Laccase Conversion of Sinapic Acid to Phenolic Mixture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing protein concentrates from rapeseed seeds deplete soluble extractants and result in inefficient extraction of valuable substances like sinapine, requiring large dilutions and denaturation of proteins, which affects the quality and yield of the final product.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of laccase to convert sinapic acid into a red-colored flavonoid-containing phenol mixture, utilizing an aqueous and/or alcoholic phase from cruciferous plants, specifically rapeseed or camelina, with controlled pH and solvent addition to enhance the extraction of polyphenols and proteins, resulting in a stable, intensely colored product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high dilutions and protein denaturation methods are used to extract sinapine, then extraction efficiency is improved, but protein quality and process complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting pH to alkaline conditions (pH 9-11) and controlling temperature (40-50°C) to optimize laccase enzyme activity for sinapine extraction, replacing the need for high dilutions and protein denaturation while maintaining extraction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/chemical methods (high dilutions, protein denaturation using temperature and alcohol) with a biocatalytic approach using laccase enzyme, substituting harsh processing conditions with a more selective and gentle enzymatic reaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If extensive washing is performed to remove soluble extractables, then purity of protein concentrate is improved, but loss of valuable substances increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepurityVSAvoidloss of valuable substances
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selectively extracts sinapine from the rapeseed meal matrix using laccase enzyme under controlled pH and temperature conditions, separating the valuable polyphenolic substance from proteins and other components without requiring extensive washing that would remove soluble extractables

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses laccase enzyme as an intermediary substance that catalyzes the oxidation of sinapine, enabling selective extraction and separation of valuable polyphenols from the complex mixture of rapeseed components while preserving proteins and other valuable substances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If laccase is added to sinapic acid, then reaction product formation is improved, but reaction time and oxygen dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction product formationVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes reaction parameters including maintaining pH 9-11, controlling temperature at 40-50°C, and ensuring adequate oxygen supply to maximize laccase enzyme activity and accelerate the oxidation reaction of sinapic acid, reducing reaction time while maintaining product formation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the economical and efficient extraction of a valuable, intensely red-colored product with a high dry matter content, maintaining stability and improving the yield and purity of polyphenols and proteins, avoiding the need for extensive dilution and denaturation.

Implementation Method 1

The reaction product is formed upon the addition of laccase to a sinapic acid-containing aqueous and/or alcoholic phase... The formation of the reaction product occurs in the presence of oxygen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

the addition of laccase to sinapic acid is known from variousscientific publications

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3503739B1Valuable product and method for obtaining a valuable material phase
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 GEA MECHANICAL EQUIP GMBH
  • EP3503739B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a valuable product in the form of a flavonoid-containing phenol mixture comprising a reaction product, which is formed when laccase is added to a sinapic-acid-containing aqueous and/or alcoholic phase produced from plants and/or plant parts, preferably from seeds and/or fruits of cruciferous plants (Brassicaceae), in particular rape fruits or Camelina, in the presence of oxygen, and to a method for obtaining a value material phase, in particular a valuable product according to one of the preceding claims, from a native material mixture.