Buffered Aqueous Biosurfactant Extraction from Corn Steep Liquor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting biosurfactants from corn steep liquor (CSL) rely on organic solvents, which are not biocompatible and have a significant environmental impact, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, and there is a lack of evidence for using aqueous solutions for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A solid-liquid extraction process using a buffered aqueous solution with a pH of 6 to 8, preferably phosphate buffered saline (PBS), to extract biosurfactants from the solid fraction of CSL, minimizing cell lysis and maintaining osmotic balance, resulting in a white, foaming biosurfactant powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If organic solvents are used for liquid-liquid extraction of biosurfactants from CSL, then extraction efficiency is improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the extracting agent from organic solvent to aqueous buffer solution, fundamentally altering the extraction system's chemical environment. This parameter change enables the extraction process to maintain high efficiency while achieving biocompatibility and environmental friendliness, as the aqueous buffer can effectively solubilize biosurfactants without the harmful effects of organic solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aqueous buffer solution as an intermediary extracting agent that mediates between the solid CSL matrix and the biosurfactant molecules. This intermediary substance enables efficient mass transfer and solubilization of biosurfactants while maintaining a benign chemical environment suitable for pharmaceutical and biological applications
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous buffer solution is used for solid-liquid extraction of biosurfactants from CSL, then biocompatibility is improved, but extraction efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the aqueous buffer system including pH (adjusted to alkaline range), ionic strength, and buffer composition to maximize biosurfactant solubilization. These parameter adjustments ensure that the aqueous buffer achieves extraction efficiency comparable to organic solvents while maintaining superior biocompatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary treatment to the solid CSL material before extraction, including drying and grinding to increase surface area, and pH adjustment of the buffer solution beforehand. These preliminary actions prepare the system for efficient mass transfer and biosurfactant release, ensuring high extraction efficiency with the benign aqueous buffer
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 yields a biosurfactant extract with unique properties, including reduced surface tension and foaming capacity, suitable for applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and environmental industries, avoiding the drawbacks of organic solvent use.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the separated solid phase with a buffered aqueous solution which has a pH of 6 to 8
Implementation Method 2
contacting the separated solid phase with a buffered aqueous solution which has a pH of 6 to 8, preferably phosphate buffered saline (PBS), to extract biosurfactants from the solid fraction of CSL, minimizing cell lysis and maintaining osmotic balance
Data Source
AI summary
A process for extracting biosurfactants from the solid content in corn steep liquor, using a buffered aqueous solution having a pH of 6-8 and a biosurfactant extract obtained using the process of the invention, and the uses in cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, agrochemical and environmental industries. The obtained biosurfactant has the form of a white powder with foaming capacity and is able to reduce water surface tension by at least 16-20 units.