Hydroxy-Functionalized Soybean Oil Wax for Citrus Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-harvest treatments for citrus fruits face challenges with moisture loss and the need for cost-effective, renewable alternatives to petroleum-based waxes that provide both barrier properties and shine, as existing waxes like carnauba wax are expensive and hydrogenated soybean oil is brittle and lacks shine.
Innovation Solution
Development of a hydroxy-functionalized high-oleic soybean oil wax composition, synthesized through hydroboration-oxidation, which is blended with carnauba wax to create a coating that prevents moisture loss and imparts an attractive shine, offering a cost-effective and renewable solution for citrus fruit coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum-based waxes (paraffin, polyethylene) are used for fruit coating, then moisture barrier properties are improved, but consumer acceptance deteriorates due to non-renewable origin and potential food migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of soybean oil by introducing hydroxyl groups through hydroboration-oxidation, transforming it into a wax-like material with improved barrier properties while maintaining renewable origin and consumer acceptance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining hydroxy-functionalized soybean oil wax with carnauba wax, achieving synergistic effects that provide both excellent moisture barrier properties and desirable shine while remaining renewable and consumer-friendly
2Reliability
If carnauba wax is used for fruit coating, then shine and moisture barrier properties are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydroxy-functionalized soybean oil wax with carnauba wax in a composite formulation, allowing reduced use of expensive carnauba wax while maintaining shine and barrier properties through the complementary characteristics of the soybean oil component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive imported carnauba wax with a domestically produced, cost-effective soybean oil-based wax that can be synthesized at lower cost while providing comparable functional performance
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogenated soybean oil is used for fruit coating, then cost is reduced, but coating quality deteriorates due to brittleness, poor adhesion, and lack of shine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of soybean oil by introducing hydroxyl functional groups, which fundamentally alter the physical properties to achieve flexibility, adhesion, and shine while maintaining low cost and renewable origin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional hydrogenation process with hydroboration-oxidation, achieving different chemical outcomes that preserve unsaturation while introducing functional groups that provide the desired coating properties
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 hydroxy-functionalized high-oleic soybean oil wax composition effectively prevents moisture loss and provides a glossy appearance, potentially reducing dependence on expensive imported waxes, while being easily formulated into emulsions for fruit coating applications.
Implementation Method 1
synthesized through hydroboration-oxidation
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to a compound having the Formula (I):wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as described herein. The present application is also directed to a wax composition comprising a wax and a compound of Formula (I). Processes of making a wax composition and for coating a plant or plant part with the compound of Formula (I) are also described.