Catalase Enzymes Decompose Hydrogen Peroxide in Aseptic Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aseptic packaging systems face inefficiencies due to the degradation of peracids into hydrogen peroxide and carboxylic acid, leading to increased water, energy, and chemistry consumption, as these systems require frequent draining and refilling to maintain optimal concentrations, which affects the operational costs and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of selected catalase enzymes, particularly fungal catalases, which decompose hydrogen peroxide in peracid compositions, reducing its concentration and extending the operational time by minimizing the need for frequent draining and refilling, thereby optimizing water, energy, and chemistry usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peracid composition is used for disinfecting packages in aseptic packaging, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but hydrogen peroxide accumulates over time requiring frequent draining and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
A catalase enzyme is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the accumulated hydrogen peroxide and water, accelerating the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This enzyme acts as a catalyst that speeds up the natural decomposition reaction, allowing the system to maintain operational effectiveness for extended periods without draining and refilling.
2Reliability
If peracid composition is used for disinfecting packages, then microbial treatment is achieved, but water consumption increases due to frequent draining and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The catalase enzyme serves as a mediator that enables the reuse of the peracid composition for longer periods by continuously decomposing accumulated hydrogen peroxide. This extends the operational life of the disinfectant solution, thereby reducing the frequency of draining and refilling operations and consequently reducing water consumption.
3Reliability
If peracid composition is used for disinfecting packages, then sterilization is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to frequent draining and refilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The catalase enzyme acts as a mediator that extends the operational duration of the peracid composition by accelerating hydrogen peroxide decomposition. This reduction in draining and refilling frequency directly lowers the energy consumption associated with these operational maintenance activities.
4Reliability
If peracid composition is used for disinfecting packages, then antimicrobial efficacy is maintained, but chemistry consumption increases due to frequent draining and refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The catalase enzyme mediates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide accumulation, allowing the peracid composition to maintain its antimicrobial efficacy for extended periods. This extends the usable life of the chemistry solution, reducing the frequency of refilling operations and thereby reducing overall chemistry consumption.
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 implementation of catalase enzymes in aseptic packaging systems effectively decreases hydrogen peroxide levels, reducing water, energy, and chemistry consumption, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and extending the system's run time while maintaining antimicrobial activity.
Implementation Method 1
selected catalase enzymes are particularly effective at decomposing hydrogen peroxide under the temperature and pH conditions found in peracid compositions
Implementation Method 2
The use of the selected catalase enzymes degrades hydrogen peroxide in aseptic filling operations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to specially selected catalase enzymes and their use in reducing hydrogen peroxide in applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.