Electrolytic Reduction of Oxidized Glutathione with pH-Controlled Cathode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing reduced glutathione through electrolytic reduction of oxidized glutathione often result in cathode metal corrosion, which is not completely prevented, limiting efficiency and industrial applicability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a cathode cell and an anode cell separated by a membrane, using a cathode with a metal surface and an aqueous oxidized glutathione solution pH adjusted between 3.0 and 5.0, with the same metal or its salt/oxide added to prevent corrosion, and performing electrolytic reduction at specific conditions to achieve efficient production of reduced glutathione.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrolytic reduction is performed in an acidic region using mineral acid, then the electrolytic reduction efficiency is improved, but corrosion of the metal cathode becomes unavoidable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolytic reduction efficiencyVSAvoidcathode metal corrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pH parameter from acidic (pH < 3.0) to neutral or slightly acidic (pH 3.0-7.0) to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the pH to this range, the cathode metal corrosion is suppressed while maintaining electrolytic reduction efficiency, as demonstrated in the patent where pH adjustment prevents corrosion without significantly reducing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a metal salt or metal oxide as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte solution. This intermediary forms a protective layer on the cathode surface, preventing direct contact between the acidic electrolyte and the metal cathode, thereby reducing corrosion while maintaining the electrolytic reduction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrolytic reduction is performed in a neutral region to suppress corrosion, then cathode metal corrosion is reduced, but complete prevention of corrosion has not been achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode metal corrosion resistanceVSAvoidelectrolytic reduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficiently produces reduced glutathione while preventing cathode metal corrosion, enabling continuous industrial production without frequent electrode replacement.

Implementation Method 1

producing reduced glutathione by electrolytic reduction of oxidized glutathione

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolytic reduction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

an aqueous oxidized glutathione solution having a pH adjusted to higher than 3.0 and 5.0 or below by adding a base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS10094031B2Method for manufacturing reduced glutathione

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO LTD

AI summary

A method of producing reduced glutathione by electrolytic reduction of oxidized glutathione using a cathode cell and an anode cell separated from each other by a separating membrane, including using a cathode having a metal cathode surface, and, as a cathode solution, an aqueous oxidized glutathione solution having a pH adjusted to higher than 3.0 and 5.0 or below by adding a base, which is added with the same metal as the metal of the cathode surface, a metal salt thereof, or a metal oxide thereof.