Freshening composition comprising bacterial spores

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fabric freshening products provide only temporary malodor removal and prevention, failing to offer long-lasting freshness due to their composition and formulation.

Innovation Solution

A fabric freshening composition comprising bacterial spores, specifically Bacillus spores, and cyclodextrins, which act as nutrients for the spores to provide sustained malodor control and prevention, combined with a spray device for effective application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If existing freshening products use perfume raw materials, solvents, surfactants, and high levels of water, then instant freshening is provided, but long-lasting malodor removal and prevention capability is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of freshnessVSAvoidmalodor removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating bacterial spores in a dormant state into the composition beforehand. These spores are prepared in advance with cyclodextrins as nutrients, so that when applied to the fabric, they can immediately germinate and provide sustained malodor control without requiring additional activation steps during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The composition enables self-service through the bacterial spores' ability to autonomously germinate and multiply on the fabric using cyclodextrins as nutrients. The system sustains itself by utilizing the embedded nutrient source, continuously producing freshening effects without requiring external intervention or replenishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If existing freshening products provide instant freshening, then immediate malodor masking is achieved, but sustained freshness capability is not maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of freshening actionVSAvoidduration of freshness

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action through the bacterial spores that continuously germinate and metabolize on the fabric over time. Unlike instant freshening products that act once and dissipate, this composition provides ongoing malodor control as the bacteria continuously consume cyclodextrins and produce freshening effects throughout their lifecycle on the fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The composition utilizes parameter changes by transitioning bacterial spores from a dormant state to an active germinated state. This biological state change enables the system to evolve from a static ingredient list to a dynamic, self-sustaining biological system that adapts its freshening action over time based on nutrient availability and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures long-lasting malodor removal and prevention by utilizing cyclodextrins as nutrients for bacterial spores to germinate and continue forming cells on fabrics, maintaining freshness over time.

Implementation Method 1

cyclodextrins, which act as nutrients for the spores to provide sustained malodor control and prevention, combined with a spray device for effective application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNutrient metabolism: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

The composition ensures long-lasting malodor removal and prevention by utilizing cyclodextrins as nutrients for bacterial spores to germinate and continue forming cells on fabrics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBacterial germination: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP4123087A1Freshening composition comprising bacterial spores

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A fabric freshening composition comprising from about from about 1x102 to about 1x109 CFU/g of the composition, of bacterial spores; and cyclodextrins.