Microorganism Detection in Papermaking Using Molecular Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying microorganisms in papermaking systems are inadequate, particularly for paper sheets and felts, as they often rely on live organisms which may be killed off by the time samples are taken, leading to false positives and inadequate treatment, and fail to accurately distinguish between biological and non-biological causes of defects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring the microorganism population and specific subgroups using techniques like Chain Termination Sequencing, DGGE, and qPCR Analysis to determine if certain microorganisms exceed a threshold, allowing for targeted bio-control measures, even in desiccated samples, and identifying input sources to remediate the issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art methods such as culture-based analysis are used to identify microorganisms, then live organisms can be detected, but the method becomes inadequate when samples are taken from paper sheets or felts because live organisms are killed off during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces culture-based mechanical/biological detection methods with molecular genetic analysis methods (PCR, sequencing, DGGE) that detect microbial DNA directly in samples without requiring live organisms. This substitution allows accurate identification of microorganisms in processed samples where live cells would be absent or degraded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molecular intermediaries (DNA, RNA, or other biomolecules) as proxies for detecting microorganisms. Instead of directly observing live cells, the method detects genetic material that persists in samples even after the organisms have been killed or processed, providing reliable detection without requiring viable cells.
2Productivity
If alternative methods like ninhydrin or IR spectroscopy are used to detect microorganisms, then detection can be performed on processed samples, but false positives occur because these methods detect materials with non-biological origins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific molecular intermediaries (DNA, RNA, or other biomolecules) that are unique to microorganisms. By targeting these specific molecular signatures rather than using general detection methods, the patent can distinguish biological materials from non-biological contaminants, eliminating false positives while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses detection on specific local molecular characteristics (genetic sequences, biomolecular signatures) that are distinctive to microorganisms. This localized analysis of specific molecular properties allows precise identification of biological origins versus non-biological materials, providing high specificity without sacrificing detection sensitivity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If aggressive chemical treatment is applied to control microbial infestation, then microbial growth can be suppressed, but the treatment reduces the useful life of felt and degrades paper quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary identification and targeting of specific microbial populations before they cause significant damage. By detecting and characterizing microorganisms early in the infestation process, the system can implement targeted control measures that address the root cause without requiring aggressive chemical treatments, thereby preserving felt lifetime and paper quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables targeted control measures that are specific to the identified microbial population rather than applying broad-spectrum aggressive chemicals. By matching the control strategy to the specific biological characteristics of the detected microorganisms, the system achieves effective microbial growth control while minimizing harmful effects on felt and paper 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
This approach enables accurate identification and remediation of microorganism-caused problems in papermaking systems, reducing false positives, extending felt lifetime, and improving process efficiency by targeting specific microbial populations before they cause defects.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the overall microorganism population in at least a portion of the system; measuring the amount of at least one subgroup of microorganism population
Implementation Method 2
techniques like Chain Termination Sequencing, DGGE, and qPCR_analysis
Implementation Method 3
techniques like Chain Termination Sequencing, DGGE, and qPCR_analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular potion of a water process system. The method involves obtaining a sample from the process and determining if a problematic organism exceeds an acceptable threshold. If so a remedial bio-control procedure can be applied long before any unwanted defects or problems occur.