PEG Protein Isolation via Complexation and Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating proteins from plant extracts, such as potato juice, are inefficient and costly, often resulting in low-quality protein products due to the complex and reactive nature of plant materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a soluble silicate at a pH between 3-10, optionally with a divalent or trivalent metal ion, to form an insoluble precipitate with unwanted compounds, followed by physical removal and subsequent complex formation with a mobile solubilized ligand to isolate desired proteins like patatin protein, protease inhibitor protein, lipoxygenase, and polyphenol oxidase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If highly selective separation methods like adsorption chromatography are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an intermediary substance to mediate the separation of proteins from plant extracts. PEG forms complexes with proteins through hydrophobic interactions, enabling selective precipitation without requiring complex chromatographic systems. This intermediary approach achieves high purification while avoiding the complexity and cost of adsorption chromatography equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting PEG concentration, molecular weight, and solution conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength) to control protein complexation and separation. By varying these parameters, different proteins can be selectively isolated at different stages, achieving high manufacturing precision through simple parameter adjustments rather than complex device operations
2Device complexity
If membrane filtration and classical separation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PEG complexation with subsequent ultrafiltration membranes to create a composite separation system. The PEG-protein complexes are formed first through chemical interaction, then separated using physical filtration. This composite approach leverages both the simplicity of filtration and the selectivity of molecular complexation, achieving high protein purity with relatively simple equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical separation methods (like centrifugation or filtration alone) with a chemical-mechanical hybrid approach. PEG complexation provides selective binding based on molecular properties, substituting the need for highly selective mechanical systems while maintaining operational simplicity
3Productivity
If conventional protein isolation methods are used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to low-quality protein products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous protein isolation by maintaining PEG in solution throughout the process, allowing continuous addition of plant extract and continuous formation of protein complexes. The system operates without repeated batch processing, maintaining both high productivity and consistent protein quality through uninterrupted selective complexation
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation steps are used to achieve high purity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts specific proteins from plant material using PEG complexation, taking out only the desired compounds while leaving unwanted substances in solution. This selective extraction approach achieves high purity in a single step without multiple sequential separations that would otherwise be needed, thereby minimizing product loss
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 effectively reduces turbidity and achieves high-purity isolation of functional plant compounds, enhancing the quality and industrial applicability of protein products while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the aqueous phase with a soluble silicate at a pH in the range of 3-10 and optionally, a divalent or trivalent metal ion allowing formation of an insoluble precipitate
Implementation Method 2
contacting the remaining aqueous phase with a mobile solubilized ligand at physico-chemical conditions allowing formation of a complex between the ligand and the compounds selected from one or more of PA, PI, LipO and PPO
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention in its broadest aspect relates to a method for reducing glycoalkaloid content and turbidity of an aqueous phase comprising compounds selected from two or more of PA, PI, PPO, LipO, pectin, lipid, glycoalkaloid and phenolic compounds of which at least one compound is selected from PA, PT, LipO and PPO; a) providing an aqueous phase comprising compounds selected from two or more of PA, PI, PPO, LipO, pectin, lipid, glycoalkaloid and phenolic compounds of which at least one compound is selected from PA, PT, LipO and PPO; and b) performing one or more steps to reduce the concentration of solanine in the dry matter of the aqueous phase with at least 15 percent, such as at least 20%, such as at least 25% and to achieve an optical density at 620 nm of the remaining aqueous phase of less than 0.7; such as less than 0.5; such as less than 0.3; such as less than 0.2; such as less than 0.1; and thereby obtaining an aqueous phase having reduced glycoalkaloid content and turbidity compared to an untreated aqueous phase.