Muscadine Grape Extract Decolorization via Tannin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of grape extracts in topical compositions is limited by the high levels of tannins, which cause discoloration and retain malodorous molecules, making it difficult to develop effective antioxidant or cosmetic compositions that can reduce skin inflammation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A decolorized grape solvent extract composition is developed through a process involving microfiltration and ultrafiltration to reduce condensed tannin content while preserving polyphenols, combined with odor-reducing agents and mineralization, resulting in a muscadine grape pomace extract with lower tannins and enhanced solubility of ellagic acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grape extracts are used in topical compositions to provide antioxidant activity, then the antioxidant properties are improved, but the tannin content causes discoloration and odor issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by removing tannins from grape extracts through a multi-step process involving precipitation with lead acetate, filtration, and concentration. This selectively extracts the harmful tannin component while retaining the beneficial antioxidant polyphenols, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining antioxidant activity and eliminating discoloration/odor issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the grape extract by controlling the precipitation conditions (pH, temperature, concentration of lead acetate) to selectively remove tannins. The process parameters are optimized to achieve maximum tannin removal while preserving antioxidant compounds, thus transforming the extract from a state with high tannin content to one with low tannin content but maintained antioxidant activity
2Quantity of substance
If tannins are present in grape extracts to provide polyphenol content, then the polyphenol properties are improved, but the condensed tannins retain malodorous molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful property of tannins (their ability to bind and retain malodorous molecules) into a beneficial separation step. By utilizing the strong binding affinity of tannins for various molecules, the process selectively precipitates tannin-malodorous molecule complexes, which are then removed through filtration. This transforms the harmful odor-retention property into a useful mechanism for removing unwanted compounds while preserving desirable polyphenols
3Illumination intensity
If high levels of tannins are used to achieve deep color in extracts, then the color intensity is improved, but the skin discoloration and composition discoloration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts and removes tannins responsible for deep coloration through precipitation and filtration processes. This removes the source of harmful skin discoloration while the remaining extract retains sufficient color from other pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids, achieving a balance between color intensity and skin compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized modification of the extract by selectively removing tannins from specific regions of the polyphenol spectrum. The resulting extract has altered color properties - reduced in the deep brown/black tones caused by tannins while retaining other beneficial pigments, thus providing a color profile that is less likely to cause skin discoloration while maintaining aesthetic appeal
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 decolorized extract effectively reduces skin inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, providing antioxidant activity and improved skin health without the discoloration and odor issues associated with high tannin content.
Implementation Method 1
The protective and anti-inflammatory effects of the flavonoids are believed to be due to free radical scavenging, beneficial effects on cellular signaling pathways and gene expression
Data Source
AI summary
A method for decolorizing a muscadine pomace grape extract by processing the clarified extract by ultrafiltration through a 500-5000 kDa microfiltration membrane to obtain a first permeate in which flavor components are removed. The retentate is subjected to ultrafiltration through a 25-100 kDa ultrafiltration membrane to obtain a second permeate and a second retentate. The polymeric condensed tannins are removed in the second retentate and the second permeate is the decolorized extract having increased levels of polyphenols and lowered levels of sugars and condensed tannins compared to the first retentate. The decolorized extract can be incorporated into skin care compositions, which can also include beta-glucan and grape seed extract. The skin care compositions can and applied to the skin to maintain healthy skin without discoloration, protecting against ultraviolet radiation, and inhibiting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators in skin cells.