Thermoplastic Collagen Material via Controlled Denaturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining collagen from animal skin often result in products that are either denatured or maintain their native structure, limiting their industrial applications and mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
A process involving rubber grinding technology is applied to animal skin, incorporating mechanical grinding at 50-70°C with plasticizers and neutralizing agents to achieve a thermoplastic or rubber-like collagen material, allowing for both thermoplastic and rubber transformation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If collagen is processed using conventional methods (swelling in basic/acidic medium and heat extraction), then gelatin is obtained, but the collagen loses its native structure and mechanical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using mild alkaline conditions (pH 12-13) at controlled temperatures (20-30°C) for swelling, followed by controlled acidification to pH 2-3, avoiding the high heat and extreme conditions that denature collagen. This parameter optimization allows extraction while preserving the triple-helix structure and mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary swelling treatment in alkaline medium before extraction to weaken the collagen structure just enough to allow gelatin release while maintaining the overall native structure integrity. This preliminary action prepares the material for selective extraction without complete denaturation
2Strength
If collagen is maintained in native structure during processing, then mechanical performance is preserved, but industrial application versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial denaturation through controlled acidification to pH 2-3, which is sufficient to enable thermoplastic processing and industrial applications, but not excessive enough to completely destroy the collagen structure. This partial action allows versatility while retaining beneficial mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic processing system where collagen can transition between native and partially denatured states depending on pH conditions, allowing the same base material to be adapted for different industrial applications requiring different degrees of structure modification
3Ease of manufacture
If collagen is denatured by boiling and cooled in aqueous solution, then gelatin is produced, but the material becomes highly hydrolyzed and low molecular weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal denaturation method (boiling) with a chemical method using controlled pH changes. The alkaline swelling followed by acidification achieves structure modification without the high energy input and excessive hydrolysis caused by boiling, preserving molecular weight
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 produces a collagen material with enhanced mechanical properties and the ability to be transformed into various industrial products, including soft and stretchable gums, while being biodegradable and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating mechanical grinding at 50-70°C with plasticizers and neutralizing agents to achieve a thermoplastic or rubber-like collagen material
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the semi-dry treated skin to a mechanical grinding treatment step in mixing cylinders in the presence of a plasticizer and a neutralizing agent at a temperature of 50 - 70°C for controlled denaturation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for obtaining collagen from animal skin and to a process for obtaining a collagen material similar to rubber from animal organs, preferably animal skin, as well as to the obtained product and to the properties and applications thereof. Said method includes processing the skin in mixing cylinders, which includes treatment by mechanical grinding.