Oligosaccharide Purification via pH-Adjusted Membrane Filtration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating biomass from fermentation broths, such as those containing human milk oligosaccharides like 2′-fucosyllactose, are inefficient, leading to high product losses and quality issues due to low membrane performance and the need for extensive decolourization and ion exchange steps, which require significant resources and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a specific sequence of steps including pH adjustment below 7, addition of an adsorbing agent like active carbon, membrane filtration, and nanofiltration to remove salts and concentrate products, thereby reducing the need for ion exchange and decolourization steps, and ultimately achieving a purified oligosaccharide solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biomass separation methods (centrifugation, filter press) are used, then biomass can be removed from fermentation broth, but product losses increase and quality issues occur due to low membrane performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the pH of the fermentation broth to below 7 (preferably 3-6) before membrane filtration. This pre-treatment step modifies the charge state of proteins and other macromolecules, reducing their tendency to foul the membrane surface and clog pores, thereby maintaining higher membrane performance and reducing product losses during filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the fermentation broth from its natural state (typically near neutral) to an acidic range (pH 3-6). This parameter change fundamentally alters the electrostatic properties of biomolecules in the broth, improving their compatibility with the membrane filtration process and enhancing overall separation efficiency while minimizing product loss
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive decolourization and ion exchange steps are performed, then solution quality improves, but resource consumption and equipment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional purification steps (decolourization and ion exchange) into a single membrane filtration operation. By optimizing the pH condition beforehand, the membrane filtration simultaneously achieves separation of biomass, decolourization, and demineralization, eliminating the need for separate ion exchange equipment and reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane filtration system is made multi-functional by operating under optimized pH conditions. A single filtration step simultaneously performs multiple functions: biomass removal, decolourization, and ion exchange, replacing what would traditionally require three separate unit operations and reducing equipment complexity
3Reliability
If pH is adjusted below 7 and adsorbing agents are added before membrane filtration, then membrane performance is enhanced and protein/colour components are reduced, but additional process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting pH and adding adsorbing agents before membrane filtration to enhance membrane performance and reduce protein/colour components, with the trade-off of additional preparatory steps that improve overall process efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter to acidic range (pH 3-6) before filtration, which modifies the charge state of proteins and reduces their adsorption to membrane surfaces, thereby maintaining higher membrane performance and reducing fouling during the filtration process
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 membrane performance, reduces protein and colour components, decreases the amount of adsorbing agent required, and minimizes product losses, allowing for the production of high-purity oligosaccharides with reduced equipment and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
addition of an adsorbing agent like active carbon
Implementation Method 2
membrane filtration, and nanofiltration to remove salts and concentrate products
Implementation Method 3
nanofiltration to remove salts and concentrate products
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for improved demineralization of fermentation broths, including the steps of providing a solution comprising one or more oligosaccharides, carrying out a first membrane filtration and preferably being a microfiltration or ultrafiltration, a second membrane filtration of the permeate of the first membrane filtration and a first nanofiltration step; with a sub-step of concentration and/or a sub-step of diafiltration. Moreover, the present invention is directed to an improved purification of fine chemicals from a fermentation broth.