Natural coloring agent composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing natural nitrites in South Korea are inadequate in securing sufficient amounts and efficient reduction technologies, leading to challenges in developing natural coloring agents for meat products that provide effective color development without synthetic additives.
Innovation Solution
A natural coloring agent composition is developed using a fermented plant product containing high concentrations of nitrite, produced by activating nitrate reductase within the plant, which includes free sugar in limited amounts to prevent browning and includes various amino acids and organic acids for improved taste and color development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If external reducing bacteria are used to produce natural nitrites, then nitrite production is achieved, but production cost increases and unintended substances may be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes the nitrate reductase enzyme from plant sources (such as spinach) to convert nitrate to nitrite, separating the desired enzymatic function from the bacterial cells themselves. This allows nitrite production without introducing live bacteria that could generate unintended substances, while maintaining natural nitrite generation through plant-based enzymatic activity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces plant-derived nitrate reductase enzyme as an intermediary substance that mediates the conversion of nitrate to nitrite. This enzyme acts as a catalyst to achieve nitrite production without requiring the presence of external reducing bacteria, thereby preventing the generation of unintended bacterial byproducts while maintaining efficient nitrite generation
2Quantity of substance
If external reducing bacteria are inoculated for nitrite production, then nitrite is produced, but production process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential nitrate reductase enzyme from plant sources, eliminating the need for complex bacterial cultivation, inoculation, and control processes. This simplifies the manufacturing process by using a stable plant-based enzyme preparation instead of live bacteria, reducing production complexity while maintaining nitrite production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses plant-based enzyme preparations that can be produced through simple fermentation or extraction processes, replacing the need for maintaining complex bacterial cultures. This approach uses readily available plant materials and simplifies the production workflow, making the process more economically viable and easier to manufacture
3Illumination intensity
If conventional natural coloring agents are used, then color development is achieved, but residual nitrite ions are high causing health concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration of nitrate reductase enzyme and reaction conditions (pH, temperature, reaction time) to achieve complete conversion of nitrate to nitrite, thereby minimizing residual nitrite ions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process achieves effective color development while reducing harmful residual nitrite levels to safe ranges
4Illumination intensity
If high concentration of nitrite is achieved for effective color development, then color effect is improved, but health risks from residual nitrite increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes reaction parameters including enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time to achieve maximum nitrite generation efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process ensures sufficient nitrite concentration for effective color development while minimizing excess residual nitrite that could pose health risks
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 composition achieves color development in meat products similar to synthetic nitrites, reduces browning, and enhances taste quality while minimizing health risks and production costs by eliminating the need for bacterial inoculation and reducing bacteria by-products.
Implementation Method 1
a natural coloring agent composition which includes a fermented plant product, includes nitrite in a concentration of 700 ppm or more
Implementation Method 2
a natural coloring agent composition including a fermented plant product
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a natural coloring agent composition including a fermented plant product, wherein the composition includes nitrite in a concentration of 700 ppm or more and includes free sugar in a concentration of 1,000 ppm or less, and the free sugar includes lactose. The natural coloring agent composition may be prepared from natural raw materials to contain nitrite in a high concentration without inoculation of reducing bacteria, and may have an excellent color development effect when applied to meat products in place of synthetic nitrite.