Sugarcane Stilbene Production via UV Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Raw sugarcane does not naturally contain significant levels of the health-beneficial stilbenes resveratrol and piceatannol, which are typically found in infected or wounded plants, making it difficult to access their antioxidant and antimutagenic benefits in food products.

Innovation Solution

Irradiating the cut side of sugarcane billets with UVB or UVC light increases the production of resveratrol and piceatannol, with optimal levels achieved after several days of incubation in low light conditions, allowing for the production of stilbene-enriched sugarcane or sugarcane fiber for use in food and beverage products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If sugarcane is left in its natural state, then it maintains its natural composition, but it does not contain significant levels of resveratrol and piceatannol

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestilbene contentVSAvoidnatural composition

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by exposing sugarcane to specific ultraviolet light wavelengths (UVB and UVC) to induce stilbene production. This environmental parameter change triggers the plant's defense mechanism, causing it to synthesize resveratrol and piceatannol, thereby increasing stilbene content while maintaining the sugarcane's fundamental composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of UV radiation, which can damage plant tissues, into a beneficial outcome by inducing stilbene synthesis. The UV exposure acts as a controlled stressor that triggers the plant's natural defense response, producing health-beneficial compounds that would not be present under normal growing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Quantity of substance

If UV irradiation is applied to increase stilbene production, then resveratrol and piceatannol levels increase significantly, but the process requires additional time and controlled conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestilbene concentrationVSAvoidincubation period

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-exposing sugarcane to UV irradiation before harvest or processing. This preliminary treatment initiates stilbene synthesis in advance, allowing the compounds to accumulate to high levels during a controlled incubation period, thereby achieving high concentrations without extending the overall production timeline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If UVB or UVC light is used to induce stilbene production, then health-beneficial compounds are enhanced, but the irradiation process requires specific intensity and duration control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantioxidant compound levelsVSAvoidirradiation control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the wavelength, intensity, and duration of UV exposure to optimize stilbene production. By adjusting these parameters, the method achieves high compound levels without requiring overly complex irradiation systems, as the sugarcane responds effectively to relatively simple UV treatment protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly increases the levels of resveratrol and piceatannol in sugarcane, achieving concentrations higher than those found in other food sources, enabling the production of stilbene-enhanced functional foods and dietary supplements without the need for alcohol consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Irradiating the cut side of sugarcane billets with UVB or UVC light or combinations thereof initiates stilbene production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS9227898B2Postharvest production and enhancement of resveratrol and piceatannol in sugarcane

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 THE ADMINISTATORS OF THETULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND

AI summary

It has been discovered that irradiating the cut side of sugarcane billets, preferably 2-50 mm, with UVB or UVC light or combinations thereof initiates stilbene production, particularly resveratrol and piceatannol. In an embodiment the cut sides of sugarcane billets of a predetermined thickness are irradiated with Ultraviolet-C or Ultraviolet-B light or combinations thereof at an intensity and for a duration of time sufficient to produce a significant increase in a level of one or more stilbenes in the irradiated billets compared to a level of stilbenes in billets that are not irradiated; and the irradiated sugarcane billets are maintained for at least about three days up to about 20 days, to optimize stilbene levels.