Inactivated Bacillus Spores for Malodor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for addressing malodors in dish washing machines, laundry, and ceramic sanitary ware are incomplete, as they often mask rather than eliminate odors and can have ecotoxicological issues with biocidal substances, and existing bacterial strain solutions are short-term effective.

Innovation Solution

Inactivated bacterial spores of Bacillus species, specifically Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus atrophaeus, are used, where the spores' DNA or internal structures are damaged without damaging their outer surface, to inhibit malodor production, and these spores are applied to surfaces or washing machines to prevent malodor formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If biocidal substances are used to counteract microorganisms and malodors, then malodor control is improved, but ecotoxicological problems arise and restrictions on use are imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalodor controlVSAvoidecotoxicological properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts harmful biocidal substances into beneficial inactivated spores that maintain antimicrobial activity without ecotoxicological harm. The inactivated spores of Bacillus species provide continuous malodor control by preventing microbial growth on surfaces, replacing toxic biocides with environmentally safe biological agents that have been rendered non-viable through irradiation or heat treatment while retaining their surface integrity and antimicrobial properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the viability parameter of bacterial spores from live to inactivated state through controlled irradiation or heat treatment. This parameter change eliminates the ecotoxicological risks associated with live biocidal substances while preserving the structural integrity of the spore outer surface, which is essential for their antimicrobial activity against malodor-causing organisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If bacterial strains are used to inhibit malodor production, then malodor control is improved, but the effectiveness is only short-term

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalodor controlVSAvoideffectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by inactivating spores before application to ensure they remain on surfaces without germinating and providing prolonged protection. The inactivated spores are prepared in advance through irradiation or heat treatment, then applied to surfaces where they continuously inhibit malodor-causing microorganisms over extended periods without the limitation of short-term effectiveness associated with live bacterial strains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, short-lived live bacterial cultures with inexpensive, long-lasting inactivated spores. The inactivated spores can be produced at low cost through simple irradiation or heat treatment processes and provide sustained malodor control for months or years, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication required by live bacterial strains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If volatile pleasant-smelling substances are used to mask foul odors, then malodor perception is reduced, but the odors are not eliminated and masking agents accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemalodor perceptionVSAvoidmasking agent accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the approach from masking odors with additional volatile substances to eliminating the source of odors using inactivated spores. The inactivated spores prevent microbial growth that produces malodors in the first place, transforming the problem of odor masking into a solution of odor source elimination, thereby avoiding accumulation of masking agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method effectively reduces and prevents malodors over an extended period, providing a long-term solution without the ecotoxicological concerns of traditional biocidal substances, as demonstrated by significant reductions in malodor scores in washing machines and hard surface cleaning tests.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a fabric, a laundry washing machine, a dish washing machine, tableware or hard surfaces in households... with inactivated bacterial spores... to inhibit malodor production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3430117B1Process for controlling malodors using inactivated bacterial spores capable of inhibiting or preventing the production of malodor

Publication Date: 2020.04.29 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to a method for degrading malodors preferably with regard to the treatment of hard and/or soft surfaces, and more particularly relates to the degradation of malodors in dish washing machines, laundry washing machines and in the area of ceramic sanitary ware through contact of said surfaces with inactivated inactivated bacterial spores, inactivated by a method that damages the DNA of the spore cells, or structures or proteins in the interior of the cells, while leaving their outer surface intact, of at least one species of Bacillus.