Enzymatic Iota-Carrageenan Conversion to Alpha-Carrageenan

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limitations in the production and supply of kappa- and iota-carrageenan, which are crucial for industrial applications, stem from the dependence on specific red algae species, leading to high costs and variability in functional properties due to the limited availability and sourcing of these algae.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the enzymatic conversion of iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan using a 4S-iota-carrageenan sulfatase, specifically utilizing enzymes with peptide sequences like NGQFDNTVIVFTSDNGGK, FDQTFQVGDNTR, and ETEYITDGLSR, to modulate the sulfation patterns and produce alpha-carrageenan, thereby controlling the 'hybridity' and functional properties of carrageenans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cultivated red algae species are used for carrageenan production, then the supply and cost control improve, but the functional properties variability increases due to limited species availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrageenan production supplyVSAvoidfunctional properties consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the sulfation degree of carrageenan through enzymatic treatment. By controlling the sulfatase reaction conditions (enzyme concentration, reaction time, temperature, pH), the sulfation level can be precisely adjusted to produce different carrageenan types (kappa, iota, lambda) from a single starting material, thereby achieving consistent functional properties regardless of algae species used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention demonstrates universality by showing that a single enzymatic process can convert one carrageenan type into multiple different types. The sulfatase enzyme system can produce kappa-, iota-, and lambda-carrageenan with different functional properties from the same starting material, making the production process adaptable to various industrial needs without changing the biological source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wild uncultured algae are collected for hybrid carrageenan, then the functional properties improve, but the production cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional properties diversityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sulfatase enzymes as intermediaries to achieve the desired functional properties without directly using expensive wild algae. The enzymes act as mediators that chemically modify cultivated carrageenan to create hybrid structures with diverse functional properties, replacing the need to collect and process expensive wild algae specimens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/biological approach of collecting and processing wild algae with a chemical/enzymatic approach. Instead of physically obtaining hybrid carrageenan from diverse wild species, the process uses controlled enzymatic reactions to create hybrid structures in vitro, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining functional diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If enzymatic conversion process is implemented, then the production cost decreases and supply improves, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrageenan production efficiencyVSAvoidenzymatic process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the carrageenan modification process into distinct enzymatic steps. Different sulfatase enzymes with specific specificities are used in sequence or combination to achieve precise structural modifications. This modular approach allows independent optimization of each enzymatic step and simplifies process control despite the overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 process allows for the controlled production of alpha-carrageenan, reducing costs and enhancing the supply of hybrid carrageenans with desired rheological properties, making the process economically viable and less dependent on algae sourcing.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention relates to a process for transforming iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan using a new class of 4S-iota-carrageenan sulfatase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

the desulfation of carrageenans by enzymes called sulfatases which lead to the conversion of iota- into kappa- or alpha-carrageenan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesulfation: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2627778B1Method for transforming iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan by means of a new class of 4s-iota-carrageenan sulfatase

Publication Date: 2015.12.30 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for transforming iota-carrageenan into alpha-carrageenan by means of a new class of 4S-iota-carrageenan sulfatase. The invention also relates to carrageenans obtained by said conversion method. The invention can be especially applied to the agro-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.