Dried Lactobacillus Cells pH Adjustment Heavy Metal Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing dried Lactobacillus cells often result in a reduction or loss of heavy metal binding capacity, which is essential for removing harmful heavy metals from the human body.
Innovation Solution
A process involving fermentation of Lactobacillus cells, adjustment of the fermentation product to a pH range between 8 and 11, and subsequent drying, which enhances the heavy metal binding capability of the dried cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drying processes are used for Lactobacillus cells, then production efficiency is improved, but heavy metal binding capacity is reduced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH of the fermentation broth to alkaline conditions (pH 8-11) before the drying process. This pre-treatment modifies the cell surface properties and metal ion availability in advance, ensuring that the heavy metal binding capacity is preserved or enhanced during subsequent drying and storage, rather than attempting to restore it after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the pH parameter from conventional acidic/neutral ranges to alkaline ranges (pH 8-11). This parameter modification fundamentally alters the chemical environment, affecting cell surface charge, metal ion solubility, and binding affinity, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining binding capacity and achieving efficient production.
2Reliability
If pH is adjusted to enhance heavy metal binding capacity, then binding capability is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the Lactobacillus cells themselves to generate alkaline conditions through their metabolic activity. The bacteria produce ammonia and other alkaline substances during fermentation, naturally raising the pH to the optimal range for heavy metal binding. This eliminates the need for external pH adjustment chemicals or complex control systems, simplifying the overall process while maintaining enhanced binding capability.
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 significantly increases the heavy metal binding capacity of dried Lactobacillus cells, effectively removing heavy metals from the gastrointestinal tract and reducing their levels in the body.
Implementation Method 1
The Lactobacillus cells bind to heavy metal cations in vitro and/or in vivo
Implementation Method 2
The fermentation product is adjusted to a pH range between pH 8 and 11
Implementation Method 3
The pH adjusted fermentation product is thereafter dried
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a process for producing dried Lactobacillus cells. In one aspect, the process leads to increase in the heavy metal binding capability of Lactobacillus cells. In one aspect, a process for producing dried Lactobacillus cells comprises fermenting Lactobacillus cells in a fermentation medium. A fermentation product comprising the Lactobacillus cells is obtained after fermenting the Lactobacillus cells. The fermentation product is adjusted to a pH range between pH 8 and 11. The fermentation product is optionally concentrated before or after adjusting to the pH range between 8 and 11. The pH adjusted fermentation product is thereafter dried.