Blood Plasma Pathogen Deactivation by Inert Gas Pressure Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and devices are inadequate for effectively killing or deactivating small pathogens such as viruses in liquids without significantly altering the desirable properties of the liquid, and they often require the use of steam, which is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pressure increase, inert gas dissolution, and rapid pressure drop, combined with temperature control, is used to damage and reduce pathogens in liquids, preserving the liquid's properties by minimizing protein destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used to kill pathogens in liquids, then pathogen reduction is achieved, but the desirable properties of the liquid (composition, biological activity, color, taste, nutritional value) are significantly altered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes physical parameters (pressure, temperature, gas saturation) to achieve pathogen deactivation. By controlling pressure cycles and temperature ranges, the method destroys pathogens while preserving the liquid's composition and biological activity, resolving the contradiction between pathogen reduction and composition stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces inert gas as an intermediary substance that facilitates pathogen destruction through pressure-induced cavitation and mechanical stress. The inert gas bubbles act as mediators that transfer mechanical energy to pathogens during pressure cycles, enabling deactivation without direct thermal or chemical exposure that would alter the liquid's properties
2Reliability
If steam is used to kill pathogens in liquids, then pathogen reduction is achieved, but the process becomes infeasible for certain applications and may alter liquid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal steam-based mechanical system with a pressure-based mechanical system. By using pressure cycles and inert gas saturation, the method achieves pathogen deactivation through mechanical stress and cavitation rather than thermal exposure, expanding adaptability to applications where steam cannot be used
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using inert gas saturation and pressure cycling to achieve pathogen deactivation. The gas-liquid pressure interactions create cavitation and mechanical stress on pathogens, providing a versatile method that works for various liquids without requiring steam infrastructure
3Reliability
If traditional pathogen deactivation methods are used, then pathogen reduction is achieved, but the process time is extended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses periodic pressure cycling (repeated cycles of pressure increase and release) to achieve pathogen deactivation. Each cycle intensifies mechanical stress on pathogens through inert gas bubble formation and collapse, enabling rapid deactivation in minutes rather than hours, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability
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 method achieves significant pathogen reduction in liquids like blood plasma and other biological products while maintaining their desirable qualities, using a process that is rapid and does not rely on steam.
Implementation Method 1
at a pressure greater than ambient pressure, and in some preferred embodiments, about 12.5 bar or more, greater than ambient pressure, some of the gas is dissolved in the liquid
Implementation Method 2
The pressure of the liquid and inert gas mixture is then reduced, such as by the liquid being released through a nozzle, so inert gas is rapidly released from the liquid. This physically damages and reduces the number of pathogens in the liquid.
Implementation Method 3
The liquid may also be heated before and/or after being pressurized in the first vessel, and/or when the liquid is in the second vessel.
Implementation Method 4
The liquid may also be heated before and/or after being pressurized in the first vessel, and/or when the liquid is in the second vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and devices for reducing the number of pathogens in a liquid. The methods or devices uses one or more of pressure, pressure drop, increased temperature, rate of temperature increase, and inert gas to kill pathogens. In one embodiment, inert gas is dissolved into a liquid at a pressure greater than ambient pressure. The pressure is later rapidly reduced, which causes inert gas to be released from the liquid. This reduces the number of pathogens in the liquid. Other method steps or processes that do not utilize inert gas are also disclosed.