Polyvalent Cation Phosphate Precipitation in Aqueous Biological Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological aqueous systems require reduction of phosphate levels to facilitate downstream reactions while preserving target molecules like allulose, but existing methods often degrade these molecules during phosphate removal, and there is a need for a cost-effective and convenient method using readily available compounds.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of polyvalent cation-containing compounds, such as calcium chloride and calcium hydroxide, to precipitate phosphate out of the system, maintaining optimal pH conditions to retain target molecules, with the compounds being added in specific proportions and ratios to maximize phosphate reduction and minimize degradation of saccharides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If harsh agents are used to remove phosphate, then phosphate levels are reduced, but target molecules are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of phosphate removal by using polyvalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, Al3+) instead of harsh chelating agents. This parameter change allows phosphate precipitation at controlled pH levels (6-8) that preserve target molecules like allulose, while still achieving effective phosphate removal through insoluble salt formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available polyvalent cation compounds (calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, magnesium sulfate, ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate) as disposable reagents for phosphate removal. These cheap reagents effectively precipitate phosphate without requiring expensive specialized chemicals or complex equipment
2Quantity of substance
If multiple polyvalent cation compounds are used to improve phosphate reduction, then phosphate removal efficiency increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single treatment step by combining phosphate precipitation with pH adjustment. The polyvalent cation compounds serve dual purposes: removing phosphate through precipitation and maintaining pH in the optimal range (6-8) for target molecule stability, eliminating the need for separate pH adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polyvalent cation compounds that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they precipitate phosphate, buffer pH, and can be removed easily through filtration. This multi-functionality reduces overall process complexity compared to using separate specialized reagents for each function
3Quantity of substance
If high amounts of polyvalent compounds are added to maximize phosphate removal, then phosphate levels are reduced, but target molecule retention decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring pH levels during phosphate removal and adjusting the amount of polyvalent cation compounds added accordingly. The pH serves as a feedback parameter that indicates when sufficient phosphate removal has been achieved, preventing over-addition of reagents that could harm target molecules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by adding polyvalent cation compounds in controlled amounts sufficient to achieve the desired phosphate reduction (typically reducing phosphate to below 10 mM or 1 mM), rather than adding excessive amounts that would ensure complete phosphate removal but risk target molecule degradation. The process stops when phosphate levels reach the required threshold
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 phosphate levels by up to 90% while retaining target molecules like allulose, achieving a non-linear relationship in polyvalent compound amounts that optimally balances phosphate removal and saccharide preservation, maintaining pH conditions conducive to the preservation of target molecules.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of a polyvalent compound to the aqueous system provides for a reduction in phosphate levels through precipitation
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed in this specification pertains to methods of reducing phosphate levels in aqueous preparations containing phosphate with the admixture of first and second compounds containing cations which can bind phosphates. In any embodiment, the phosphate level is reduced to less than about 80 wt. %. The technology also relates to methods of collecting and sequestering phosphate in aqueous preparations. The technology also relates to the collection or removal of phosphate while minimizing the loss of desired target molecules, such as saccharides. In any embodiment, the aqueous preparation is maintained within certain pH ranges during the admixture of the first and second compounds, to maintain the stability of certain target molecules, such as saccharides, during the reduction of the phosphate. Also disclosed is an aqueous preparation having precipitated phosphate or reduced phosphate levels, particularly aqueous preparations also maintaining levels of desired saccharides.