Pullulan Fermentation Using Calcium Phosphate for Organic Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a commercial need for pullulan capsules that meet organic labeling requirements, but no satisfactory pullulan raw material has been developed to satisfy these requirements due to the absence of organic pullulan as a raw material.
Innovation Solution
A process for producing pullulan using a fermentation medium containing calcium phosphate as a principal phosphate source, with Aureobasidium pullulans microorganisms, which includes water, a nitrogen source, a carbon source, and a magnesium source, allowing for the production of high-quality pullulan with controlled molecular weight and ion content, meeting organic labeling criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fermentation processes are used to produce pullulan, then pullulan can be obtained with certain molecular weight ranges, but the process cannot meet organic labeling requirements due to use of non-organic phosphate sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fermentation medium by substituting conventional phosphate sources (such as phosphoric acid or ammonium phosphate) with calcium phosphate, which is acceptable under organic labeling requirements. This parameter change enables organic compliance while maintaining the fermentation process framework.
2Reliability
If calcium phosphate is used as phosphate source in fermentation medium, then organic labeling requirements can be met, but the solubility and availability of phosphate to microorganisms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces calcium phosphate as an intermediary substance that bridges the requirement for organic compliance and the need for phosphate availability. By using calcium phosphate instead of conventional phosphate sources, the system achieves organic labeling compliance while the calcium phosphate gradually dissolves and releases phosphate ions that the microorganisms can utilize during the extended fermentation period.
3Quantity of substance
If fermentation is extended to allow complete utilization of calcium phosphate, then phosphate availability improves, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic fermentation conditions by maintaining the fermentation process under controlled conditions that optimize both the dissolution of calcium phosphate and microbial growth. The extended fermentation time (7-14 days) is dynamically managed with controlled aeration, temperature, and pH to ensure efficient phosphate release and utilization without excessive time loss.
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 process enables the production of high-quality pullulan with controlled molecular weight and ion content, suitable for forming capsules that meet organic labeling requirements, offering excellent homogeneity, transparency, low oxygen permeability, and stability, making them suitable for oxygen-sensitive products.
Implementation Method 1
Pullulan is obtained from a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans extracellularly when the strain is cultured aerobically in a fermentation medium
Data Source
AI summary
The instant disclosure provides a process for making pullulan.