Biodegradable Dishwashing Composition for Low-Temperature Bacteria Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dishwasher detergents fail to effectively remove resistant foodborne bacteria at low temperatures, leading to potential health risks from pathogens like Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, especially in eco-modes and short cycles.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising sodium percarbonate, biotechnology-derived protease (subtilisin), organic manganese compounds, and beta-cyclodextrins, in specific ratios, stabilizes these components and enhances antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria at low temperatures, forming clathrate complexes that activate percarbonate and peracetic acid for effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If low temperature washing is used to save energy and time, then energy consumption and washing time are reduced, but the ability to remove resistant foodborne bacteria deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidbacterial removal effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the washing system by introducing a four-component composition (sodium percarbonate, protease, manganese compounds, and beta-cyclodextrins) that enables effective bacterial removal at lower temperatures through enhanced chemical reactivity and enzyme stability rather than thermal energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite formulation combining four distinct components that work synergistically: sodium percarbonate for oxygen release, protease for protein breakdown, manganese compounds for catalysis, and beta-cyclodextrins for stabilization and solubility enhancement, creating a material system that achieves high-temperature cleaning performance at low temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of time

If short washing cycles are used to save time, then washing time is reduced, but the removal of resistant foodborne bacteria deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing timeVSAvoidbacterial removal effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the kinetic parameters of the cleaning process by using a highly reactive four-component composition that achieves rapid bacterial cell wall disruption and protein denaturation, reducing the required contact time from typical 60-90 minutes to just 20 minutes while maintaining or improving effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the washing process to rush through the critical bacterial killing phase more quickly by using the synergistic four-component composition that immediately activates upon contact with water, creating a rapid onset of antibacterial action that eliminates resistant bacteria in the first 20 minutes of the cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Reliability

If high concentrations of antibacterial agents are used to improve bacterial removal, then bacterial removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental friendliness and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacterial removal effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses sodium percarbonate as an oxygen-based oxidant that releases active oxygen to disrupt bacterial cell walls and membranes, providing potent antibacterial action that is inherently safer and more environmentally friendly than chlorine-based or quaternary ammonium compounds, as it decomposes into water and oxygen without persistent harmful residues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs biodegradable components including protease enzymes and beta-cyclodextrins that break down naturally in the environment, replacing persistent synthetic antibacterial agents with biologically derived substances that provide effective bacterial removal but decompose harmlessly, reducing environmental accumulation and long-term ecological impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 achieves a synergistic antibacterial effect exceeding 99.9% removal of targeted bacteria within 20 minutes at 30°C, maintaining stability across wide pH and temperature ranges, and is environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

forming clathrate complexes that activate percarbonate and peracetic acid for effective cleaning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClathrate complex formation: Hydrates

Implementation Method 2

An oxygen bleaching agent, in particular, sodium percarbonate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition of percarbonate: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

Manganese compounds, in particular, organic manganese salt complexes, at oxidation states +2 or +3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

Biotechnology-derived protease, which is stable in the presence of oxidants and metal salts, in particular, subtilisin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 5

The composition achieves a synergistic antibacterial effect exceeding 99.9% removal of targeted bacteria

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4621036A1Biodegadable quadrobiotechnology for hygienic cleansing of dishes and prevention of food poisoning caused by foodborne bacteria
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SKYLAB AG
  • EP4621036A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621036A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4621036A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising at least one oxygen bleaching agent, at least one protease, at least one manganese compound and at least one cyclodextrin and the use of said composition in hand and automatic machine dishwashing.