2-Keto Carboxylic Acid Fermentation Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical synthesis methods for 2-keto carboxylic acids, such as 2-ketoisovaleric acid, involve high temperatures, toxic reagents like CrO3, and environmentally hazardous solvents, and lack efficient methods for high-purity preparation through fermentation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fermentation step using microorganisms like Corynebacterium glutamicum, followed by ion exchange, extraction, distillation, and purification processes to obtain 2-keto carboxylic acids with high purity, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chemical synthesis is used to prepare 2-keto carboxylic acids, then the production process is established and scalable, but the process uses toxic CrO3, high temperatures, and environmentally hazardous solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical synthesis system (using CrO3 oxidation and saponification) with a biological system (fermentation using microorganisms like Corynebacterium glutamicum). This substitution eliminates the need for toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents while maintaining scalability and manufacturability through industrial fermentation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the synthesis process by shifting from chemical reagents to biological catalysts (enzymes in microorganisms). The fermentation process operates under milder conditions (ambient temperature, aqueous environment) compared to the harsh chemical synthesis conditions, thereby eliminating environmental harm while preserving manufacturability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fermentation is used to produce 2-keto carboxylic acids, then environmental harm is reduced, but the method for high-purity preparation and isolation has not been described
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fermentation broth into different components and applies specific separation techniques for each. The purification process is segmented into multiple steps: initial filtration to remove cell debris, ion exchange to separate 2-keto carboxylic acids from other organic acids, and final crystallization to achieve high purity. This segmented approach enables high-purity preparation while maintaining the environmental benefits of fermentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ion exchange resins as intermediary substances to separate 2-keto carboxylic acids from the fermentation broth. The resins act as mediators that selectively bind to the keto-acids, allowing them to be separated from other organic acids and impurities, thereby achieving high purity without compromising the environmental advantages of the fermentation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple purification steps are applied to fermentation broth, then purity is improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification functions into an integrated process flow. The ion exchange step simultaneously performs separation and concentration functions, while the crystallization step achieves both purification and product recovery. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate equipment units needed and simplifies the overall process complexity while maintaining high purity standards.
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 achieves high-purity 2-keto carboxylic acids with yields of at least 50% and purities exceeding 90%, reducing environmental impact and operational costs compared to traditional chemical synthesis.
Implementation Method 1
a fermentation step wherein a microorganism is grown in a culture medium in order to provide a culture broth containing 2-keto carboxylic acid or a salt thereof
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the fermentation broth obtained in step a) to ion exchange
Implementation Method 3
subjecting the fermentation broth obtained in step a) to one or more steps chosen from the group consisting of ion exchange, extraction process, distillation process
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a method for the preparation of 2-keto carboxylic acid having the general formula R1—CO—COOH, wherein R1 is a branched alkyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or a salt thereof, comprising a fermentation step wherein a microorganism is grown in a culture medium in order to provide a culture broth containing 2-keto carboxylic acid or a salt thereof.