Yeast Cell Lysis via Alkaline Thermal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing squalene and sterols from yeast cells are inefficient due to high material consumption and the formation of emulsions, making them unsuitable for large-scale, continuous processing, especially during pandemics when high quantities are needed quickly.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the lysis of yeast cells at elevated pressures and high temperatures in an alkaline and organic solvent solution, allowing for complete or nearly complete lysis in a short time, which can be performed batchwise or continuously, and enables the recycling of solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical lysis or disruption of cells using high pressure homogenization is applied, then cell lysis is achieved, but high pressure differences are required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of cell lysis from mechanical high-pressure homogenization to chemical lysis using alkaline solutions at elevated temperatures and pressures. This shifts the mechanism from mechanical disruption to chemical breakdown, achieving complete lysis without requiring extreme pressure differences while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lysis system (high pressure homogenization) with a chemical lysis system (alkaline treatment at elevated temperature and pressure). This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical pressure equipment while achieving more complete and efficient cell disruption
2Productivity
If high amounts of organic solvents and alkaline solutions are used for lysis and extraction, then squalene recovery is improved, but material consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using elevated temperature and pressure conditions that improve squalene solubility and phase separation efficiency. This allows for reduced solvent quantities while maintaining high recovery rates, as the enhanced thermal energy facilitates more effective extraction with less material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous extraction process where solvents are recycled and reused multiple times. The continuous operation maintains optimal extraction conditions throughout, maximizing squalene recovery per unit of solvent and minimizing overall material consumption through repeated utilization of the same solvent batches
3Loss of substance
If the amount of organic solvent is decreased in the lysis medium, then material consumption is reduced, but emulsions are formed requiring several hours of standing or centrifugation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters by conducting the extraction at elevated temperatures and pressures. This thermal energy prevents emulsion formation by reducing surface tension and enhancing phase separation kinetics, allowing rapid separation even with reduced solvent amounts without requiring extended standing or centrifugation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous extraction and separation operations that maintain optimal conditions throughout the process. The continuous flow system prevents emulsion buildup by constantly refreshing the extraction interface, enabling rapid phase separation with minimal solvent while avoiding the time loss associated with batch standing or centrifugation
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional lysis methods are used, then the process can be performed, but they are not economically suitable for continuous processing of large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous processing system where yeast cells are lysed, extracted, and separated in an uninterrupted flow. The alkaline lysis method combined with thermal extraction allows for continuous operation at scale, making the process economically viable for large-volume production while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized continuous flow equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elevated temperature and pressure parameters throughout the continuous process that enhance reaction kinetics and mass transfer rates. These parameter changes allow the simple alkaline lysis chemistry to proceed rapidly and efficiently in continuous mode, achieving both ease of manufacture and high productivity simultaneously
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
This process reduces material and energy consumption, prevents emulsification, and facilitates rapid phase separation, making it economically and ecologically viable for producing high amounts of squalene and sterols, especially during emergencies like pandemics.
Implementation Method 1
lysing the yeast cells at elevated pressure and high temperatures in the presence of an alkaline and an organic lysis solvent
Implementation Method 2
lysing the yeast cells at elevated pressure and high temperatures
Implementation Method 3
extraction of the lysed yeast mixture with an organic extraction solvent, wherein the squalene and the sterols are present in the organic phase
Implementation Method 4
separation of the mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the squalene and the sterols are present in the organic phase
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the production of squalene and/or sterol in high amounts using an alkaline solution and an organic lysis solvent at high temperature and high pressure for effectively lysing yeast cells and extracting squalene and/or sterol into an organic extraction solvent, thus obtaining squalene and/or sterolin high amount and of high purity.