Sweet Potato Leaf Protein Extraction via Enzymatic Polysaccharide Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and purifying protein from sweet potato leaves face challenges due to high molecular weight polysaccharides that form a viscous mucilage, hindering extraction and purification, resulting in low yield and purity, and existing plant-based protein sources like soy contain phytoestrogens of concern.
Innovation Solution
A novel method involving enzymatic degradation of high molecular weight polysaccharides and use of aqueous solutions with enzymes like arabanase and amylase to break down polysaccharides, followed by ultrafiltration and diafiltration, to produce a sweet potato leaf protein concentrate with high protein content and purity in powder form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extraction methods are used to obtain protein from sweet potato leaves, then the process is simple, but the yield and purity are low due to viscous mucilage formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding enzymes (arabanase, amylase, pectinase) to degrade high molecular weight polysaccharides before protein extraction. This pre-treatment step breaks down the viscous mucilage structure, preventing it from interfering with subsequent extraction and purification processes, thereby improving both yield and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses enzymes as intermediary substances that facilitate the breakdown of polysaccharides. These enzymes act as mediators between the complex mucilage structure and the extraction process, converting the problematic viscous material into smaller, less interfering molecules that allow efficient protein recovery
2Manufacturing precision
If high molecular weight polysaccharides are present in the extraction medium, then the natural leaf structure is preserved, but the viscosity increases and hinders purification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high molecular weight polysaccharides into a benefit by using them as a target for enzymatic degradation. The enzymes specifically break down these polysaccharides into smaller fragments that no longer cause viscosity problems, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the protein structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of polysaccharides through enzymatic hydrolysis. By converting high molecular weight polysaccharides into lower molecular weight fragments, the solution's viscosity is reduced, enabling effective purification while maintaining protein integrity
3Ease of operation
If conventional protein extraction is used, then the process is straightforward, but the resulting protein has low dispersibility and solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by selectively removing high molecular weight polysaccharides from the leaf extract through enzymatic degradation and ultrafiltration. This selective removal of interfering substances results in a protein concentrate with improved dispersibility and solubility, while the multi-step purification process manages the increased complexity
4Quantity of substance
If soy protein is used as a plant-based alternative, then the protein content is high, but phytoestrogens are present which are of health concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sweet potato leaves, which naturally contain high protein content comparable to or exceeding soy, but crucially lack phytoestrogens. This selects a raw material that inherently provides the beneficial high protein content without the harmful phytoestrogen component, converting the potential harm into a benefit by choosing an alternative source
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 achieves a sweet potato leaf protein concentrate with high protein content (21-32% by weight), low viscosity, and excellent dispersibility and solubility, overcoming the challenges of traditional extraction methods and providing a phytoestrogen-free, sustainable protein source.
Implementation Method 1
enzymatic degradation of high molecular weight polysaccharides and use of aqueous solutions with enzymes like arabanase and amylase to break down polysaccharides
Implementation Method 2
followed by ultrafiltration and diafiltration
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a concentrated sweet potato leaf protein in dried form, along with methods for producing it. The concentrated leaf protein has a protein content of greater than 21% by weight, and can have other beneficial components such as polyphenols. The concentrated leaf proteins are suitable for use in food and beverages, as protein supplementation, or as agents for gelling, foaming, and whipping.