In-Line GOS Quantification in Dairy Production Using FTIR
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for reliable and accurate methods to determine optimal galactooligosaccharide (GOS) yields during dairy production, particularly in industrial settings where sophisticated laboratory equipment is not available, to prevent GOS hydrolysis and maintain low lactose levels suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers.
Innovation Solution
A method using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with machine learning models to quantify GOS content in dairy products, enabling precise enzyme inactivation timing for optimal GOS production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If β-galactosidase enzyme is used to catalyze transgalactosylation of lactose into GOS, then GOS concentration increases, but GOS may be hydrolyzed into glucose and galactose under the same conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inactivating the β-galactosidase enzyme before the transgalactosylation reaction is complete. The enzyme is inactivated at a controlled rate during the reaction process, preventing subsequent hydrolysis of GOS while allowing optimal GOS formation. This timing-based approach ensures GOS stability while maintaining high concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring reaction conditions (temperature, pH, enzyme concentration) and adjusting them dynamically. By changing these parameters during the reaction process, the system optimizes transgalactosylation efficiency while preventing GOS hydrolysis, resolving the contradiction between GOS formation and stability.
2Productivity
If high lactose concentration is used as substrate, then transgalactosylation efficiency increases, but GOS hydrolysis is also promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-inactivating the enzyme or controlling its activity before high lactose concentration substrates can undergo hydrolysis. This ensures that when high lactose levels are present, the enzyme is already inactivated or controlled, preventing GOS degradation while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to monitor GOS concentration and reaction conditions in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts enzyme activity or reaction parameters to maintain optimal productivity while preventing hydrolysis, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and stability.
3Reliability
If enzyme inactivation is applied to prevent GOS hydrolysis, then GOS stability improves, but timing accuracy is required which needs reliable measurement methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical measurement systems with spectroscopic methods. By using spectroscopy to monitor GOS concentration and reaction progress, the system achieves precise timing for enzyme inactivation without requiring sophisticated laboratory equipment, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining GOS stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by using the reaction mixture itself as the measurement medium. Spectroscopic methods analyze the reaction mixture directly, eliminating the need for separate sampling and analysis steps. This self-service approach provides real-time, accurate GOS concentration data for precise enzyme inactivation timing.
4Measurement precision
If sophisticated laboratory equipment is used for GOS quantification, then measurement accuracy improves, but feasibility in industrial settings decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or inexpensive spectroscopic sensors that can be easily deployed in industrial settings. These affordable, simple devices provide accurate GOS quantification without requiring sophisticated, expensive laboratory equipment, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining industrial feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal measurement method that can be applied across different industrial dairy processing scenarios. The spectroscopic technique is versatile and can monitor GOS concentration in various products and reaction conditions, making it feasible for widespread industrial adoption without requiring product-specific sophisticated 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
Accurately determines GOS concentration with an accuracy better than 10% and linearity of 0.9, allowing for efficient production of high GOS and low lactose dairy products.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectrum data corresponding to the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an in-line method of galactooligosaccharide (GOS) quantification while preparing a dairy product having a high content of GOS fiber, and/or a GOS fiber-enriched dairy product in which the lactose content has also been significantly reduced.