Bacillus Spore Microcapsule Surface Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cleaning products are insufficient in reducing pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces, especially in hard-to-reach areas and environments, and there is a growing resistance of bacterial strains against these products, necessitating a more effective method for surface purification.

Innovation Solution

A surface treatment composition comprising spores of non-pathogenic Bacillus species and a prebiotic component, which includes a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, combined with a prebiotic such as inulin, encapsulated in microcapsules, to create a persistent and effective probiotic presence that depletes nutrients and produces extracellular enzymes to inhibit pathogenic growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cleaning products are used to reduce pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces, then cleaning action is provided, but effectiveness is insufficient especially on hard-to-reach surfaces and bacterial resistance is growing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in reducing pathogenic microorganismsVSAvoidbacterial resistance and insufficient cleaning on hard-to-reach surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic bacteria colonize the surface and continuously produce antimicrobial substances, creating a self-sustaining protective effect that does not require repeated application of external cleaning agents. The bacteria serve themselves by utilizing available nutrients to maintain their population and antimicrobial production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Probiotic bacteria act as intermediary organisms that compete with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and space, while also producing antimicrobial substances that directly inhibit pathogen growth. This biological mediation provides a more effective and resistant-proof cleaning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If probiotic bacteria are applied to surfaces to combat harmful bacteria, then pathogenic microorganism reduction is achieved, but persistent presence on surfaces is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogenic microorganism reductionVSAvoidpersistent presence of probiotics on surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic bacteria are pre-adapted and pre-applied to surfaces in sufficient quantities before pathogenic challenges occur, establishing a protective colony that can immediately compete with and inhibit pathogens. This preliminary colonization ensures persistent presence and continuous protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The probiotic bacteria continuously colonize and reproduce on the surface, maintaining a constant population that persistently produces antimicrobial substances. This continuous biological action ensures long-lasting protection against pathogenic microorganisms without requiring frequent reapplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If conventional cleaning techniques are used on hard-to-reach surfaces, then cleaning is provided, but accessibility and treatment effectiveness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness on hard-to-reach surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic bacteria autonomously colonize and spread across surfaces including hard-to-reach areas without requiring direct human access or intervention. Once applied, they self-propagate and maintain protective populations in locations that are difficult or impossible to clean conventionally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 composition effectively reduces pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces by accelerating the activity of probiotics, providing a prolonged presence through microcapsules, and maintaining a constant concentration of probiotics over time, ensuring a persistent and enhanced purification effect even on difficult-to-treat surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The prebiotic component accelerates in time the activity of the probiotic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrebiotic stimulation:

Implementation Method 2

said spores of said probiotic component and said prebiotic component are at least partly encapsulated in microcapsules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrocapsule release:

Implementation Method 3

The non-pathogenic probiotics have as an effect that nutrients on the surface become less available for other micro-organisms through the mechanism of nutrient depletion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNutrient depletion:

Implementation Method 4

produces extracellular enzymes to inhibit pathogenic growth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme production: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3686266B1Synbiotic surface treatment composition

Publication Date: 2024.10.23 HEIQ CHRISAL NV

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AI summary

The invention relates to a surface treatment composition, wherein said composition comprises spores of at least one non-pathogenic species of the genus Bacillus and a prebiotic component. Said composition can be used for inoculating said surfaces for the purpose of purifying said surfaces of unwanted, harmful or pathogenic micro-organisms.