efficiency increases significantly, but expensive equipment is required and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs CO2 as a disposable-like extraction medium that is inexpensive, readily available, and can be easily vented after extraction. The CO2 is used in large quantities but requires no complex recovery systems, simplifying the overall equipment design while maintaining high extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CO2 to create an inert extraction atmosphere that prevents oxidation and degradation of sensitive volatile compounds. This inert environment protects the extracted products while allowing for simpler equipment design compared to methods requiring oxygen-free or nitrogen-purged systems
3Reliability
If conventional extraction methods are used, then equipment requirements are low and operation is simple, but the extracted volatile oil contains impurities and lacks consistent quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves consistent product quality by precisely controlling extraction parameters including temperature (31-50°C), pressure (73-300 atm), and co-solvent composition (5-20% ethanol or methanol). These controlled parameters ensure reproducible extraction of specific volatile compounds while excluding impurities, providing reliable product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a co-solvent system that selectively enhances the extraction of specific volatile compounds (methyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, indole) while leaving other components behind. This selective extraction approach improves product quality by concentrating desired compounds and excluding unwanted impurities
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 resulting broccoli plants exhibit S-methylmethionine content of 48 mg/100 g FW or more, providing enhanced health benefits and utility in pharmaceutical and food compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The volatile oil was extracted from the plant material by a known method, for example by supercritical fluid extraction
Implementation Method 2
The volatile oil was extracted from the plant material by a known method, for example by supercritical fluid extraction
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a Brassica oleracea plant with high S-methylmethionine content. This invention relates to a Brassica oleracea plant with higher S-methylmethionine content than that in a conventional Brassica oleracea plant. Specifically, this invention relates to a Brassica oleracea plant with the S-methylmethionine content of 48 mg/100 g fresh weight or more.