Oat Protein Sponge Filtration for Microplastic Removal in Feeding Bottles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtration methods for removing microplastics from milk, such as centrifugation, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and adsorption, either fail to effectively capture smaller particles, alter nutrient content, or introduce contaminants, and are not optimized for milk processing, posing risks to infant health and milk quality.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable Oat Protein Sponge (OPS) filter is developed using oat proteins derived from cultivated oats, processed with alkali, acid, and crosslinking agents to form a hydrogel structure with defined pore sizes, capable of filtering microplastics while preserving nutrients, and is integrated into feeding bottles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If chitosan-based filtration is used to remove microplastics, then microplastic removal is achieved, but allergens and unwanted compounds are introduced into the milk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroplastic removalVSAvoidallergen introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from chitosan to oat protein, which fundamentally alters the chemical composition and eliminates allergen risks while maintaining microplastic removal capability through the porous structure's physical filtration mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The oat protein filter is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced, avoiding the need for complex cleaning and sterilization processes required for reusable filters, thereby eliminating cross-contamination risks and ensuring consistent safety performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If activated carbon or magnetic nanoparticles are used for adsorption, then microplastic filtration is efficient, but essential nutrients are removed from the milk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidnutrient loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous oat protein sponge structure with specifically engineered pore sizes that create a physical sieving effect, allowing small nutrient molecules to pass through while trapping larger microplastic particles, thus achieving size-selective filtration without chemical adsorption that would remove nutrients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical adsorption mechanisms (activated carbon, magnetic nanoparticles) with a physical mechanical filtration system based on pore size exclusion, eliminating the non-selective binding that causes nutrient removal while maintaining high microplastic capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If ultrafiltration or nanofiltration is used, then microplastics are removed, but clogging and nutrient loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroplastic removalVSAvoidfilter clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The oat protein sponge provides a three-dimensional porous network with interconnected channels that prevent clogging by allowing uniform flow distribution and preventing particle accumulation, unlike dense membrane structures that are prone to fouling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filter leverages the natural flow dynamics of milk through the porous structure, where the interconnected pores create multiple flow paths that adapt to particle loading, preventing dead zones and maintaining consistent filtration performance without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 OPS filter effectively removes microplastics with 75-81.2% adsorption efficiency and maintains milk quality by allowing nutrient passage, offering a sustainable and safe solution for infant feeding.

Implementation Method 1

The OPS filter effectively removes microplastics with 75-81.2% adsorption efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250325452A1Oat protein sponge filter for feeding bottles and method of preparation thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 PES UNIV

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method for preparing an Oat Protein Sponge (OPS) filter for feeding bottles to remove microplastics. The method involves isolating proteins from oats using cell disruption with alkali. The oats are cultivated through tissue culture and/or hydroponics. The isolated protein is then made soluble through incubation and breakdown, followed by neutralization with a strong acid such as Hydrochloric or Sulfuric acid. The resulting protein is concentrated oat protein, treated with a crosslinking agent, and formed into a sponge structure. This structure is incubated to create a stable hydrogel, which is subsequently washed and purified. The OPS filter effectively removes microplastics from milk and is integrated into feeding bottles, providing a solution to enhance milk safety and quality for infants.