Potato Protein Membrane Separation with Ionic-Strength Diafiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane filtration technologies are inefficient and costly for separating native proteins from phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds in potato fruit juice due to adherence and fouling issues, leading to low selectivity and membrane fouling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving diafiltration with solvents of increased ionic strength to enhance membrane permeability and flux, followed by multiple cross-flow membrane filtration steps to separate and recycle salts, phenolic compounds, and glycoalkaloids, maintaining the integrity of native proteins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional membrane filtration is used to separate potato proteins from phenolic compounds and glycoalkaloids, then separation is achieved, but membrane fouling and adherence occur leading to low selectivity and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary precipitation of proteins using ammonium sulfate before membrane filtration. This pre-treatment step removes proteins from the feed stream, preventing them from adhering to and fouling the membrane during subsequent filtration operations, thereby maintaining membrane selectivity and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ammonium sulfate as an intermediary substance that mediates the separation process. The salt induces protein precipitation without interfering with the membrane's ability to selectively separate phenolic compounds and glycoalkaloids, acting as a bridge between the complex potato extract and the membrane filtration system
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation steps are implemented to achieve high purity protein isolation, then protein quality improves, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines precipitation and filtration operations into an integrated process flow. The ammonium sulfate precipitation step is directly coupled with membrane filtration, allowing simultaneous protein removal and phenolic compound separation in a unified system rather than requiring multiple independent unit operations
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane filtration system performs multiple functions: it separates phenolic compounds from glycoalkaloids, concentrates the phenolic fraction, and removes precipitated proteins all in a single operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required equipment items and process steps while achieving high purity separation
3Manufacturing precision
If diafiltration is used to remove salts and small molecules, then purification efficiency improves, but membrane fouling increases due to phenolic compound accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes precipitated proteins from the system before diafiltration begins. By taking out the protein fraction through precipitation and filtration, the subsequent diafiltration step operates on a clarified stream with reduced fouling potential, maintaining higher membrane flux throughout the purification process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous diafiltration with cross-flow to maintain constant membrane surface cleanliness. The continuous circulation and filtration action prevents phenolic compound accumulation on the membrane surface, sustaining high purification efficiency and membrane flux throughout the extended diafiltration process
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
Achieves high purity and quality separation of native proteins and phenolic/glycoalkaloid compounds at industrial scale, reducing fouling and cost by recycling salts and solvents, and improving membrane efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the potato fruit juice or a derivative thereof to a first cross-flow membrane filtration process wherein at least a portion of the one or more first salts and at least a portion of the phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds migrate across the membrane into a first permeate and the potato proteins are retained in a first retentate
Implementation Method 2
A method involving diafiltration with solvents of increased ionic strength to enhance membrane permeability and flux
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for the separation of potato proteins from one or more first salts and phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds in potato fruit juice, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a potato fruit juice comprising potato proteins, one or more first salts and phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds; (ii) subjecting said potato fruit juice to a first cross-flow membrane filtration process wherein at least a portion of the first salts and at least a portion of the phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds migrate across the membrane into a first permeate and the potato proteins are retained in a first retentate; (iii) adding one or more second salts and water to the first retentate, while continuing the membrane filtration process, to create a diafiltrate containing at least a portion of said phenolic and/or glycoalkaloid compounds and the added second salts and a retentate; and (iv) subjecting the first permeate and/or said diafiltrate from said first cross-flow membrane filtration process to a second cross-flow membrane filtration process.