Beta Zeolite Mycotoxin Binder in Animal Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detoxifying mycotoxin-contaminated animal feed are not effective in reducing the adverse effects of multiple mycotoxins, as existing adsorbents impair nutrient utilization and have limited binding efficacy against high Log P value toxins like ochratoxin A and zearalenone.

Innovation Solution

A microporous beta zeolite binder with acidic sites and specific pore sizes is developed to effectively bind a range of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and others, by utilizing its high surface area and pore structure to adsorb and retain these toxins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing adsorbents are used to bind mycotoxins, then some binding efficacy is achieved, but nutrient utilization is impaired and binding against high Log P toxins is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding efficacyVSAvoidnutrient utilization impairment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a microporous beta zeolite with specific pore sizes (5.6×5.6 Å and 7.7×6.6 Å) that can selectively adsorb mycotoxins while allowing nutrients to pass through. The porous structure provides high surface area for toxin binding without interfering with nutrient utilization, resolving the contradiction between binding efficacy and nutrient availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite approach by combining beta zeolite with specific acidic sites and controlled pore structures to create a material that selectively binds mycotoxins (including high Log P toxins) while maintaining nutrient permeability. This composite design achieves reliable toxin binding without the harmful side effects of conventional adsorbents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional adsorbents are used, then some toxins are bound, but binding efficacy against multiple mycotoxins including high Log P value toxins is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-toxin binding efficacyVSAvoidbinding range against different toxin types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The beta zeolite is designed with multiple functions: it binds various mycotoxins simultaneously through its porous structure and acidic sites, making it a universal adsorbent effective against diverse toxin types including aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and other high Log P value toxins, thereby achieving broad-spectrum protection.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces specific acidic sites within the beta zeolite structure that are strategically positioned to interact with different toxin molecules. This local quality enhancement allows the material to adapt its binding mechanism to different toxin types, improving versatility against multiple mycotoxins with varying chemical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If adsorbents are added to animal feed, then mycotoxin binding occurs, but the adsorbents may affect animal performance and health

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemycotoxin toxicity reductionVSAvoidanimal performance and health
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microporous beta zeolite with controlled pore sizes selectively traps mycotoxins while allowing essential nutrients to pass through to the animal. This selective permeability ensures that mycotoxin toxicity is reduced without compromising animal performance and health, as nutrients remain bioavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of adding adsorbents to feed by using beta zeolite's natural porous structure and acidic sites to specifically target and bind mycotoxins, while its controlled pore architecture ensures nutrient passage. This transforms the adsorbent from a potentially harmful additive into a beneficial protective agent that improves feed safety without sacrificing animal performance.

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

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 beta zeolite binder demonstrates significant binding efficacy across various mycotoxins, maintaining stability across gastrointestinal pH ranges and rapidly achieving equilibrium, thereby reducing mycotoxin bioavailability and toxicity in animal feeds.

Implementation Method 1

A microporous beta zeolite binder with acidic sites and specific pore sizes is developed to effectively bind a range of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and others, by utilizing its high surface area and pore structure to adsorb and retain these toxins.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9968116B2Application of beta zeolite as multi-toxin binder in animal feed and related methods
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 KEMIN INDUSTRIES INC
  • US9968116B2 patent drawing
  • US9968116B2 patent drawing
  • US9968116B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the application of beta zeolite in animal feed as a toxin binder. The beta zeolites, which contain 12 membered ring systems with Bronsted and Lewis acidic sites, have high binding efficacy against common toxins present in animal feed. This study aimed to evaluate the binding efficacy of the disclosed H beta zeolite (HBZ) has high binding efficiecy against major mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone, mycophenolic acid, cyclopiazonic acid, Fumonisin B1, T-2 and patulin.