Bacillus Spore Stabilization via Acetic Acid pH Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preserving and stabilizing Bacillus spores in liquid form are prone to contamination and require synthetic biostatic agents, which are undesirable for environmental, agricultural, and food applications, and fail to effectively inhibit germination and spoilage at ambient temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Suspension of Bacillus spores in a liquid consisting essentially of water and acetic acid, which lowers the pH to inhibit germination and growth, with the option to neutralize the liquid for application to agricultural soil or plant material, using acetic acid from a fermentation source to maintain sporastatic conditions and prevent spoilage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bacillus spores are preserved in liquid form using existing methods, then the spores can be stored and transported, but the spores are prone to contamination and germination, and require synthetic biostatic agents that are undesirable for environmental and agricultural applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespore stabilityVSAvoidcontamination and germination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the liquid medium to a low pH range (below 7.0, preferably 3.0-6.5) using organic acids. This parameter change creates an environment that inhibits germination and growth of unwanted microorganisms while maintaining spore viability, thereby improving spore stability without requiring synthetic biostatic agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of low pH (which could damage spores) into a beneficial effect by selecting specific organic acids and pH ranges that inhibit contamination and germination while preserving spore viability. The low pH environment, which could be harmful, is transformed into a protective mechanism against spoilage and contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If synthetic biostatic agents are used to inhibit germination and spoilage, then spore stability is improved, but environmental and agricultural safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespore stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental and agricultural harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses naturally occurring organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, etc.) that are biodegradable and environmentally benign, replacing persistent synthetic biostatic agents. These natural acids provide the necessary sporastatic effect temporarily during storage and application, then degrade harmlessly in the environment, eliminating long-term environmental and agricultural harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms naturally occurring organic acids, which are safe for environmental and agricultural applications, into effective sporastatic agents. By utilizing these benign substances at controlled concentrations and pH levels, the invention achieves spore stability without the harmful effects associated with synthetic biostatic agents, converting potentially mild spoilage risks into effective protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Use of energy by moving object

If Bacillus spores are stored at ambient temperatures, then energy consumption is reduced, but germination and spoilage occur more readily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidspore stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the storage medium by introducing organic acids to create a low pH environment. This parameter change enables spore storage at ambient temperatures by chemically inhibiting germination and spoilage processes, thereby maintaining spore stability without requiring refrigeration or other energy-intensive temperature control measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides stable Bacillus spore suspensions that inhibit germination and growth, preventing spoilage at ambient temperatures for extended periods, suitable for industrial applications such as soil conditioning and antifungal treatments, with a shelf life of up to two years without the need for synthetic chemicals.

Implementation Method 1

suspending the Bacillus spores in a liquid consisting essentially of water and acetic acid, wherein the acetic acid lowers the pH so that the spores are inhibited from germination and growth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH lowering:

Implementation Method 2

using acetic acid from a fermentation source to maintain sporastatic conditions and prevent spoilage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS9770032B2Compositions for stabilizing bacillus spores and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH CORP

AI summary

The invention provides methods for providing Bacillus spores for application to agricultural soil or plant material. The methods comprise suspending the Bacillus spores in a liquid consisting essentially of water and an organic acid, including acetic acid, wherein the acid lowers the pH so that the spores are inhibited from germination and growth; and so that growth of unwanted microorganisms in the suspension is prevented. Compositions formed according to the methods of the invention are also provided.