Bacterial Composition Color Stability via Sodium Bicarbonate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bacterial compositions, particularly those containing Bifidobacterium animalis strain DSM15954, face challenges with color stability during storage, especially when exposed to moisture and high temperatures, leading to discoloration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sodium bicarbonate as a color stabilizer in the bacterial composition, which can be mixed with bacterial cells before or after adding a carrier, and then compressing the mixture to form a stable powder or tablet, effectively preventing or reducing discoloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bacterial composition is stored under high temperature and moisture conditions, then storage flexibility is improved, but color stability deteriorates due to discoloration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidcolor stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Sodium bicarbonate acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the bacterial cells and the harmful effects of moisture and heat. It absorbs moisture through hygroscopic properties and neutralizes acidic byproducts, thereby protecting the bacterial composition from discoloration while allowing storage under varied temperature and humidity conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the storage environment by introducing sodium bicarbonate, which alters the pH, moisture content, and chemical reactivity of the composition. This creates a protective microenvironment that prevents oxidative discoloration while maintaining bacterial viability during storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If sodium bicarbonate is added to bacterial composition, then color stability is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sodium bicarbonate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a color stabilizer by preventing oxidative discoloration, serves as a buffer to neutralize acidic byproducts of bacterial metabolism, and provides hygroscopic properties to control moisture. This multi-functionality achieves color stability without requiring multiple separate additives, thereby limiting the increase in formulation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 use of sodium bicarbonate significantly enhances the color stability of Bifidobacterium-based compositions, maintaining viability and preventing red-coloring during storage, even under high temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the use of sodium bicarbonate as a color stabilizer in a bacterial composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

preventing or reducing discoloration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2318511B1Bacterial composition
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 CHR HANSEN AS
  • EP2318511B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2D

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bacterial composition which has a long shelf-life, and a process for producing such compositions. The invention further relates to food products comprising the bacterial composition.