Microbial Stabilizer Matrix for Ambient Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stabilizing microorganisms for extended storage under ambient conditions without refrigeration or special packaging are inadequate, as many microorganisms are sensitive to temperature and humidity, leading to rapid viability loss.

Innovation Solution

A microbial composition comprising fermentation solids embedded in a non-hygroscopic matrix with a moisture-regulating binder and a detackifier, along with an optional protective stabilizer, is developed, allowing for partial drying to maintain a moderate water content and water activity, thereby enhancing stability under ambient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If microorganisms are stored under ambient conditions without refrigeration or special packaging, then storage simplicity and cost are improved, but microorganism viability is lost quickly due to sensitivity to temperature and humidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidmicroorganism viability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (protective stabilizer matrix) that mediates between the microorganisms and the ambient environment. This matrix acts as a buffer that protects sensitive microorganisms from direct exposure to harmful temperature and humidity conditions while still allowing ambient storage without refrigeration or special packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the storage environment by incorporating protective stabilizers that modify the matrix properties. This includes adjusting water activity, glass transition temperature, and other parameters to create a protective microenvironment that maintains microorganism viability under ambient conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If microorganisms are dried to low water activity levels through lyophilization or freeze drying, then storage stability is improved, but the complexity of the drying process and equipment requirements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoiddrying process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protective stabilizers that provide effective protection with moderate drying levels, avoiding the need for complex, expensive lyophilization or freeze-drying equipment. The stabilizers enable a simpler, more economical drying approach that achieves sufficient stability without requiring sophisticated drying systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the drying parameters by using protective stabilizers that allow effective preservation at higher water activity levels than traditional methods. This changes the optimal drying endpoint from very low water activity (requiring complex equipment) to moderate water activity levels achievable with simpler drying processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If hygroscopic salt coatings are applied to dehydrated microorganisms to attract moisture from the environment, then moisture protection is improved, but the salt coating eventually saturates and loses protective ability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidprotection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of ambient humidity into a beneficial protective mechanism. The protective stabilizer matrix uses its own hygroscopic properties to bind water molecules before they can reach and harm the microorganisms, effectively using moisture attraction as a protective shield rather than a source of damage.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite protective system combining the microorganisms with a protective stabilizer matrix. This composite structure integrates multiple functional components that work together to provide sustained protection, including water binding, glass transition elevation, and physical barrier properties, preventing the saturation problem of simple salt coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution effectively extends the storage life of microorganisms by maintaining viability and stability at ambient temperatures and humidity levels, avoiding the need for refrigeration or special packaging, and is applicable to various microbial structures including bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

Implementation Method 1

the protective stabilizer matrix can bind water and maintain low water activity, thereby protecting the embedded microorganisms from taking up water and degrading

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHygroscopic absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20210392880A1Stable microbial composition and drying process

Publication Date: 2021.12.23 DANISCO US INC

AI summary

Described are compositions and methods relating to formulations and process conditions for stabilizing microorganisms for extended storage under ambient conditions without refrigeration, humidity control, or special packaging.