Silicate-Chlorophyll Complex Precipitation for Protein Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating chlorophyll and soluble proteins, such as rubisco, from plant extracts are inefficient, often resulting in green-tasting products, high protein losses, and economic burdens due to harsh processing conditions that denature proteins and fail to achieve high yields and purity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of water-soluble silicates to an aqueous solution to form insoluble silicate-chlorophyll complexes, allowing for the separation of soluble proteins while maintaining their bioactivity, using pH adjustments within specific ranges to optimize the precipitation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional protein extraction methods are used, then proteins can be obtained from plant extracts, but the products become green-tasting and have poor quality due to inadequate chlorophyll removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes chlorophyll from the protein solution by forming insoluble silicate-chlorophyll complexes that precipitate out, separating the harmful green pigment from the desired protein product to achieve colorless, high-quality protein
Solution Approach 2:
Silicates act as an intermediary substance that selectively binds to chlorophyll molecules, forming insoluble complexes that can be removed from the solution without affecting the soluble proteins, thus enabling indirect separation of chlorophyll from proteins
2Manufacturing precision
If harsh processing conditions are applied to separate chlorophyll and proteins, then separation may be achieved, but proteins are denatured and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solution by adjusting pH to specific ranges (pH 6-11) and adding silicates at controlled concentrations, creating conditions where chlorophyll selectively precipitates while proteins remain soluble and active, avoiding denaturation
Solution Approach 2:
Silicates serve as a gentle intermediary that enables separation through selective complex formation rather than harsh physical or chemical treatment, maintaining protein structure and function while achieving effective chlorophyll removal
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional separation methods are used, then some chlorophyll removal is achieved, but protein losses are high and yields are low
Solution Approach 1:
Silicates act as a selective intermediary that binds specifically to chlorophyll molecules, forming insoluble complexes that precipitate and can be removed without co-precipitating proteins, thus achieving high chlorophyll removal with minimal protein loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local chemical conditions (specific pH ranges, silicate concentrations) that are optimal for chlorophyll-silicate complex formation while maintaining protein solubility, enabling selective removal of chlorophyll without affecting protein integrity or yield
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 separates chlorophyll and proteins into enriched fractions, retaining protein solubility and bioactivity, and can be scaled for commercial viability with reduced environmental impact and improved product quality.
Implementation Method 1
adding a water-soluble silicate to the solution of step a) such that the total concentration of silicon in the form of free or complexed silicates in the solution is in the range of 1-500 mM... allowing the silicate to form an insoluble precipitate comprising silicate-chlorophyll complexes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method is provided for separating soluble proteins from chlorophyll using a water-soluble silicate. Various purified products and intermediates are also provided.