Oxidation-Stabilized Biomass Material with Antioxidant and pH Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biomass materials, particularly those derived from methanotrophic bacteria like Methylococcus capsulatus, are prone to oxidation due to the presence of transition metals, fats, and other factors, which degrade their quality and storage stability, and fish refuse to consume oxidized feed.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the treatment of concentrated biomass with an antioxidant and adjusting the pH to 7.0 or below synergistically enhances oxidation stability, resulting in a biomass material with at least twice the stability of untreated material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If biomass material is produced containing fats and transition metals, then the biomass material has nutritional value and protein content, but the biomass material becomes prone to oxidation which lowers quality and storage lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of the biomass material to 7.0 or below, which fundamentally alters the chemical environment to suppress oxidation. This pH adjustment changes the ionization state of antioxidants and metal complexes, enhancing their stability. Additionally, specific antioxidants are added at controlled concentrations (0.01-2% by dry weight) to optimize their protective effect while maintaining nutritional quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antioxidants as intermediary substances that mediate between the pro-oxidative components (fats and transition metals) and the biomass material. These antioxidants act as intermediaries that scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidation chains. The chelating agents also serve as intermediaries by binding transition metals, preventing them from catalyzing oxidation reactions.
2Quantity of substance
If chelating agents are added to sequester transition metals, then metal content is reduced, but oxidation is not effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protective mechanisms into a single comprehensive solution: combining pH adjustment with antioxidant addition creates a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of individual treatments. The combination of chelating agents with specific antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, rosemary extract) and pH control creates a multi-layered protection system that effectively prevents oxidation despite the presence of transition metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite protective system within the biomass material by integrating multiple functional components: pH regulators, chelating agents, and various antioxidants work together as a composite protection mechanism. This composite approach allows the system to address multiple oxidation pathways simultaneously, providing robust protection while maintaining the nutritional integrity of the biomass material.
3Ease of manufacture
If heat treatment is applied during production (spray-drying and pelletising), then the biomass material is processed into usable feed forms, but oxidation is initiated or accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding antioxidants and adjusting pH before the heat treatment processes (spray-drying and pelletising). This preliminary protective measure ensures that antioxidants are present in the biomass material before thermal stress is applied, allowing them to prevent oxidation during the heating process. The antioxidants act as a pre-established defense mechanism against thermal oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by incorporating antioxidants that create a protective buffer against oxidation during subsequent heat treatment. The antioxidants absorb the oxidative stress generated during spray-drying and pelletising, cushioning the biomass material from thermal damage. This prior protection allows the material to withstand industrial processing while maintaining stability.
4Productivity
If fish feed contains oxidized biomass material, then production costs are reduced, but fish will not consume the feed due to poor palatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the biomass material to maintain its own stability through inherent pH adjustment and antioxidant incorporation. The system becomes self-protecting against oxidation, eliminating the need for external preservation measures that might affect palatability. The biomass material serves itself by maintaining oxidative stability, ensuring both economic viability and consumer acceptance.
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 process produces an oxidation-stabilized biomass material with improved resistance to oxidation, suitable for use in aquatic feeds, maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
treating the concentrated biomass material with an antioxidant... protect the biomass product against oxidation
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the pH of the concentrated biomass material to a pH of 7.0 or below
Implementation Method 3
The fermentation of this bacterium as a protein source... metabolizes methane, e.g., from natural gas, into biomass, CO2 and water
Data Source
AI summary
A process is provided for producing a biomass material which is stabilised against oxidation. In particular, the process comprises the steps of: treating the concentrated biomass material with an antioxidant; and adjusting the pH of the concentrated biomass material to a pH of 7.0 or below. By means of these steps, a synergistic stabilisation of the biomass material is seen. An oxidation-stabilised biomass material is also provided, as well as an aquatic feed product, comprising the oxidation-stabilised biomass material.