Reverse Osmosis Membrane Concentration for HMO Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for concentrating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), such as 2′-fucosyllactose, are limited by the maximum transmembrane pressure of membranes, restricting concentration to 35 wt. % due to osmotic pressure, requiring additional thermal evaporation that introduces product loss and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reverse osmosis process using suitable RO membranes concentrates HMO solutions to high osmotic pressures of at least 70 bar, allowing concentrations of 40 wt. % or more without the need for further evaporation, thereby reducing thermal load and product loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional ultrafiltration membranes are used for concentrating HMO solutions, then the process can proceed with limited equipment requirements, but the maximum concentration is limited to 35 wt. % due to membrane TMP limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of membrane type from ultrafiltration to reverse osmosis, which has different pressure tolerance characteristics. RO membranes can withstand higher transmembrane pressures (up to 70-80 bar) compared to ultrafiltration membranes, enabling concentration beyond the 35 wt. % limit while using similar equipment configurations.
2Quantity of substance
If evaporation is used to concentrate HMO solutions beyond 35 wt. %, then higher concentrations can be achieved, but thermal load causes product loss and decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal evaporation process with a mechanical reverse osmosis process. Instead of using heat to remove water and achieve concentration, the system uses high-pressure mechanical filtration through RO membranes, eliminating thermal stress and associated product decomposition while achieving concentrations of 40-60 wt. %.
3Quantity of substance
If evaporation is used to achieve high concentrations, then the concentration requirement can be met, but the process becomes energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the energy-intensive thermal evaporation process with a mechanical reverse osmosis process that uses high-pressure pumps instead of heat sources. This mechanical approach significantly reduces energy consumption while achieving the same concentration goals, as it avoids the large energy input required for phase change and water evaporation.
4Quantity of substance
If evaporation equipment is used to concentrate HMO solutions, then high concentrations can be achieved, but the equipment complexity and vacuum requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex evaporation equipment requiring vacuum systems with simpler reverse osmosis equipment consisting primarily of high-pressure pumps and membrane modules. The RO system achieves high concentrations through mechanical pressure differential across the membrane, eliminating the need for vacuum generation and associated complex equipment.
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 enables high-concentration HMO solutions with reduced thermal stress and product loss, eliminating the need for evaporative steps, resulting in a more efficient and effective concentration process.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous solution comprising at least one HMO, especially 2'-FL, is subjected to a reverse osmosis process by means of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane
Implementation Method 2
the transmembrane pressure (TMP) applied needs to overcome the osmotic pressure of the solution to be concentrated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for concentrating aqueous solutions of human milk oligosaccharides, in which an aqueous solution comprising at least one human milk oligosaccharide is subjected to a reverse osmosis process by means of a reverse osmosis membrane and is thereby concentrated to a final osmotic pressure of at least 70 bar measured with a freezing point osmometer. Moreover, the present invention refers to an according use of a reverse osmosis membrane, a corresponding reverse osmosis system containing such a membrane and a spray-dried HMO product obtainable by the method.