Formic Acid Antimicrobial Composition for Salmonella Control in Animal By-Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is an urgent need for innovative, effective, environmentally safe, and cost-effective formaldehyde-free processes to control Salmonella contamination in animal by-products used in animal feed, as formaldehyde, previously used for this purpose, has adverse side-effects and is banned in some regions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an antimicrobial composition comprising 15 to 60 weight percent CH3CHR1COOH and 30 to 80 weight percent formic acid is used to inhibit Salmonella growth in animal by-product compositions, which can include additional components like fatty acids and terpenes to enhance efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If formaldehyde is used to control Salmonella contamination in animal by-products, then Salmonella control effectiveness is improved, but harmful side-effects (carcinogenicity, corrosiveness, volatility) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes formaldehyde from the antimicrobial composition and replaces it with formic acid and short-chain organic acids. This extraction of the harmful substance while retaining the essential antimicrobial function resolves the contradiction between effective Salmonella control and harmful side-effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting formaldehyde with formic acid (30-80 wt%) and short-chain organic acids (15-60 wt%). This parameter change maintains antimicrobial efficacy while eliminating the harmful properties of formaldehyde.
2Reliability
If formaldehyde is used as a feed additive to control Salmonella, then Salmonella contamination is reduced, but regulatory compliance deteriorates (banned in European Union as of 2018)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts formaldehyde from the formulation and replaces it with alternative antimicrobial agents (formic acid and short-chain organic acids) that are compliant with European Union regulations. This substitution maintains Salmonella control effectiveness while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition to use formic acid and short-chain organic acids instead of formaldehyde, aligning the formulation with current regulatory requirements. This parameter change enables the product to comply with EU regulations while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
3Reliability
If formaldehyde is used in open systems for Salmonella control, then antimicrobial activity is maintained, but worker safety deteriorates due to evaporation and overexposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes formaldehyde, which is responsible for evaporation and worker exposure risks, and replaces it with formic acid and short-chain organic acids that do not share these harmful volatility characteristics. This extraction eliminates the safety hazard while preserving antimicrobial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the volatile chemical profile by substituting formaldehyde with non-volatile or less-volatile alternatives (formic acid and short-chain organic acids). This parameter change reduces evaporation and worker exposure risks while maintaining the necessary antimicrobial function.
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
This method effectively inhibits Salmonella development in animal by-products without the use of formaldehyde, providing a safe and cost-effective solution for controlling contamination in animal feed.
Implementation Method 1
Blends of short-chain organic acids (e.g., formic acid and propionic acid) and formaldehyde have been used to chemically control Salmonella contamination in animal feed
Implementation Method 2
formaldehyde displays strong antiseptic activity against most bacteria through irreversible protein cross-linking
Data Source
AI summary
Formaldehyde is a common component of antimicrobial compositions for preserving animal feeds. However, the use of formaldehyde is coming under pressure and alternative antimicrobial compositions are needed. The present application discloses methods and/or uses of a formaldehyde-free antimicrobial composition comprising formic acid and propionic acid in the making of rendered animal protein compositions or in the inhibiting of the development of Salmonella bacteria in animal by-product compositions (e.g., rendered animal proteins) while maintaining higher protein digestibility comparing with formaldehyde.