Walnut Oligopeptide Powder Production via Acid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing walnut oligopeptide powder are complex, costly, and not suitable for large-scale production due to low peptide content, unclear molecular weight distribution, and high energy requirements, making it difficult to achieve high-purity, low-molecular-weight walnut oligopeptide for use in food, health supplements, and cosmetics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cold pressing and degreasing of walnut residues, followed by high-efficiency countercurrent extraction, enzymolysis with a protein complex solution, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration to produce a walnut oligopeptide powder with over 80% peptide content and more than 95% of the peptides having a molecular weight less than 1500 Dalton, using food-grade enzymes and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods (ultrasonic, alkaline extraction) are used, then protein extraction is achieved, but the peptide content is low (60%-80%) and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using acid extraction (pH 2-3) instead of conventional alkaline extraction, followed by isoelectric precipitation at pH 4.5-5.5. This parameter change enables direct obtention of oligopeptides with content exceeding 80%, simplifying the process while improving peptide content quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts oligopeptides directly from walnut protein using acid extraction, separating them from other protein components. This extraction approach isolates the oligopeptide fraction with molecular weights primarily between 500-3000 Dalton, achieving high peptide content without complex multi-step processing
2Manufacturing precision
If high-pressure treatment (300 MPa) and freeze-drying are used, then peptide powder is obtained, but the equipment cost is high and large-scale production is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-pressure equipment and freeze-dryers with conventional acid extraction and spray drying equipment. The acid extraction method achieves sufficient peptide separation without requiring ultrahigh pressure equipment, making the process economically viable for large-scale production while maintaining peptide purity above 80%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical high-pressure treatment and freeze-drying with chemical acid extraction followed by spray drying. This substitution eliminates the need for complex high-pressure equipment and energy-intensive freeze-drying, enabling scalable production with standard industrial equipment
3Quantity of substance
If four-step enzymolysis with multiple enzymes is used, then protein hydrolysis is achieved, but the steps are tedious and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction and hydrolysis steps into a single acid extraction process. By using strong acid (hydrochloric acid at pH 2-3) for extraction, the process simultaneously achieves protein denaturation, oligopeptide release, and hydrolysis, eliminating the need for separate four-step enzymolysis procedures and reducing both process complexity and cost
4Quantity of substance
If ultrafiltration membrane is used directly without impurity removal, then oligopeptide concentration is achieved, but the membrane blocks easily and service life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acid extraction and isoelectric precipitation before any filtration or concentration steps. This preliminary action removes most impurities and precipitates proteins at the isoelectric point, ensuring that subsequent ultrafiltration membranes operate with clean feed solution, preventing blockage and extending membrane service life
5Quantity of substance
If molecular weight distribution is not controlled, then peptide powder is obtained, but the functional activity is unclear and application value is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the acid extraction parameters (pH 2-3, temperature, time) to selectively release oligopeptides with molecular weights primarily between 500-3000 Dalton. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves both high peptide yield and controlled molecular weight distribution, ensuring functional activity for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications
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 increases protein extraction rates, reduces production costs, simplifies the process, ensures high peptide yield and activity, and produces a uniform product with defined molecular weight distribution, making it feasible for large-scale production and use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The enzymatic hydrolysate was filtrated by a microfiltration membrane with the pore diameter of 0.1-0.5 microns
Implementation Method 2
The permeating liquid was filtrated by a 2000-20000 Dalton ultrafiltration membrane, and then the penetrating liquid was concentrated
Implementation Method 3
spraying and drying to obtain the walnut peptide powder
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a walnut oligopeptide powder, and a preparation method and application thereof. The oligopeptide powder has a peptide content of 80 wt% or higher, wherein 95% or more of the peptides have a molecular weight of less than 1,500 Da. The method comprises extracting walnut proteins using a highly efficient countercurrent extraction process, and subjecting the extract to filtration, enzymolysis, purification with a microfiltration membrane and an ultrafiltration membrane, concentrating, and spray drying to obtain the oligopeptide powder. The oligopeptide powder has an anti-oxidant activity and provides a protective effect for a neuron, and thus can ameliorate or treat memory deterioration and relieve fatigue.