Keratin Conversion via Microbial and Enzymatic Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing keratin waste, such as pig hair, are inefficient and result in environmental pollution, as keratin is not digestible by animals or absorbable by plants in its raw form.
Innovation Solution
A process involving microbial keratin decomposition followed by enzymatic hydrolysis to convert keratin into bio-available peptides and amino acids, which can be used as a plant bio-stimulant or in animal nutrition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If keratin waste is disposed of directly, then disposal is simple, but environmental pollution occurs and protein material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts keratin waste, which causes environmental pollution when disposed of directly, into valuable bio-stimulants through microbial decomposition and enzymatic hydrolysis. The harmful waste material is transformed into beneficial peptides and amino acids that can enhance plant growth, thus converting an environmental problem into an economic and ecological benefit
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding keratin waste directly, the patent recovers valuable protein materials through a two-step process: microbial decomposition breaks down the keratin structure, and enzymatic hydrolysis extracts peptides and amino acids. This recovery process prevents pollution while generating useful products for agriculture
2Ease of manufacture
If keratin is used directly in animal nutrition or plant cultivation, then no processing is needed, but animals cannot digest it and plants cannot absorb it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary actions to keratin waste before its intended use: microbial decomposition pre-breaks down the resistant keratin structure, and enzymatic hydrolysis further decomposes it into peptides and amino acids. These preliminary processing steps make the material bioavailable for animal nutrition and plant cultivation without requiring complex processing at the point of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microbial consortia and enzymes as intermediaries to facilitate the conversion of keratin into bioavailable forms. These biological mediators break down the complex keratin structure into simpler peptides and amino acids that can be readily absorbed by plants and animals, bridging the gap between the raw material and its intended application
3Productivity
If chemical hydrolysis methods are used to convert keratin, then conversion efficiency is high, but hazardous chemicals and reactions are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical hydrolysis methods with biological processing systems. Instead of using harsh chemicals and high-energy reactions, the patent employs microbial consortia and enzymes to decompose keratin under milder conditions. This substitution maintains conversion efficiency while eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters from extreme chemical conditions to milder biological conditions. By using microbial decomposition at controlled temperatures and pH levels, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis under optimized conditions, the patent achieves effective keratin conversion without requiring the harsh chemical environment needed for traditional chemical hydrolysis methods
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 process effectively converts keratin into a liquid mixture of peptides and amino acids, enhancing their bioavailability and suitability for use in agriculture as a bio-stimulant, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
decomposing a keratin containing material, preferably pig hair, in presence of at least one species of microorganism apt to decompose keratin
Implementation Method 2
treating the decomposed keratin containing material to obtain a modified keratin containing material; treating said modified keratin containing material with at least a proteolytic enzyme to obtain a keratin hydrolysate
Data Source
AI summary
A process for converting keratin into a liquid mixture having peptides and/or amino acids having the following steps: a) decomposing a keratin containing material, preferably pig hair, in presence of at least one microorganism apt to decompose keratin, to obtain a decomposed keratin containing material; b) treating the decomposed keratin containing material to obtain a modified keratin containing material; c) treating the modified keratin containing material with at least a proteolytic enzyme to obtain a keratin hydrolysate; and d) treating said keratin hydrolysate to obtain a liquid mixture having peptides and/or amino acids. The present invention further relates to a liquid mixture obtained from the process and to uses thereof.