Bioactive Granules with Odor-Controlling Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The detergent, food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries face challenges with malodorous compounds produced during the fermentation of enzymes and live microbial cultures, which are undesirable in finished granular products, leading to a need for effective odor control methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of bioactive granules comprising a core with a bioactive enzyme or microorganism and an odor-controlling coating layer, which includes a water-soluble polymer, nonionic surfactant, and odor-controlling compounds such as zeolites or cyclodextrins, to reduce malodor perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If enzymes and live microbial cultures are produced via fermentation, then bioactive products are generated, but malodorous compounds such as organic acids, sulfides, and amines are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes malodorous compounds from the fermentation broth through various methods including filtration, centrifugation, and distillation before granulation, separating the harmful volatiles from the desired bioactive products to eliminate odor issues while preserving enzyme activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts malodorous compounds into beneficial components by utilizing them as coating materials or flavoring agents in the final granular product, transforming the harmful odor-causing substances into functional additives that improve product characteristics
2Duration of action of stationary object
If granular form is used for enzymes and live microbes, then shelf life is extended, but malodor perception remains undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layered granule structure where the bioactive core is nested within protective outer layers containing odor-controlling compounds, creating a nested configuration that preserves shelf life while simultaneously managing malodor through the coating layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as zeolites, cyclodextrins, and other odor-controlling compounds as mediators between the bioactive core and the environment, which actively bind or neutralize malodorous compounds to prevent perception while maintaining product stability
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 odor-controlling granules significantly reduce malodor perception by sequestering malodorous compounds, improving the shelf life and consumer acceptance of bioactive products, with odor reduction ranging from 10% to 90% compared to control granules without the odor-controlling layer.
Implementation Method 1
an odor-controlling coating layer surrounding the first layer, where the odor-controlling coating layer comprises between about 3-10% wt/wt of a water-soluble polymer, between about 0.1%-5% wt/wt of a nonionic surfactant, and between about 0.1-10% wt/wt of an odor-controlling compound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are enzyme-containing granules, and compositions and methods related to the production and use thereof, including bioactive-containing granules that have improved features compared to one or more reference granules.