Yeast Extract Nucleic Acid Yield via Sterilization and Enzyme Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing yeast extracts with high nucleic acid content face issues such as low nucleic acid yield, contamination with neutral salts, and extraction of unwanted substances, leading to reduced nucleic acid content and unpleasant flavors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving heat sterilization of yeast cells at 100 to 130°C for 10 to 90 seconds, followed by extraction at pH 7 to 10, solid-liquid separation, nuclease and deaminase treatments, and final heat sterilization to produce a yeast extract with increased nucleic acid content, particularly inosinic acid and guanylic acid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If alkali extraction is performed directly without sterilization treatment, then extraction efficiency is improved, but large amounts of substances other than nucleic acids are extracted, reducing nucleic acid content and increasing unpleasant flavors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidunwanted substances extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary sterilization treatment to the yeast cells before performing alkali extraction. This preliminary action inactivates enzymes and microorganisms that would otherwise cause degradation and contamination during the extraction process, allowing efficient extraction of nucleic acids while minimizing the extraction of unwanted substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary sterilization to counteract the harmful effects that would occur during extraction. By inactivating proteases and ribonucleases before extraction, the method prevents enzyme-mediated degradation and contamination, thereby maintaining high nucleic acid content and preventing unpleasant flavors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If acid treatment followed by neutralization and alkali treatment is performed, then enzyme inactivation is achieved, but large amounts of neutral salts are introduced, reducing nucleic acid content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenzyme inactivationVSAvoidnucleic acid content
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful acidic components and neutral salts through careful pH control and selective extraction conditions. By performing extraction at controlled pH levels and using appropriate buffer systems, the method achieves enzyme inactivation while minimizing the introduction and retention of neutral salts that would dilute the nucleic acid content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes pH parameters throughout the process to achieve enzyme inactivation without requiring extensive neutralization steps. By carefully controlling pH during extraction and using buffered systems, the method maintains enzyme inactivation while minimizing salt accumulation and preserving nucleic acid concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sterilization treatment is performed at low temperature for long period, then complete sterilization is achieved, but extraction efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization completenessVSAvoidextraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sterilization parameters from low-temperature long-duration to high-temperature short-duration treatment. This parameter change achieves complete sterilization and enzyme inactivation more rapidly, preventing degradation during the process while maintaining extraction efficiency by minimizing the time cells are exposed to suboptimal extraction conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses brief, intensive heat treatment pulses for sterilization rather than prolonged low-temperature treatment. This periodic high-temperature action achieves complete sterilization quickly, allowing the extraction process to proceed efficiently without prolonged exposure to conditions that would reduce extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 method results in a yeast extract with a higher nucleic acid content, superior taste, and improved flavor profile compared to conventional methods, achieving a dry weight IG content of 15 to 30% by mass.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting yeast cells to a heat sterilization at 100 to 130°C for 10 to 90 seconds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal denaturation: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 2

performing an extraction treatment at 50 to 85°C and a pH of 7 to 10

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlkali extraction: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

subjecting the obtained yeast extract to a nuclease treatment and a deaminase treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3120714B1Method of producing yeast extract
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 ASAHI GRP HLDG LTD
  • EP3120714B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3120714B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3120714B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of producing a yeast extract with a high nucleic acid content from yeast cells. The method of producing a yeast extract of the present invention includes: (1) a step of subjecting yeast cells to a heat sterilization at 100 to 130°C for 10 to 90 seconds, (2) a step of preparing a yeast extract by subjecting the yeast cells sterilized in step (1) to an extraction treatment at 50 to 85°C and a pH of 7 to 10, (3) a step, performed after step (2), of subjecting the obtained yeast extract to a solid-liquid separation treatment to remove at least a portion of the insoluble matter, (4) a step, performed after step (3), of subjecting the yeast extract from which the insoluble matter has been removed to a nuclease treatment and a deaminase treatment, and (5) a step, performed after step (4), of subjecting the yeast extract to a heat sterilization treatment.