Concentrated Rhamnolipid Salts Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rhamnolipid compositions are either unsuitable for industrial processing due to high viscosity and inhomogeneity, or they exhibit significant viscosity drops when diluted, making them impractical for surfactant applications in cosmetics and household cleaners.
Innovation Solution
Partial neutralization of highly concentrated, acidic rhamnolipid solid suspensions with inorganic or organic bases to create low-viscosity, highly concentrated salts with specific cations, such as Li+, NH4+, and quaternary ammonium ions, which maintain low ionic strength and microbiological stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rhamnolipids are concentrated to high levels (30-40 wt.%) through acidification and centrifugation, then the rhamnolipid concentration increases, but the viscosity becomes very high making the product unsuitable for industrial processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH from acidic conditions (pH 3) to neutral or slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7-8.5) through neutralization with bases such as NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, or organic bases. This pH adjustment fundamentally changes the physicochemical properties of rhamnolipid, transforming it from a high-viscosity solid suspension at low pH to a low-viscosity liquid solution at neutral/alkaline pH, enabling industrial processing while maintaining high concentration (20-50 wt.%)
2Quantity of substance
If aqueous rhamnolipid solutions are prepared at pH 7 with approximately 50 wt.% concentration, then the concentration is high, but the viscosity drops very strongly upon dilution with water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specific inorganic bases (NaOH, KOH, NH4OH) and organic bases as intermediaries to control the neutralization process. These bases act as mediators that enable precise pH adjustment to optimal ranges (pH 7-8.5), which stabilizes the viscosity properties of rhamnolipid solutions. The intermediary bases facilitate the transformation from acid form to salt form, creating a system where viscosity remains stable during dilution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter to specific ranges (7-8.5) and controls the ionic strength through selective base addition. These parameter changes create a stable molecular conformation of rhamnolipid that resists viscosity changes upon dilution, unlike fully neutralized compositions which exhibit extreme viscosity jumps
3Quantity of substance
If rhamnolipid compositions are fully neutralized to achieve high concentration, then the concentration increases, but the ionic strength becomes very high reducing formulator flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial neutralization rather than complete neutralization, adjusting pH to optimal ranges (7-8.5) without adding excessive base. This partial action achieves the desired concentration (20-50 wt.%) while maintaining low ionic strength, preserving formulator flexibility for subsequent pH and salt content adjustments in final formulations
4Object-generated harmful factors
If highly concentrated rhamnolipid suspensions are used to reduce foaming during transport, then the foaming is reduced, but the handling becomes difficult due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter from acidic (pH 3) to neutral/alkaline (pH 7-8.5) through controlled neutralization. This parameter change simultaneously achieves two objectives: maintaining high concentration to reduce foaming during transport, and reducing viscosity to improve handling. The resulting compositions (20-50 wt.% rhamnolipid at pH 7-8.5) exhibit both low viscosity for easy handling and reduced foaming tendency
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 compositions have reduced viscosity changes upon dilution, improved handling, and increased stability, enabling easier formulation and transport of concentrated surfactant solutions with reduced foaming and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
partially neutralizing a highly concentrated and highly viscous, acidic rhamnolipid solid suspension/paste
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to concentrated rhamnolipid compositions and to methods for the synthesis thereof.