Probiotic Bacteria for Hydrogen Peroxide Stability in Deinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In deinking recycled fiber pulp processes, the enzymatic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by catalases from detrimental bacteria leads to reduced process efficiency, biofilm formation, and quality issues, which existing biocides fail to adequately address due to their limited effectiveness and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of a composition comprising two or more species of probiotic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which competitively outgrow detrimental microorganisms, inhibiting catalase production and biofilm formation, thereby maintaining hydrogen peroxide stability and process quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides such as dialdehydes or hemiacetals are used to control bacterial growth, then bacterial activity is inhibited, but health and environmental risks increase and effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probiotic bacteria as an intermediary substance to control detrimental bacteria. Instead of directly applying harmful biocides, beneficial probiotic bacteria are introduced to compete with and suppress the growth of detrimental catalase-producing bacteria through biological competition for nutrients and space, thereby eliminating the need for harmful chemical biocides while maintaining effective bacterial growth control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the biological composition parameter of the bacterial population by introducing probiotic species (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) to alter the microbial ecosystem. This parameter change shifts the balance from detrimental bacteria-dominated to probiotic-dominated, achieving bacterial control without harmful chemicals
2Reliability
If conventional biocides are applied to prevent microbial activity, then some bacterial growth is controlled, but biofilm formation and slimes still occur and process quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of bacterial competition into a beneficial outcome. The natural competitive behavior of probiotic bacteria to outcompete detrimental bacteria for nutrients and space is harnessed to suppress catalase production and prevent biofilm formation. The probiotics' growth metabolism becomes the mechanism for controlling harmful bacterial activity without requiring direct antimicrobial action
Solution Approach 2:
Probiotic bacteria serve as an intermediary that indirectly controls biofilm formation and slime production. By establishing a dominant probiotic population, the patent creates a biological barrier that prevents detrimental bacteria from forming biofilms and producing slimes, thereby maintaining peroxide activity and process quality through ecological competition rather than direct inhibition
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 probiotic bacteria effectively prevent hydrogen peroxide decomposition, biofilm formation, and pH/ redox potential decreases, ensuring stable process conditions and product quality without posing health or environmental risks.
Implementation Method 1
probiotic bacteria do not have a biocidal activity, but compete (e.g. over available nutrients and habitable space) with detrimental or unwanted microorganisms to finally outgrow and displace the same
Implementation Method 2
the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide mediated by enzymes, in particular catalases, derived from bacteria in the process solution
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of compositions, comprising one or more species of probiotic bacteria, for inhibiting the enzymatic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in processes of deinking recycled fiber pulp. Further, the present invention relates to respective processes of deinking recycled fiber pulp.