Rotating Ceramic Electrode for Plasma Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching bacteriophages to products, particularly small particles, are inefficient due to electrostatic effects that cause dispersion or clumping, making continuous treatment processes unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving controlled electrical potential using a corona discharge on a moving surface, such as a conveyor belt, to attach bacteriophages covalently to objects by grounding or dissipating static charge, combined with a rotating ceramic electrode for even power distribution and cooling, ensuring effective treatment of small particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch manufacturing methods with corona discharge are used to attach bacteriophages to small particles, then covalent bonding and biological activity are achieved, but electrostatic effects cause dispersion or clumping making the process unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive liquid intermediary is introduced between the corona discharge and the small particles. This liquid medium carries the electrical charge away from the particles, preventing electrostatic accumulation while still allowing the reactive species to activate the particle surfaces for covalent bonding with bacteriophages. The liquid acts as a charge sink that mediates the interaction between the electrical discharge and the particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and electrical properties of the treatment environment by introducing a conductive liquid. This transforms the electrical discharge from a vacuum or gas-phase process into a liquid-phase process, fundamentally altering how charge is distributed and dissipated. The conductive liquid changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the system, enabling continuous processing without electrostatic buildup.
2Productivity
If continuous treatment processes are implemented for attaching bacteriophages to small particles, then productivity is improved, but control of electrostatic charge becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive liquid serves as a continuous intermediary medium that simplifies charge control in continuous processing. Instead of complex electrode configurations and timing controls needed for batch processes, the liquid continuously flows through the system, automatically carrying away charge as particles pass through. This transforms a complex control problem into a simple flow-based solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by introducing a liquid flow system to carry particles through the treatment zone. The conductive liquid acts as a fluid medium that transports particles continuously while simultaneously managing electrical charge. This hydraulic approach replaces complex electrostatic control mechanisms with a simpler fluid-based transport and charge dissipation system.
3Strength
If electrical discharge is applied to activate surfaces for molecule attachment, then adhesion is improved, but hydrophilicity increase causes unwanted hydrogen bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive liquid changes the chemical and physical parameters of the surface activation process. Instead of creating highly hydrophilic surfaces with abundant hydrogen bonding sites, the liquid-mediated discharge creates a different surface chemistry that enables covalent bonding without excessive hydrophilicity. The presence of the conductive liquid modifies the reaction pathways and surface properties during activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive liquid acts as an intermediary that mediates the surface activation process. It allows electrical discharge to occur while controlling the chemical outcomes, enabling covalent bonding functionality without the unwanted side effect of excessive hydrophilicity. The liquid intermediates between the electrical energy input and the surface chemical changes, directing the energy toward productive covalent bond formation.
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
Enables continuous and reliable attachment of bacteriophages to small particles, maintaining infectivity and stability, while minimizing electrostatic interference, suitable for applications like food pellets and seeds.
Implementation Method 1
activating the object by exposing it to an electrical discharge
Implementation Method 2
controlling the electrical potential of the surface with respect to its surroundings
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode assembly for exposing an object supported on a moving surface to an electrical discharge comprising: (a) an electrical discharge device capable of generating an electrical discharge, further comprising an electrode having an electrical discharge generating surface capable of generating an electrical discharge originating from an active portion of the surface, wherein the surface is movable in order to allow generation of an electrical discharge from a different portion of the surface; (b) a barrier located in closely spaced separation to an inactive area of the electrode wherein the barrier separates the active portion of the electrode from an inactive portion of the electrode; and (c) means for cooling the inactive portion of the electrode. Methods and uses of the electrode assembly of the invention are also described, in particular exposing an object to an electrical discharge generated by the electrode assembly and further particularly attaching a molecule or macromolecule to an object following exposure of the object to the electrical discharge.