PI-PLC Enzymes for Non-Hydratable Phospholipid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing non-hydratable phospholipids from vegetable oils are inefficient, as these phospholipids are not available for hydration or reaction, leading to suboptimal degumming processes that affect oil quality and yield.
Innovation Solution
The use of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes to hydrolyze non-hydratable phospholipids, allowing their migration to the oil-water interface for reaction and removal, thereby enhancing the degumming process and improving oil quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional degumming methods are used, then hydratable phospholipids can be removed, but non-hydratable phospholipids remain in the oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of non-hydratable phospholipids by treating them with acid (lowering pH to 2-4), which converts them into hydratable forms that can then be removed by water washing, thereby improving overall phospholipid removal efficiency without significant oil loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acid treatment as an intermediary step between conventional degumming and final separation. This acid treatment acts as a mediator that converts non-hydratable phospholipids into a form that can be subsequently removed by water, enabling complete phospholipid removal
2Quantity of substance
If acid treatment is applied to convert non-hydratable phospholipids, then phospholipid removal efficiency improves, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acid treatment step with the existing water washing step in a integrated flow. The acidified oil is directly contacted with water in a single operation that simultaneously removes both hydratable and converted non-hydratable phospholipids, reducing the need for separate processing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The water washing step serves multiple functions: it removes naturally hydratable phospholipids, it washes away the acid, and it removes the acid-converted phospholipids. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment or process steps
3Reliability
If water washing is used to remove phospholipids, then hydratable phospholipids are removed, but non-hydratable phospholipids are not affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies acid treatment as a preliminary action before water washing. This pre-treatment converts non-hydratable phospholipids into hydratable forms, ensuring that the subsequent water washing step can effectively remove all phospholipid types, thereby improving degumming completeness
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 approach enables effective removal of non-hydratable phospholipids, reducing losses and improving the quality of degummed oils, with potential applications in food and non-food industries.
Implementation Method 1
The use of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes to hydrolyze non-hydratable phospholipids
Data Source
AI summary
In alternative embodiments, the invention provides phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes, nucleic acids encoding them, antibodies that bind specifically to them, and methods for making and using them. Industrial methods and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of non hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) within a lipid matrix. The methods enable migration of NHPs to an oil-water interface thereby allowing the NHPs to be reacted and/or removed from the lipids. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for removing NHPs, hydratable phospholipids, and lecithins from vegetable oils to produce a degummed oil or fat product that can be used for food production and/or non-food applications. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of NHPs followed by enzymatic treatment and removal of various phospholipids and lecithins. The methods provided herein can be practiced on either crude or water-degummed oils.