Xanthan Gum and Crystalline Alpha-1,3-Glucan for Viscosity Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for new compositions of alpha-1,3-glucan that enhance economic value and performance characteristics in various applications, as existing polysaccharides are not adequately addressed by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous compositions comprising xanthan gum and insoluble alpha-glucan with at least 50% alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, a weight-average degree of polymerization of at least 10, and a degree of crystallinity of at least 0.65, produced by blending xanthan gum and insoluble alpha-glucan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing polysaccharides are used in various applications, then basic functionality is provided, but economic value and performance characteristics are not adequately enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance characteristicsVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines xanthan gum and crystalline alpha-1,3-glucan to create a composite polysaccharide material. This composite approach enhances both the economic value and performance characteristics beyond what individual polysaccharides can achieve, while maintaining biodegradability and renewable sourcing. The synergistic combination allows the material to meet multiple application requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polysaccharide compositions are developed for various applications, then functional performance is achieved, but biodegradability and renewable sourcing requirements may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the polysaccharide composition, including degree of polymerization (DPw ≥ 10), crystallinity (≥ 0.65), and alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkage content (≥ 50%). These parameter controls ensure optimal functional performance while maintaining biodegradability and renewable sourcing, as the structured composition facilitates both performance and environmental compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If alpha-1,3-glucan is prepared using enzymatic methods, then specific structural characteristics are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural characteristicsVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a glucosyltransferase enzyme as an intermediary to facilitate the synthesis of alpha-1,3-glucan with specific structural characteristics. The enzyme mediates the formation of alpha-1,3-glycosidic linkages between glucose units, achieving the desired crystalline structure and degree of polymerization while providing a controlled and scalable manufacturing process that balances precision with ease of production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250339361A1Compositions comprising xanthan gum and crystalline alpha-1,3-glucan

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 NUTRITION & BIOSCIENCES USA 4 INC

AI summary

Aqueous compositions are disclosed herein comprising at least xanthan gum and insoluble alpha-glucan, wherein: (i) at least about 50% of the glycosidic linkages of the insoluble alpha-glucan are alpha-1,3 glycosidic linkages, (ii) the weight-average degree of polymerization of the insoluble alpha-glucan is at least 10, and (iii) the insoluble alpha-glucan is in the form of particles having a degree of crystallinity of at least about 0.65. Further disclosed are methods for producing these compositions, as well as using them in various products.