Biobased ClO2 Releasing Label Insert for Food Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for food safety, such as stand-alone generators, sachets, and impregnated films, face challenges like high costs, safety hazards, premature reactions, and inconsistent ClO2 production, which affect the efficacy in reducing microorganisms on food surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Biobased chlorine dioxide releasing package labels/inserts composed of alternating layers of pectin with citric acid and gelatin with sodium chlorite, optionally with a gelatin barrier layer, which release ClO2 when activated by pressure and moisture, providing controlled and sustained release of ClO2 at concentrations effective for microbial inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stand-alone generators are used to generate chlorine dioxide, then precise control over gas generation is achieved, but high initial investment and operating costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sachets containing chlorine dioxide precursors (sodium chlorite and acid) that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace. These sachets are sealed in sterile containers and activated by adding water or moisture from the produce, eliminating the need for expensive, complex stand-alone generators while maintaining reliable ClO2 generation for microbial control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sachets are designed to activate automatically through self-service mechanisms: moisture from the fresh produce or added water triggers the reaction between sodium chlorite and acid precursors, generating chlorine dioxide gas in situ within the sealed container. This eliminates the need for external power sources, operators, or complex control systems, significantly reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
2Extent of automation
If sachets containing mixed precursors are used, then on-site chlorine dioxide generation is achieved, but premature reactions and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chlorine dioxide generation system into separate compartments within the sachet: one compartment contains sodium chlorite, another contains the acid precursor, and a third contains the drying agent. Physical barriers and spatial separation prevent premature contact between reactive precursors, eliminating safety hazards while enabling automated on-site generation when the sachet is sealed with the produce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drying agent (calcium sulfate or silica gel) as an intermediary substance that absorbs excess moisture and controls the reaction environment. This intermediary prevents premature activation by maintaining a dry state during storage and transport, while allowing controlled reaction to proceed when the sachet is sealed with moisture-producing produce, thus enabling safe automated generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If package films impregnated with precursors are used, then in-package treatment is achieved, but inconsistent chlorine dioxide production and shelf life reduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing discrete sachets at specific locations within the package or container, rather than uniformly impregnating the entire package film. Each sachet is a self-contained unit with controlled precursor ratios and drying agents, ensuring consistent chlorine dioxide generation at each site. This localized approach maintains reliability while providing versatile in-package treatment for different produce types and package configurations.
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 biobased labels achieve effective microbial inactivation, with ClO2 release profiles matching microbial kinetic requirements, enhancing food safety without compromising product quality, and offering a safer, more cost-effective alternative to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Chlorine dioxide gas can be generated by the reaction of an acid with sodium chlorite salt in the presence of moisture
Implementation Method 2
The multilayer label/insert can be activated by pressure and moisture to cause the citric acid to come into contact with the sodium chlorite
Implementation Method 3
activating the package label to cause the citric acid to come into contact with the sodium chlorite
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are chlorine dioxide releasing package label/inserts to be used inside a package or in an outer plastic bag containing several individual packages, the package label/insert containing (a) at least one layer of pectin and citric acid, (b) at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite, (c) optionally at least one barrier layer containing gelatin (without sodium chlorite) between the at least one layer of pectin and citric acid and the at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite, and (d) an adhesive joining said layers, wherein the package label/insert has alternating layers of the at least one layer of pectin and citric acid and the at least one layer of gelatin and sodium chlorite. Also disclosed are methods of killing microorganisms on an item using the package label/insert described herein.