Multi-Ion Storage Stabilizer for Aqueous pH and Microbial Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage stabilization agents for aqueous preparations are inadequate in stabilizing pH and preventing microbial growth, often toxic, and have limitations at reduced concentrations, failing to effectively prevent microorganisms and bacteriophages while being environmentally hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A storage stabilization agent comprising at least two different water-soluble or water-dispersible ion sources, such as bismuth, magnesium, sodium, or zinc ions, stabilizes pH and prevents microbial growth without conventional antimicrobials, ensuring safety and efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional storage stabilizers and antimicrobial agents are used, then microbial growth is prevented and pH is stabilized, but environmental and human health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental and health risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using metal ion sources (bismuth, magnesium, sodium, potassium, or zinc ions) at specific concentrations (0.01-5.0 wt.%) to achieve pH stabilization and antimicrobial effects, replacing conventional harmful stabilizers with safer metal ion-based systems that provide the same functional benefits without environmental damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs readily available, inexpensive metal ion sources that can be easily incorporated into aqueous compositions. These metal ions provide short-term effective stabilization during storage periods, after which they can be replaced or degraded without long-term environmental persistence, aligning with the principle of using affordable, short-lived alternatives to harmful persistent chemicals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the concentration of storage stabilizers is reduced, then environmental toxicity is minimized, but the ability to prevent microbial growth and stabilize pH is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental toxicityVSAvoidmicrobial prevention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite stabilization system by combining multiple metal ion sources together or with other compatible substances. This composite approach allows each component to contribute to the overall stabilization effect, enabling effective microbial prevention and pH control at lower total concentrations than would be required for single-substance systems, thereby reducing environmental toxicity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional antimicrobial agents are used, then microbial and bacteriophage growth is prevented, but the preparation becomes toxic to humans and environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobial protectionVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful presence of metal ions, which can have antimicrobial effects at high concentrations, into a beneficial low-toxicity preservation system by using them at optimized low concentrations (0.01-5.0 wt.%). The metal ions provide sufficient microbial and bacteriophage protection while remaining safe for human and environmental contact, effectively turning a double-edged sword into a beneficial tool

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 agent effectively stabilizes pH and prevents microbial growth for extended periods, reducing the need for additional antimicrobials and minimizing environmental toxicity.

Implementation Method 1

comprising at least two different water soluble or water dispersible ion sources selected from the group consisting of water soluble or water dispersible source of bismuth ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of magnesium ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of sodium ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of potassium ions and water soluble or water dispersible source of zinc ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH stabilization through ionic equilibrium:

Implementation Method 2

The storage stabilization agent stabilizes pH and prevents microbial growth without conventional antimicrobials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntimicrobial effect of metal ions:

Data Source

PatentUS20250324974A1Storage stabilization agent for stabilizing aqueous compositions, process for stabilizing and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 OMYA INT AG

AI summary

The present invention relates to a storage stabilization agent for stabilizing an aqueous composition upon storage comprising at least two different water soluble or water dispersible ion sources selected from the group consisting of water soluble or water dispersible source of bismuth ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of magnesium ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of sodium ions, water soluble or water dispersible source of potassium ions and water soluble or water dispersible source of zinc ions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an aqueous preparation comprising the storage stabilization agent, a process for stabilizing an aqueous preparation upon storage as well as the use of the storage stabilization agent for stabilizing the pH value of an aqueous preparation or preventing microorganisms as well as viruses and/or bacteriophages from growing or both.