Fibroin Preparation Using High-Pressure Microwave Solubilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing silk fibroin from raw silk involve harsh conditions such as high temperatures and alkali, which can degrade the protein and require substantial solvent use, leading to low-quality products and complex solvent removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A method using microwave radiation under high pressure to solubilize fibroin from raw silk, reducing solvent use and enabling precise temperature control, allowing for automated and scalable production of high-quality fibroin solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If harsh conditions (acids, alkali, high temperatures) are used for fibroin preparation, then sericin removal is effective, but fibroin protein quality is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the preparation process by using microwave radiation under high pressure instead of conventional thermal and chemical methods. This allows sericin removal and fibroin solubilization under gentler conditions that preserve protein quality while maintaining manufacturing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal processing (boiling, alkali treatment) with microwave radiation. This substitution enables more efficient and selective energy delivery to the silk fibers, achieving sericin removal and fibroin solubilization without the harsh conditions that degrade protein quality.
2Quantity of substance
If substantial amount of solvent is used for fibroin solubilization, then fibroin solubilization is achieved, but solvent removal procedure becomes elaborate and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solubilization parameters by using microwave radiation under high pressure, which enables complete fibroin solubilization in reduced solvent amounts. This parameter change fundamentally alters the solubilization mechanism, allowing for simpler subsequent solvent removal while maintaining complete fibroin dissolution.
3Loss of substance
If conventional boiling process is used for solvent removal, then solvent removal is achieved, but thermal degradation of fibroin protein occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal boiling with microwave radiation under high pressure for both solubilization and solvent removal. This substitution enables more efficient and controlled energy delivery that removes solvent without causing thermal degradation, as the microwave heating is more uniform and controllable than boiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions induced by microwave radiation under high pressure to achieve solvent removal. The high-pressure microwave treatment creates controlled phase changes in the solvent-fibroin system, enabling efficient solvent removal while maintaining fibroin protein integrity through controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
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 method results in higher-quality fibroin products with reduced solvent requirements, enabling efficient and reproducible production suitable for various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
solubilization of the fibroin by addition of a solvent and applying microwave radiation under a pressure of >1 atm
Implementation Method 2
applying microwave radiation under a pressure of >1 atm
Implementation Method 3
applying microwave radiation under a pressure of >1 atm
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes fibroin and a polyphosphate salt including a polyphosphate and a salt counter ion. The fibroin is derived from Lepidoptera and the medical device is selected from spun or knitted fibers, non-woven, woven, sponge, foam, membrane, film, 3D scaffold, particles, and powders.