Fibroin Solution Purification with pH Adjustment and Desalting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide fibroin in a usable form suitable for medical applications due to contamination by impurities and the need for additional cleaning steps, which complicates its use as a medical product.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dissolving fibroin in a specific solution system, followed by purification using acidic substances to lower pH, neutralization with basic substances, and desalting to achieve a high-purity fibroin solution suitable for medical use, with optional steps for separating fibroin from secondary constituents like sericin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fibroin is dissolved in a first solution system to generate a fibroin raw solution, then fibroin is obtained in a flowable form suitable for medical applications, but the solution contains impurities and contaminants requiring additional cleaning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing purification steps (pH adjustment, desalting, filtration) during the dissolution process itself rather than as separate subsequent steps. The fibroin is purified in the same operational sequence where it is dissolved and processed, eliminating the need for additional separate cleaning operations and reducing overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated process sequence. The dissolution, purification, and concentration steps are combined into one continuous operational flow, where the first solution system serves multiple purposes: dissolving fibroin, enabling pH adjustment, and facilitating subsequent purification operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional purification steps are performed to remove impurities, then the purity of fibroin solution is improved, but the process complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs purification actions preliminarily during the dissolution process. pH adjustment and desalting are conducted while the fibroin is being dissolved and processed in the first solution system, rather than as separate subsequent steps. This preliminary purification integrates cleaning operations into the main process flow, reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by keeping the fibroin in solution throughout the purification process. The pH adjustment and desalting steps are performed continuously during the dissolution operation, rather than as discrete batch operations. This continuous processing eliminates idle time between steps and maintains productive operation throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fibroin solution is concentrated to achieve desired viscosity, then the solution properties are optimized for medical applications, but the molecular weight distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting pH and temperature during concentration. The pH is modified to control fibroin solubility and viscosity, while temperature control maintains molecular weight distribution. These parameter adjustments allow viscosity optimization without compromising molecular weight uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary concentration steps during the dissolution process itself. By controlling the concentration during the initial processing stage rather than as a separate subsequent step, the molecular weight distribution is established early and maintained throughout, ensuring uniformity while achieving desired viscosity for different medical applications.
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 produces a high-purity fibroin solution with low bioburden and endotoxin levels, enabling its use in medical products without additional cleaning steps, and allows for tailored viscosity and molecular weight for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
purifying the fibroin solution by lowering the pH of the fibroin solution
Implementation Method 2
raising the pH of the fibroin solution, in particular to a value between 6 and 9, preferably between 7 and 8 and particularly preferably to a value of approximately (i.e., ±0.1) or exactly 7.5, by introducing a basic substance
Implementation Method 3
desalting (i.e., reducing the salt content) of the fibroin raw solution to produce the fibroin solution
Implementation Method 4
The dissolution of the fibroin can preferably be assisted by introducing thermal energy, for example by heating to a temperature (and maintaining the temperature) of 70° C., or 75° C., or 80° C., or 90° C. or 100° C.
Implementation Method 5
by introducing kinetic energy, for example by ultrasonic treatment or stirring or shaking, of the mixture comprising the fibroin and the first solution system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating at least one fibroin solution with the following method steps proceeding in the indicated order:providing fibroin;dissolving the fibroin in a first solution system to generate a fibroin raw solution;cleaning the fibroin raw solution by lowering the pH of the fibroin raw solution by introducing an acidic substance into the fibroin raw solution;raising the pH of the fibroin solution by introducing a basic compound into the fibroin raw solution;desalting the fibroin raw solution to produce the fibroin solution.