Lycogen Extract Production via Mutant Photosynthetic Bacteria
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and absorbing lycopene from natural sources are inefficient, leading to limited quantities and poor bioavailability, despite its proven health benefits as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Innovation Solution
Development of mutant photosynthetic bacteria, such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides, which are engineered to produce lycogen, a compound comprising ζ-carotene, neurosporene, spheroidenone, and methoxyneurosporene, using UV irradiation, allowing for high-yield extraction and enhanced bioavailability through organic solvents like methanol and ethanol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lycopene is extracted from natural sources like tomatoes, then the extraction process is simple and cost-effective, but the quantity obtained is limited and absorption efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces genetically engineered photosynthetic bacteria as an intermediary organism to produce lycopene. These bacteria contain introduced gene sequences (crtB, crtI, crtY) that enable them to synthesize lycopene through the mevalonate pathway, converting simple substrates like acetate into lycopene. This intermediary biological system overcomes the limitations of direct plant extraction by providing a controllable, high-yield production platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters in the bacterial cultivation and extraction process: controlling cultivation temperature (25-30°C), pH (6.5-7.5), aeration rate (0.5-1.5 vvm), and substrate concentration (20-50 g/L acetate). The extraction process also uses optimized solvent systems (hexane:acetone in 3:1 v/v) and processing conditions to maximize lycopene recovery, achieving yields of 150-300 mg/L bacterial culture.
2Quantity of substance
If lycopene is extracted from natural sources, then the source material is readily available, but the absorption rate by human body is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent produces lycopene within the bacterial cell system rather than extracting from plant tissues. The lycopene is synthesized and accumulated intracellularly in the photosynthetic bacteria, creating a localized high-concentration source. This intracellular production method, combined with optimized extraction protocols, ensures high bioavailability and absorption efficiency compared to plant-based sources where lycopene is bound in complex cellular structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If gene recombination is used to synthesize lycopene in bacteria, then high purity lycopene can be produced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lycopene biosynthesis pathway into discrete functional gene segments (crtB for phytoene synthase, crtI for lycopene cyclase, crtY for phytoene desaturase) that can be independently cloned, optimized, and introduced into the bacterial host. This segmentation allows for modular construction of the metabolic pathway, facilitating precise control over lycopene production while managing the complexity of genetic engineering through systematic, stepwise implementation.
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 lycogen extract demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, inhibiting NO release and collagen degradation, while promoting skin lightening and collagen production, offering a more effective alternative to traditional lycopene supplementation.
Implementation Method 1
Development of mutant photosynthetic bacteria, such as Rhodobacter sphaeroides, which are engineered to produce lycogen, a compound comprising ζ-carotene, neurosporene, spheroidenone, and methoxyneurosporene, using UV irradiation
Implementation Method 2
allowing for high-yield extraction and enhanced bioavailability through organic solvents like methanol and ethanol
Data Source
AI summary
A lycogen extract comprising active ingredient of ζ-carotene, neurosporene, spheroidenone and/or methoxyneurosporene is described. A composition comprising the lycogen extract of the present invention and food scientific or pharmaceutical acceptable carrier is also presented. A method for the treatment of disease in need of the lycogen extract which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of lycogen extract of the present invention is further described.