Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives for textile and biomedical applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for the development of new poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives and methods for their preparation, given their potential utility in various applications, including their potential anti-tumor properties and ability to form strong, cotton-like fibers suitable for textiles.
Innovation Solution
The development of poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds with specific structures and methods for their production, involving the etherification of poly alpha-1,3-glucan under alkaline conditions using etherification agents, resulting in compounds with varying degrees of substitution and organic groups such as hydroxy alkyl, alkyl, or carboxy alkyl groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan is etherified under alkaline conditions to produce poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives, then the diversity and utility of the polysaccharide derivatives are improved, but the complexity of the preparation method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the degree of substitution and the type of organic groups introduced during etherification. By controlling these parameters, diverse poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives are produced with different properties for various applications, resolving the contradiction between versatility and method complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The etherification method described in the patent is universally applicable to poly alpha-1,3-glucan to produce multiple types of derivatives (anti-tumor agents, textile fibers, biomedical materials). This single method serves multiple functions, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives are developed for various applications, then the potential utility and value of the compounds are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring their properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spectroscopic methods (NMR, IR) to detect and measure the properties of poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives, replacing complex mechanical or chemical analysis methods. This substitution makes detection and measurement easier while maintaining accuracy for diverse derivative types.
3Strength
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan is used to form strong cotton-like fibers for textiles, then the strength and suitability for textile applications are improved, but the limitation to specific applications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether derivatives serve multiple functions: they can form strong cotton-like fibers for textiles, act as anti-tumor agents, and be used in biomedical applications. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the material adaptable to different applications while maintaining its strength properties.
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 resulting poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds exhibit enhanced properties suitable for diverse applications, including potential anti-tumor effects and textile uses, with the ability to form strong fibers and maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
This enzyme utilizes sucrose as a substrate in a polymerization reaction producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan and fructose as end-products
Implementation Method 2
The disclosed polymer formed a liquid crystalline solution when it was dissolved above a critical concentration in a solvent
Implementation Method 3
contacting poly alpha-1,3-glucan in a reaction under alkaline conditions with at least one etherification agent comprising an organic group. The etherification agent is etherified to the poly alpha-1,3-glucan in this contacting step
Data Source
AI summary
Poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds are disclosed herein with a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed are methods of producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds.