Yeast Reducing Mixture via Superheated Steam and Silicic Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating waste yeast from food production plants are inefficient, leading to high disposal costs and limited applications for the treated material, with existing treatments failing to maintain a reducing environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving superheated steam treatment of yeast or yeast extracts in the presence of silicic acid or silicates at specific pressures and temperatures to produce a microorganism-derived reducing mixture with an oxidation-reduction potential of 0 mV or less, which is stable and retains its reducing ability for an extended period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-temperature high-pressure steam treatment is used to destroy yeast cells, then cell destruction efficiency is improved, but the oxidation-reduction potential cannot be maintained in the reducing region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the treatment parameters by using superheated steam at lower temperatures (100-150°C) compared to conventional high-temperature treatment, while maintaining effective cell destruction through extended treatment time and the presence of silicic acid or silicate, thereby achieving both cell destruction and maintaining reducing potential
Solution Approach 2:
Silicic acid or silicate is introduced as an intermediary substance that facilitates the reduction of oxidation-reduction potential and maintains the reducing environment during steam treatment, enabling the treatment to achieve both cell destruction and reducing potential maintenance
2Loss of energy
If conventional waste treatment methods are used for waste yeast, then disposal costs are incurred, but the amount used and added values of products are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste yeast, which would normally be disposed of as a harmful waste product, into a valuable reducing mixture with multiple applications in agriculture, food, and cosmetic industries, thereby eliminating disposal costs and creating new revenue streams
Solution Approach 2:
The treating apparatus and method are designed to be universally applicable to various types of yeast waste from different sources (breweries, bakeries, etc.), producing a versatile reducing mixture that can be applied in multiple industries and uses
3Quantity of substance
If water-soluble fraction of cell walls is obtained by high-temperature water treatment, then water-soluble extraction is improved, but the oxidation-reduction potential rises to 0 mV or higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the treatment temperature parameter to a lower range (100-150°C) and introduces silicic acid or silicate, which enables effective extraction of water-soluble fractions while maintaining the oxidation-reduction potential at 0 mV or less
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 effectively converts waste yeast into a high-value product with enhanced reducing ability, suitable for agricultural applications, soil improvement, and cosmetic uses, while avoiding the Maillard reaction, thus maintaining a stable negative oxidation-reduction potential and extending the material's usability.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting a yeast or a yeast extract to a superheated steam treatment... with superheated steam at a pressure of 0.9 MPa to 1.9 MPa at 150 °C to 210 °C
Implementation Method 2
obtained by subjecting a microorganism to a hydrothermal treatment
Implementation Method 3
conducted in the presence of silicic acid or a silicate
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a processing method whereby microorganisms, particularly waste yeast, can be turned into a processed material having high added value. Also disclosed is said processed material. Further disclosed is a production method for a reducing mixture derived from microorganisms which has an oxidation-reduction potential of 0mV or less, said method being characterized by processing microorganisms or components thereof with superheated steam in the absence of oxygen.