Silk Polypeptide Formulation with Urea for Homogeneous High Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silk polypeptide solutions face challenges with non-homogeneous distribution at high concentrations, leading to precipitation issues that affect the quality of resulting products, and there is a need for formulations that can be used in various industries like agrochemical, cleaning, and cosmetic industries without requiring expensive solvent removal processes.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous formulations comprising silk polypeptides and urea, with concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30% by weight, where urea acts as a solvent that does not need to be removed, allowing for high-concentration, homogeneous distribution and easy application, and can be used in multiple industries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If silk polypeptide concentration is increased in aqueous solutions, then the quantity of substance and productivity are improved, but the silk polypeptides become non-homogeneously distributed and precipitate, worsening the reliability and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical environment by adding urea and adjusting pH to 11-13, which alters the solubility parameters of silk polypeptides. This enables high concentrations (5-30% w/v) to be maintained in homogeneous solution without precipitation, resolving the contradiction between quantity and stability
Solution Approach 2:
Urea acts as a mediator substance that facilitates the dissolution and stabilization of high concentrations of silk polypeptides. The urea concentration of 1-10 M intermediates between the polypeptide and water, preventing aggregation and precipitation while maintaining homogeneity
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional silk polypeptide formulations are used, then the basic functionality is achieved, but expensive solvent removal processes are required, worsening the manufacturing complexity and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as the solvent instead of expensive organic solvents that require removal. Water is inexpensive and does not need to be removed by complex equipment, eliminating the need for rotary evaporators or lyophilizers. The formulation is designed to be used as-is or with simple dilution, making the manufacturing process much simpler
Solution Approach 2:
The aqueous formulation with urea and high pH is self-stabilizing and does not require additional processing steps for solvent removal or purification. The formulation maintains its stability and functionality directly after preparation, eliminating the need for expensive post-processing equipment and operations
3Productivity
If high concentration silk polypeptide formulations are developed, then the productivity and reduced environmental footprint are improved, but the formulation stability and prevention of precipitation become more difficult, worsening the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: urea concentration (1-10 M), pH (11-13), and silk polypeptide concentration (5-30% w/v). This multi-parameter optimization creates a stable formulation window where high productivity is achieved without sacrificing reliability, as the specific parameter combinations prevent precipitation even at high concentrations
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 formulations enable the use of high-concentration silk polypeptides in various industries, improving product quality and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for complex solvent removal processes, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
aqueous formulations comprising a silk polypeptide and urea... the concentration of the silk polypeptide in the formulation is in the range of 0.5% by weight to 30% by weight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aqueous formulation comprising a silk polypeptide and urea. The present invention further relates to a method for producing said formulation. The present invention also relates to uses of said formulation.