Biofilm Removal Composition with Segmented Detergent and Enzymatic Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biofilm removal methods are inefficient as they fail to penetrate the entire thickness of the biofilm matrix, are inhibited by its components, and can trap pathogenic microorganisms, lacking effectiveness on mature biofilms and those produced by various microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a detergent component with a sequestrant, dispersant, and wetting agent, combined with an enzymatic component containing protease, laccase, and polysaccharidase, which effectively breaks down and detaches biofilms without enzyme inactivation, suitable for a wide range of biofilms and pH levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional treatments based on sodium hydroxide and biocides are used, then the treatment process is simple, but the treatment effectiveness is insufficient because they do not penetrate the entire thickness of the biofilm or are inhibited by matrix molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment composition is segmented into multiple functional components: detergent agents for penetration and matrix disruption, enzymes (proteases, polysaccharidases, lipases) for specific biofilm component degradation, and biocides for microbial cell destruction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction between penetration capability and composition complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite composition combining detergent agents, multiple enzyme types, and biocides in specific concentrations. This composite approach creates synergistic effects where the detergent facilitates penetration, enzymes degrade the matrix, and biocides eliminate microorganisms, achieving superior treatment effectiveness compared to single-agent conventional treatments.
2Reliability
If enzymatic treatment compositions are used to remove biofilm matrix, then the biofilm detachment is improved, but the enzymes are inactivated by subsequent bactericidal disinfectant compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the enzymatic degradation function and biocidal disinfection function into a single unified composition. The enzymes and biocides are formulated to be compatible and stable when mixed, eliminating the need for separate application steps and preventing enzyme inactivation that would occur with sequential application of separate compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detergent agents in the composition act as intermediaries that facilitate both penetration into the biofilm matrix and protection of enzyme stability. The specific detergent formulation creates a microenvironment that maintains enzyme activity while allowing biocidal action, mediating between the potentially conflicting requirements of enzyme stability and biocidal effectiveness.
3Reliability
If treatments are applied to eliminate established mature biofilms, then the biofilm resistance is overcome, but the treatment time increases and effectiveness on deep layers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The composition utilizes specific parameter optimizations including pH control (maintained in alkaline range for enzyme stability and biocide effectiveness), temperature optimization for enzyme activity, and specific concentration ranges of detergent agents (0.1-10%) that enhance penetration without requiring extended treatment times. These parameter changes enable effective penetration and degradation of mature biofilms within reasonable timeframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition provides continuous multi-modal action: detergent agents continuously penetrate and disrupt the matrix, enzymes continuously degrade biofilm components (proteins, polysaccharides, lipids), and biocides continuously eliminate microorganisms. This continuous synergistic action maintains effective concentration and activity throughout the treatment period, ensuring deep layer penetration and complete biofilm elimination without time loss.
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 significantly improves biofilm removal speed and effectiveness, eliminating almost all biofilm layers while preserving the substrate, allowing for subsequent disinfection to target isolated microbial cells.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of a detergent component and an enzymatic component according to the invention makes it possible to act effectively on a biofilm. The detergent eliminates a superficial part of the biofilm and wets and/or swells the organic structures of the biofilm favoring the accessibility of the enzymatic component which weakens and degrades the biofilm matrix.
Implementation Method 2
The detergent eliminates a superficial part of the biofilm and wets and/or swells the organic structures of the biofilm favoring the accessibility of the enzymatic component
Implementation Method 3
said composition is characterized in that it comprises a detergent component containing a sequestrant and an enzymatic component containing at least one protease and at least one laccase, said composition being characterized in that said detergent component further contains a wetting agent and a dispersant
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a composition for removing biofilms present on a substrate, the composition comprising two components, characterized in that it comprises: - a detergent component including a sequestrant, a dispersant, and a wetting agent; - an enzymatic component including at least one protease, at least one laccase, and at least one polysaccharidase. The invention also relates to a method for removing biofilms present on a substrate.