Lichenysin Lipopeptide Volatility Control in Chinese Spirits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current research on alcoholic beverages focuses primarily on volatile aroma compounds, neglecting the impact of nonvolatile matrix compounds, particularly in Chinese liquors, which significantly influence the aroma quality and consumer preferences.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adding lichenysin to Chinese liquors at specific concentrations, followed by purification and quantification using SPE C18 cartridges and UPLC-MS, enhancing the aroma by affecting the volatility of aroma and off-flavor compounds through HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If research focuses on volatile aroma compounds, then aroma identification is improved, but understanding of matrix compound effects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma identificationVSAvoidmatrix compound effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aroma research into two distinct parts: volatile aroma compounds and nonvolatile matrix compounds. By separately analyzing each component using appropriate methods (GC-MS for volatile compounds and UPLC-MS for matrix compounds), the study comprehensively identifies both aroma substances and their interacting matrix compounds, preventing loss of information about compound interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces UPLC-MS as an intermediary tool to detect and analyze nonvolatile matrix compounds that interact with aroma compounds. This intermediary method bridges the gap between studying volatile aroma compounds and understanding their interactions with matrix compounds, enabling comprehensive aroma quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional methods are used to study aroma compounds, then volatile compounds are identified, but nonvolatile macrocompounds remain poorly understood

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolatile aroma compoundsVSAvoidnonvolatile macrocompounds
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional GC-MS methodology (designed for volatile compounds) with UPLC-MS technology specifically suited for nonvolatile macrocompounds. This substitution enables detection and quantification of lipopeptides and other matrix compounds that were previously difficult or impossible to measure, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If lipopeptides are added to improve aroma, then aroma quality is enhanced, but precise quantification and control are challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma qualityVSAvoidlipopeptide quantification
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where UPLC-MS quantifies lipopeptide content in the liquor, and this quantitative data feeds back to adjust production parameters and addition amounts. This closed-loop system enables precise control of lipopeptide levels to optimize aroma quality while maintaining consistent product standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes UPLC-MS to detect specific parameter changes in lipopeptide concentration, molecular weight distribution, and composition ratios. By monitoring these parameter changes, the production process can precisely control lipopeptide addition to achieve desired aroma effects while maintaining quality consistency.

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

Significantly improves the aroma quality and reduces the volatility of phenolic off-flavors while enhancing the volatility of esters, alcohols, and acids, as demonstrated by sensory evaluation and chromatographic analysis.

Implementation Method 1

affecting the volatility of aroma and off-flavor compounds through HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolatility: Vapour Pressure

Implementation Method 2

purification and quantification using SPE C18 cartridges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

UPLC-MS

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Implementation Method 4

headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeadspace solid phase micro extraction: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3034599B1Use of lipopeptide compound for improving aroma of alcoholic beverages and determination method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 JIANGNAN UNIV
  • EP3034599B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3034599B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3034599B1 patent drawingFigure 4(A)

AI summary

Disclosed is the use of a lipopeptide compound for improving or increasing the aroma of beverages, wherein the beverages are alcoholic, such as Chinese distillate spirits. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a lipopeptide compound, characterized in that separation and purification are performed using distillate spirits. Also disclosed is a method for determining the content of a lipopeptide compound in distillate spirits, wherein the method combines ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The lipopeptide compound is selected from surfactin, lichenysin, iturin and fengycin.