Reduced Coenzyme Q10 Production via Oxidation-Reduction Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing reduced coenzyme Q10 face inefficiencies due to the production of oxidized coenzyme Q10 as a by-product and the use of oxidizing agents, which result in impurities and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the recovery of oxidized coenzyme Q10 from microbial cells or disrupted cells, followed by reduction to produce reduced coenzyme Q10, utilizing a de-moisturized substance in an oxidizing atmosphere to avoid the use of oxidizing agents and enhance recovery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If oxidized coenzyme Q10 is produced as a by-product during reduced coenzyme Q10 production, then production efficiency decreases, but using conventional methods to suppress oxidized coenzyme Q10 production requires special means that increase process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-oxidizing a portion of reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10 before the main production process. This is achieved by controlling culture conditions (aeration rate, pH, temperature) during the early stages of microbial culture to promote oxidized coenzyme Q10 formation, which then serves as a precursor or stabilizer in subsequent reduced coenzyme Q10 production, thereby preventing by-product formation and improving overall productivity without adding complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting cultural conditions during the production process. Specifically, the aeration rate is varied (increased during oxidation phase, decreased during reduction phase), pH is controlled within specific ranges (4.0-6.0 for oxidation, 6.0-8.0 for reduction), and temperature is optimized at different stages. These parameter modifications enable the system to shift between producing oxidized and reduced coenzyme Q10 as needed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and process complexity
2Productivity
If oxidizing agents are used to produce oxidized coenzyme Q10, then production efficiency improves, but impurities are generated that require additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the microbial cells themselves to perform the oxidation function. The microorganisms (such as Aspergillus niger or Penicillium oxalicum) naturally produce oxidase enzymes that convert reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10 during the culture process. This eliminates the need for external oxidizing agents and their associated impurities, while maintaining high production efficiency. The system essentially uses itself to perform the chemical transformation needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs microbial cells as an intermediary between reduced coenzyme Q10 and oxidized coenzyme Q10. Instead of directly using chemical oxidizing agents that would introduce impurities, the microorganisms serve as a biological mediator that catalyzes the oxidation reaction through their natural enzymatic systems. This intermediary approach achieves the desired oxidation while avoiding the contamination issues associated with chemical oxidants, thereby improving product purity
3Productivity
If oxidizing agents are used in the production process, then oxidation reaction efficiency improves, but safety concerns arise that require additional safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the microbial culture system itself perform the oxidation function through endogenous enzymatic activity. The microorganisms naturally produce oxidase enzymes during metabolism that efficiently convert reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10 without requiring external oxidizing agents. This eliminates safety hazards associated with handling and storing strong oxidants, while maintaining high oxidation efficiency through the biological catalytic system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical oxidation system with a biological system. Instead of using chemical oxidizing agents (mechanical/chemical approach) that pose safety risks, the patent employs microbial enzymatic oxidation (biological approach). This substitution of the oxidation mechanism eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals while achieving the same or better oxidation efficiency through biological catalysis, thereby improving production safety
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
This method allows for the efficient and safe production of reduced coenzyme Q10 by first converting it to oxidized coenzyme Q10, then reducing it, thereby improving overall production efficiency and avoiding impurity issues.
Implementation Method 1
an oxidized coenzyme Q10 production step of adjusting a ratio of oxidized coenzyme Q10 to 50 mass % or more relative to a total amount of the oxidized and reduced coenzymes Q10 by having a de-moisturized substance (cell) into contact with an oxidizing atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
a reduced coenzyme Q10 recovering step of reducing the oxidized coenzyme Q10 produced in the oxidized coenzyme Q10 production step
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing reduced coenzyme Q10 includes removing moisture from an aqueous suspension including a reduced coenzyme Q10-containing microbial cell or a disrupted cell thereof such that a de-moisturized substance is obtained and in contact with an oxidizing atmosphere, and that an oxidized coenzyme Q10 is produced in an amount of 50 mass % or more relative to a total amount of the oxidized and reduced coenzymes Q10, and reducing the oxidized coenzyme Q10 outside a microbial cell such that a reduced coenzyme Q10 is recovered.