Protein Soil Detection Composition With Rapid Color Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning methods are inefficient in removing protein-based soils and biofilms, often requiring trained personnel, expensive equipment, and providing inaccurate or delayed results, and do not effectively monitor cleaning efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising copper sulfate and a reagent capable of reacting with copper sulfate to produce a visible color reaction when contacted with protein or biofilm, applied to surfaces to rapidly detect their presence, allowing for quick assessment of cleaning effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing cleaning detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases and requires specialized equipment and training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a colorimetric detection method where the composition changes color in the presence of protein soils or biofilms. The copper sulfate reacts with proteins to produce a visible color change (typically blue-green), enabling rapid visual detection without specialized equipment. This directly addresses the contradiction by providing both accurate detection and rapid results within seconds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simple, inexpensive chemical composition that can be applied directly to surfaces for immediate detection. The composition is designed for single-use application where it is sprayed or applied to the surface, allowed to react briefly, and then discarded or rinsed off. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable specialized equipment while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If existing cleaning detection methods are used, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection composition is designed to be self-indicating through color change, eliminating the need for complex measurement instruments or trained operators. The chemical reaction automatically provides a visual signal when protein soils are detected, making the system reliable yet simple to operate by any personnel without specialized training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic detection systems with a simple chemical reaction system. Instead of using sophisticated instruments that require calibration and maintenance, the invention uses a chemical composition that automatically reacts with protein soils to produce a visible color change, simplifying the entire detection apparatus to just the chemical solution and application method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If rapid detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The composition is formulated with specific pH levels and chemical concentrations optimized for rapid reaction with protein soils. The copper sulfate and other reagents are selected and dosed to achieve fast color development (within seconds) while maintaining sufficient sensitivity to detect even small amounts of protein contamination, thus achieving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition enables rapid detection of protein or biofilm on surfaces within seconds, providing a visible color reaction without the need for specialized equipment or training, and serves as a tool for improving cleaning procedures and training personnel.

Implementation Method 1

a reagent capable of reacting with the copper sulfate to produce a visible color reaction when contacted with protein or biofilm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS12510545B2Method and composition for rapid detection of protein soils
Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

A method for detecting presence of protein or biofilm on a surface includes applying a composition to the surface, and observing a color reaction if protein or biofilm is present on the surface. The composition comprises a first part that includes copper sulfate and a second part that includes a reagent capable of reacting with the copper sulfate to produce a visible color reaction when contacted with protein or biofilm.