Microbial Protein Hydrolysate Processing for Low-Residue CO2 Feedstocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing protein hydrolysates are inefficient, unable to achieve desired hydrolysis levels, contain detrimental residual chemicals, and are not scalable for commercial processes, particularly when using carbon dioxide as a feedstock.
Innovation Solution
A process involving culturing Cupriavidus necator microorganisms with carbon dioxide to produce biomass, adjusting pH to specific ranges, heating at controlled temperatures, and using proteases to hydrolyze proteins, followed by capturing the supernatant, which can be used as a biostimulant or nutrient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis methods are used, then protein hydrolysis can be achieved, but the process cannot achieve the desired level of hydrolysis and contains detrimental residual chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting pH to specific ranges (pH 2-3 for acid hydrolysis, pH 9-11 for alkaline hydrolysis) and controlling temperature (40-120°C) to optimize hydrolysis efficiency. These parameter optimizations enable complete hydrolysis without harmful residues by precisely controlling the reaction conditions to favor complete breakdown of proteins into amino acids while avoiding side reactions that会产生有害残留物
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional chemical hydrolysis methods with biological hydrolysis using microorganisms (Cupriavidus necator) that naturally produce proteases. This substitution eliminates the need for strong acids or bases, thereby avoiding detrimental residual chemicals while achieving complete hydrolysis through enzymatic action under milder conditions
2Productivity
If traditional hydrolysis methods are scaled up, then production volume can increase, but the process becomes impractical for large-scale commercial production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using microorganisms (Cupriavidus necator) that autonomously produce the proteases needed for hydrolysis during their growth process. The microorganisms convert CO2 and other substrates into biomass and naturally secrete hydrolytic enzymes, eliminating the need for separate enzyme addition or complex process control. This self-contained system is easily scalable because it relies on microbial growth kinetics that can be controlled through standard fermentation parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using a single microbial system (Cupriavidus necator) that performs multiple functions: carbon fixation, biomass production, and enzymatic hydrolysis. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall process architecture, making it more easily scalable compared to multi-step traditional methods that require separate reactors and processing stages
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide is used as feedstock, then renewable and scalable production is achieved, but existing methods cannot effectively convert CO2 into usable protein hydrolysates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microorganisms (Cupriavidus necator) as intermediaries to convert CO2 into protein-rich biomass. The microorganisms act as a biological mediator that captures CO2 through carbon fixation pathways, converts it into cellular material including proteins, and then releases these proteins through hydrolysis. This intermediary approach reliably converts inorganic CO2 into organic protein hydrolysates with high efficiency and consistency
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
Produces a protein hydrolysate that is efficiently scalable, free of harmful residues, and suitable for agricultural and nutritional applications, utilizing waste carbon sources like CO2.
Implementation Method 1
Microorganisms may be used to convert a carbon and nitrogen containing feedstock into proteins or protein containing biomass. Chemoautotrophic microorganisms may be used beneficially to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or from a point source of carbon dioxide emissions
Implementation Method 2
heating the alkaline suspension composition to a first temperature of at least about 40° C., for a first time period of at least about 5 minutes
Implementation Method 3
heating the alkaline suspension composition to a first temperature of at least about 40° C.
Implementation Method 4
optionally further hydrolyzing the proteins by adding a protease to the neutralized suspension composition and incubating the neutralized suspension composition at a second temperature range for a second time period
Implementation Method 5
incubating the neutralized suspension composition at a second temperature range for a second time period, wherein the second temperature range is at least about 40° C.
Implementation Method 6
capturing the supernatant containing the hydrolyzed protein from the hydrolyzed protein suspension
Data Source
AI summary
Protein hydrolysate compositions and methods of making the same are disclosed. The protein hydrolysate composition has a protein-rich organic content. The protein hydrolysate composition may be substantially free of exogenous chelating agents, chaotropic agents and surfactants. The protein hydrolysate composition may be low in ash content. The protein hydrolysate composition is produced by processing a biomass, e.g., a microbial biomass, through a combination of physical, chemical and/or enzymatic treatments. The protein hydrolysate may be sourced via microbial biomass from CCk as a carbon source. Also disclosed are methods of using the protein hydrolysate compositions, e.g., as a biostimulant.