Transglycosidase Fermentation Process Foam Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bio-refinery fermentation processes face challenges in maximizing product yield and managing foam and viscosity in fermentation broths, leading to reduced manufacturing efficiency and increased antifoam costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of transglycosidase enzymes, specifically transglucosidase, is introduced during fermentation to reduce foam and viscosity, thereby enhancing product yield and improving downstream processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If transglycosidase is added to fermentation broth, then foam and viscosity are reduced, but enzyme cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam and viscosityVSAvoidenzyme cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Transglycosidase acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the fermentation broth by reducing foam and viscosity, thereby resolving the harmful effects without requiring direct intervention in the fermentation process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The enzyme changes the physical parameters of the fermentation broth (foam reduction, viscosity reduction) to improve process efficiency and product recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If antifoam is used to control foam, then foam is reduced, but downstream processing efficiency decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoamVSAvoiddownstream processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful foam is removed or controlled through transglycosidase action before downstream processing, extracting the problematic element without introducing antifoam substances that would interfere with product recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transglycosidase converts the harmful foam formation into a beneficial effect by reducing surface tension and improving mass transfer, thereby eliminating the need for antifoam additives

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

3Productivity

If filling degree is increased to maximize reactor capacity, then productivity improves, but foam formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactor capacity utilizationVSAvoidfoam formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Transglycosidase is added preliminarily to the fermentation broth to prevent excessive foam formation before it becomes a problem, allowing higher filling degrees without foam-related complications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 transglycosidase enzymes increase fermentation product yield, decrease antifoam consumption, and accelerate fermentation rates, while reducing residual sugars and viscosity in the fermentation broth, leading to improved processing efficiency and product recovery.

Implementation Method 1

the fermenting comprises a transglycosidase, that reduces foam and/or viscosity in the fermentation broth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3060674B1Enhanced fermentation process using a transglycosidase
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 DANISCO US INC
  • EP3060674B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3060674B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3060674B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods for improving fermentation processes, including increasing product yield, reduced viscosity, and/or reduced foaming.