Fibrous Protein Solubilization via Controlled Alkaline Aging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous attempts to reprocess coarse wool into fine wool have been hindered by the high cost of the solubilization step, making it economically unfeasible to convert it into a form suitable for consumer applications such as garment manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A process involving contacting fibrous protein with an alkaline solution, such as an aqueous or ethanolic sodium hydroxide solution, followed by ageing and coagulation to form a proteinaceous material, which can be used to produce reconstituted fibres, films, or other materials, reducing the need for expensive solubilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong alkali solutions (hot concentrated sodium hydroxide) are used to solubilize wool, then complete hydrolysis of disulfide and peptide bonds is achieved, but the wool is broken down into constituent amino acids and the process becomes too costly for economic feasibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the alkaline solution by using milder concentrations (10-20% w/v NaOH or 5-30% w/v sodium ethoxide in ethanol) and controlling temperature and time parameters to achieve solubilization without complete hydrolysis, thereby maintaining economic feasibility while still achieving the desired protein filament dissolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using alternative alkaline agents (sodium ethoxide in ethanol, or milder NaOH solutions) that mediate between the need for effective solubilization and the need to avoid excessive cost and complete breakdown of the protein structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solubilization processes are used to convert coarse wool into fine wool, then the wool can be reprocessed, but the high cost makes it economically unfeasible for consumer applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the solubilization process by using controlled concentrations of alkaline solutions and alternative solvents (ethanolic solutions) to achieve wool dissolution at lower costs, making reprocessing economically viable for consumer applications like garment manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs more economical alkaline solutions that can be used effectively without requiring the extreme conditions of conventional processes, treating the solubilization as a controlled, limited-duration process that achieves the necessary dissolution without excessive resource consumption
3Quantity of substance
If hot concentrated sodium hydroxide is used to dissolve wool, then the fibrous protein is completely solubilized, but the fibre structure is destroyed and only constituent amino acids remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of the alkaline treatment (concentration, temperature, time) to achieve solubilization of the fibrous protein while maintaining the integrity of the protein chains, preventing complete hydrolysis into amino acids and preserving the macromolecular structure for subsequent regeneration into fine fibres
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 cost-effective conversion of coarse wool into finer, more versatile proteinaceous materials, enabling their use in a wider range of applications while maintaining the chemical properties of wool.
Implementation Method 1
contacting fibrous protein with an alkaline solution selected from the group consisting of: an aqueous solution of NaOH at a concentration between 10% and 20% w/v; an ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide at a concentration between 5% and 30% w/v; and an ethanolic solution of NaOH at a concentration between 5% and 30% w/v
Implementation Method 2
coagulating the solution obtained in (c) to form the proteinaceous material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a process for preparing proteinaceous materials. The process comprises solubilising fibrous protein by contacting it with an alkaline solution, ageing the resulting mixture to form a homogenous solution, and coagulating the resulting solution to form the proteinaceous material. The proteinaceous materials may be produced as, for example, fibres, films, sheets, coatings, particles, shapes, foams or composites.