Antimicrobial Releasing Agent with pH-Controlled Carrier for Food Preservation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current antimicrobial gas releasing agents, such as ASEPTROL 7.05, are not potent enough for certain applications, unstable during processing and handling, and lack control over release profiles, which can lead to inadequate shelf life and safety of food products.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial releasing agent comprising a carrier material with a pH below 3.5, an active compound like metal chlorite, and a hygroscopic trigger, optionally treated with activated carbon or polysulfonic acid, is used to create an entrained polymer that releases chlorine dioxide gas into the headspace of food containers, providing a controlled release profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current antimicrobial gas releasing agents (e.g., ASEPTROL 7.05) are used, then antimicrobial protection is provided, but the agents are not potent enough and lack control over release profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial protection effectivenessVSAvoidrelease profile control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pH of the carrier material to below 3.5, which fundamentally alters the release characteristics of the antimicrobial agent. This pH adjustment enables controlled release profiles and enhances potency, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability of antimicrobial protection and precision of release control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining a pH-adjusted carrier material with metal chlorite and hygroscopic trigger in an entrained polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both the desired antimicrobial potency and controlled release profile, addressing the limitations of conventional single-component systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If current antimicrobial gas releasing agents are used, then antimicrobial protection is provided, but they are unstable during processing and handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial protectionVSAvoidprocessing and handling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antimicrobial system into three distinct functional components: a pH-adjusted carrier material, metal chlorite active compound, and hygroscopic trigger. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall stability during processing and handling, yet achieving reliable antimicrobial protection when activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier material is pre-adjusted to pH below 3.5 during manufacturing, preparing it in advance for controlled antimicrobial release. This preliminary action ensures stability during processing and handling while guaranteeing effectiveness when the product is used, resolving the contradiction between stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If food grade preservatives are used as food components, then preservation is achieved, but they are regarded as unnatural and presenting health risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preservationVSAvoidhealth risks and unnatural perception

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using gas-phase chlorine dioxide release into the headspace as a mediator between the packaging system and the food. This indirect action provides effective preservation without direct contact with food components, addressing consumer concerns about unnatural preservatives while maintaining food safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces conventional chemical preservatives (mechanical/chemical addition to food) with a gas release mechanism. By substituting the preservation mechanism from direct chemical contact to atmospheric gas release, the system achieves effective preservation while eliminating concerns about unnatural food additives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If antimicrobial agents are provided as solid or liquid components requiring direct contact, then effectiveness is achieved, but direct contact with food is undesirable in some applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoiddirect contact requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic approach by releasing antimicrobial chlorine dioxide gas into the headspace of the packaging. This gas-phase delivery system eliminates the need for solid or liquid components to directly contact the food, providing effective antimicrobial protection while maintaining ease of operation and consumer acceptance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentUS20230079404A1Antimicrobial gas releasing agents and systems and methods for using the same

Publication Date: 2023.03.16 CSP TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Disclosed are antimicrobial releasing agents, methods of preparing the antimicrobial releasing agents, and entrained polymers containing antimicrobial releasing agents. The antimicrobial releasing agent is prepared with a carrier having a pH below 3.5. The carrier is optionally polysulfonic acid, phyllosilicate, or others as disclosed. The antimicrobial releasing agent further includes an active compound such as a metal chlorite, and a trigger. Optionally, the antimicrobial releasing agent may be compounded into entrained polymers that release ClO2 in gas form.