Microbial Lipid Recovery via Enzymatic Extraction and Density Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and environmental impact of plant-based triglyceride oil production, coupled with the inefficiencies and harsh chemical treatments in microbial lipid extraction processes, hinder the industrial-scale production of microbial oils, limiting their economic viability and application in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the cultivation of oleaginous microorganisms in a medium with a carbon source and organic acid, followed by a purely enzymatic treatment without solvents or chemicals, and a density-based separation method to harvest microbial lipids, optimizing the process for efficiency and sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional solvent-based extraction methods are used for lipid recovery, then lipid extraction efficiency is improved, but process cost increases and product quality deteriorates due to toxic solvent residues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelipid extraction efficiencyVSAvoidprocess cost and product quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts lipids from microalgal cells using a purely enzymatic approach, taking out the toxic solvent extraction step entirely. Cellulytic and pectinolytic enzymes are applied to break down cell walls and release intracellular lipids, achieving effective lipid recovery without chloroform or hexane, thus eliminating solvent residue contamination and reducing process costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of solvent-based extraction with a biochemical enzymatic system. Instead of using toxic chemicals to dissolve and extract lipids, enzymatic hydrolysis of cell wall components (cellulose and pectin) is employed to liberate lipids, substituting a harsh chemical process with a milder biological catalyst approach that preserves product quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If harsh chemical treatments and high pressure homogenizations are applied to rigid cell-walls, then cell wall destruction is improved, but process cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell wall destruction effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of process steps

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical high-pressure homogenization and harsh chemical treatments with enzymatic action. Cellulytic and pectinolytic enzymes specifically target and degrade cellulose and pectin in rigid cell walls, achieving effective cell wall destruction through biochemical catalysis rather than mechanical force or harsh chemicals, thereby simplifying the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical/chemical parameters (high pressure, strong chemicals) to biochemical parameters (enzyme concentration, incubation time, temperature). By controlling enzymatic reaction conditions rather than mechanical or chemical extremes, the process achieves cell wall disruption with fewer and simpler steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If organic solvents are used for lipid extraction, then lipid recovery is improved, but environmental impact and safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelipid recoveryVSAvoidtoxic solvent residues and environmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the challenge of rigid cell walls and difficult lipid release into an opportunity by using enzymes that specifically target cell wall components. The enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and pectin not only releases lipids effectively but also produces soluble degradation products that facilitate lipid separation, turning the complexity of cell wall structure into a benefit for lipid recovery without toxic solvents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces enzymes as intermediary substances that mediate between the microalgal cells and the lipid extraction process. These biological catalysts act as intermediaries to break down cell walls and release lipids without requiring direct contact with toxic solvents, thereby eliminating harmful factors while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances lipid productivity and minimizes process steps, reducing costs and environmental impact, enabling the production of high-quality microbial lipids suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

growing said oleaginous microorganism in a medium comprising a carbon source and an organic acid, and thereby allowing said oleaginous microorganism to produce microbial lipids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

performing a purely enzymatic treatment of said grown oleaginous microorganism without any solvent-based extraction or chemicals-based demulsification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis