Leaf Protein Recovery via Buffer Solubilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting leaf proteins from plant leaves are inefficient, often resulting in denatured proteins and are not scalable for industrial use due to the need for heat treatments and complex multi-step processes.
Innovation Solution
A novel method that maintains leaf proteins in solution throughout the extraction process by using a buffer solution to solubilize them at the time of cell wall disruption, allowing for the removal of non-protein components without denaturation, and then drying down the proteins to form a stable powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat treatment is used to extract leaf proteins, then protein extraction efficiency is improved, but protein denaturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the extraction parameters from thermal to chemical by using buffered aqueous solutions at controlled pH levels (6.0-8.0) and temperatures (4-25°C) to solubilize proteins without heat-induced denaturation, maintaining protein structural integrity while achieving efficient extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces buffer solutions as intermediary substances that mediate between the plant matrix and proteins, facilitating protein solubilization and separation through pH control and ionic strength adjustment without direct thermal exposure to the proteins
2Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-step processes are used to purify leaf proteins, then protein purity is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention selectively extracts proteins from the plant matrix using buffered solutions, separating them from non-protein components in a single primary extraction step, followed by simple concentration and drying, thereby achieving high purity without complex multi-step purification procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The buffered aqueous solution serves multiple functions simultaneously: it solubilizes proteins, maintains pH stability, prevents denaturation, and facilitates separation from non-protein components, replacing multiple specialized purification steps with a single versatile extraction medium
3Quantity of substance
If traditional extraction methods are used, then protein recovery is achieved, but scalability for industrial use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous processing by maintaining proteins in solubilized form throughout the extraction and separation process, allowing for continuous feeding of plant material and continuous recovery of protein extract, which is essential for industrial-scale production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes extraction parameters (pH 6.0-8.0, temperature 4-25°C, buffer composition) to maximize protein solubilization efficiency, ensuring high recovery yields that can be consistently achieved at both laboratory and industrial scales
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 yields of pure, stable leaf protein powder with minimal denaturation, making it suitable for commercial applications and scalable to industrial production.
Implementation Method 1
using a buffer solution to solubilize them at the time of cell wall disruption
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the removal of non-protein components without denaturation
Implementation Method 3
drying down the proteins to form a stable powder
Data Source
AI summary
A novel method for processing soluble plant leaf proteins is described. While leaf proteins are considered potentially the most abundant source of protein in nature, the lack of efficient processing techniques for leaf proteins has limited their commercial use. The method described in this patent provides a means of extracting and purifying leaf proteins from plants which is suitable for leaf protein production on an industrial scale.