Soluble Beta-Glucan via Base Treatment and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paramylon, a high-molecular weight β-(1,3)-glucan polysaccharide, is insoluble in water at ambient temperatures, posing a significant obstacle to its clinical utilization.
Innovation Solution
Treating insoluble beta-glucan with a strong base to form a solution, followed by drying to a low moisture content, resulting in a soluble/colloidal composition that can be redissolved in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If paramylon is isolated by simple disruption and washing, then isolation cost is low and efficiency is high, but solubility in water is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating paramylon with base solutions during the isolation process to modify its structure before final product formation. This preliminary chemical treatment prevents the development of insolvability that would otherwise occur during standard isolation procedures, allowing the product to maintain solubility while still being produced through efficient disruption and washing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of paramylon by exposing it to basic conditions (pH 7-13) which modifies the molecular structure to prevent crystallization. This parameter change maintains the polysaccharide in a non-crystalline, soluble state while allowing standard isolation procedures to be used, thus resolving the contradiction between easy manufacture and water solubility.
2Productivity
If paramylon granules are isolated through standard procedures, then production is efficient and cost-effective, but the product becomes insoluble in aqueous media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating paramylon with base solutions during the isolation process to modify its structure before final product formation. This preliminary chemical treatment prevents the development of insolvability that would otherwise occur during standard isolation procedures, allowing the product to maintain solubility while still being produced through efficient disruption and washing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of paramylon by exposing it to basic conditions (pH 7-13) which modifies the molecular structure to prevent crystallization. This parameter change maintains the polysaccharide in a non-crystalline, soluble state while allowing standard isolation procedures to be used, thus resolving the contradiction between easy manufacture and water solubility.
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 converts insoluble beta-glucan into a form that remains soluble and stable, allowing for effective clinical utilization by maintaining solubility and preventing precipitation.
Implementation Method 1
The paramylon starting material is first treated with a strong base of at least 0.5N concentration, followed by drying to a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight
Implementation Method 2
The solution is then dried to a moisture content of at least 20% by weight or less
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dried, resoluble beta-glucan and methods related to the same. Another aspect of the invention relates to the method of making the resoluble beta-glucan comprising the steps of combining an insoluble beta-glucan with water to form a suspension, followed by the addition of a strong base to form a solution. The solution is then dried to a moisture content of at least 20% by weight or less.