Solanaceae Fruit Extract Filtration for Stable Bioactive Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-soluble fruit extracts for inhibiting platelet aggregation are not optimized in terms of maintaining or enriching active compounds, leading to inefficiencies and potential degradation during processing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving careful control of temperature, pH, and browning index during the preparation of fruit extracts, specifically from the Solanaceae family, to separate and concentrate active water-soluble fractions, ensuring minimal loss and enrichment of bioactive compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and nucleosides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional processing methods are used to prepare water-soluble fruit extracts, then the extraction process is simple and quick, but the active compounds are not enriched and degradation occurs during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling temperature, pH, and browning index during extraction and processing. Specific parameter ranges are maintained (e.g., pH 3.0-4.5, temperature 40-60°C) to prevent degradation of active compounds while ensuring efficient extraction, directly resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and compound stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through pre-treatment steps including homogenization, enzyme treatment, and adjustment of extraction conditions before the main extraction process. These preliminary actions prepare the fruit material to maximize active compound release while protecting sensitive compounds from degradation during subsequent processing
2Quantity of substance
If the fruit extract is processed to concentrate active agents, then the efficacy for inhibiting platelet aggregation is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the extraction process into distinct sequential steps: homogenization, enzymatic treatment, filtration, concentration, and sterilization. Each step is optimized independently to concentrate active compounds while managing overall process complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary substances and processes such as enzymes (pectinase, cellulase) to facilitate extraction, and employs intermediate filtration and concentration steps using standardized equipment. These intermediaries enable efficient concentration of active compounds without requiring complex specialized processing equipment
3Loss of substance
If temperature and pH are strictly controlled during extraction, then degradation of bioactive compounds is minimized, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges (pH 3.0-4.5, temperature 40-60°C, browning index <0.5) that optimize both compound stability and process feasibility. These defined ranges enable consistent quality control while allowing flexibility in manufacturing, balancing loss prevention with ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the fruit extract's own properties are utilized to maintain stability. For example, the natural acidity of fruit extracts maintains pH within stable ranges, and controlled cooling after extraction prevents browning without requiring additional complex stabilization systems
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 method results in fruit extracts with enhanced efficacy in inhibiting platelet aggregation, suitable for preventing cardiovascular diseases and maintaining healthy blood flow, while minimizing degradation and retaining bioactive components.
Implementation Method 1
filtration of the water soluble fraction
Implementation Method 2
concentration of active agents in the filtration permeate
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 1(c)~1(d)
Figure 1(e)~1(f)
AI summary
The present invention concerns food, food supplement and food additive compositions that comprise: (i) a substantially lycopene-free extract of fruit of the Solanaceae family wherein the extract comprises (a) a glycosylated phenolic acid or a phenolic ester, (b) a glycosylated flavonoid, and (c) a nucleoside; and wherein the extract is a powder and contains <1% sugars and contains >95% of the bioactive components (a), (b) and (c) that are contained in a start mix from which the extract is prepared; and (ii) a nutritionally acceptable excipient or food ingredient. The compositions are useful in the treatment or prevention of a medical condition characterised by inappropriate platelet aggregation.