Probiotic Alginate Gelation for Thermal Stability
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving probiotics are limited, as they are not resistant to high temperatures and require cryoprotectants or endospore formation, which is only suitable for a small number of bacterial species, and the use of antibiotics in aquaculture leads to drug resistance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing bacterial cell suspensions with a sodium alginate or alginic acid solution at specific ratios and adding it to a calcium ion solution to create an immobilized probiotic composition that can withstand high temperatures and long-term storage at room temperature, applicable in feed preparation and human consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotics are sprayed onto the surface of feed after preparation, then probiotic viability is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The probiotics are incorporated into the feed during the preparation process rather than being added afterward. The feed mixture is sprayed with probiotic suspension before extrusion, allowing probiotics to be embedded in the feed matrix during processing, thus eliminating the need for post-preparation spraying and reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses low temperature processing parameters (spray temperature below probiotic heat resistance threshold, extrusion temperature controlled to prevent probiotic death) to maintain probiotic viability while enabling incorporation during feed preparation. This allows the probiotics to survive the feed manufacturing process without requiring separate post-processing addition
2Manufacturing precision
If feed is heated to high temperature during preparation, then feed quality is improved, but probiotics are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
Probiotics are added to the feed mixture before extrusion processing. The spray application occurs during the feed preparation stage, allowing probiotics to be positioned within the feed matrix before the high-temperature extrusion process, where they are protected by the surrounding feed material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the extrusion temperature and processing time parameters to balance feed quality improvement with probiotic survival. By optimizing these thermal parameters, the feed achieves proper cooking and quality while the probiotics, embedded in the matrix, survive the thermal processing
3Productivity
If probiotics are incorporated during feed preparation, then processing efficiency is improved, but probiotic survival during high-temperature processing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including spray temperature (kept below probiotic heat resistance threshold), extrusion temperature and pressure, and processing time. These parameter adjustments allow probiotics to be incorporated during feed preparation and survive the subsequent high-temperature extrusion process, achieving both processing efficiency and probiotic survival
Solution Approach 2:
The feed matrix itself acts as a protective intermediary between the probiotics and the high-temperature extrusion environment. By embedding probiotics within the feed mixture before extrusion, the surrounding feed material provides thermal protection, allowing probiotics to survive the high-temperature processing that occurs during efficient feed manufacturing
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 method allows for the long-term preservation and high-temperature resistance of various probiotic strains, reducing the need for antibiotics and enhancing animal or human immunity, while maintaining intestinal health and reducing drug resistance.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the bacterial cell suspension with a sodium alginate solution or an alginic acid solution... and adding the mixture to a calcium ion solution until the mixture is immobilized in a shape
Implementation Method 2
adding the mixture to a calcium ion solution until the mixture is immobilized in a shape
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for preserving a probiotic composition, including: providing a bacterial cell suspension, which is one or more bacterial cell suspensions of a bacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii; mixing the bacterial cell suspension with a sodium alginate solution or an alginic acid solution; and adding the mixture to a calcium ion solution until the mixture is immobilized in a shape. The technology of the present invention has the effects of long-term preservation at room temperature and resistance to high temperature, and can be applied to ordinary bacterial strains, without being limited to a small number of bacterial species able to form endospore, and without requiring the strains to be frozen for preservation. The method of the present invention can be applied to the preparation of aquatic feeds, animal feeds, or probiotics that human beings need.