Self-dissolving Capsule Segments Probiotics and Detergent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning agents, especially those containing probiotic microorganisms, face challenges such as sterilization of surfaces by aggressive detergents leading to undesirable biofilm formation and uncontrolled colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, and compatibility issues with self-dissolving polyvinyl alcohol films in capsule formulations.

Innovation Solution

A self-dissolving capsule with two separate cavities containing a washing agent composition and lyophilized probiotic microorganisms, specifically Bacillus species, which are compatible with polyvinyl alcohol films, ensuring stability and effective delivery in washing solutions for dishwashers and washing machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If aggressive detergents are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but harmful sterilization of surfaces occurs leading to uncontrolled colonization by pathogenic microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsterilization of surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning agent is segmented into two separate compartments: one containing aggressive detergents for cleaning effectiveness, and another containing probiotic microorganisms for ecological balance. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without mutual interference during storage and application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Probiotic microorganisms act as an intermediary between the aggressive detergent and the surface environment. They colonize the surface first, creating a protective biofilm that prevents pathogenic microorganisms from establishing, thus mediating the harmful effect of detergent sterilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If probiotic microorganisms are added to cleaning agents, then ecological balance is improved, but compatibility issues with polyvinyl alcohol films occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveecological balanceVSAvoidcompatibility with PVOH film

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is divided into two separate cavities: the first cavity contains the washing agent compatible with PVOH film, while the second cavity contains the probiotic microorganisms. This physical segmentation eliminates direct contact between incompatible substances while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A self-dissolving PVOH film serves as a flexible barrier that separates the two cavities during storage and handling, then dissolves in water to release both components into the washing solution, enabling ecological functionality without compromising film stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If microorganisms are enclosed in self-dissolving capsules, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but harmful changes in microbial flora composition occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery effectivenessVSAvoidmicrobial flora composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule structure segments the microbial component into a separate cavity protected from direct contact with aggressive detergent ingredients, preventing harmful changes in microbial flora while maintaining effective delivery to the target surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probiotic microorganisms are prepared in advance in a stable, protected state within the second cavity, ready to be released in the correct proportions alongside the detergent, ensuring proper microbial flora composition is maintained until application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 capsule maintains the activity and effectiveness of probiotic microorganisms while preventing harmful changes in microbial flora, reducing biofilm formation and pathogenic microorganisms, and providing a stable and efficient cleaning process in various washing applications.

Implementation Method 1

capsules enclosed in self-dissolving films... self-dissolving capsule for preparation of washing solutions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Implementation Method 2

the second one contains a lyophilised or concentrated liquid formulation of the probiotic microorganisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLyophilization: Freeze Drying

Data Source

PatentEP3342846B1Self-dissoluble capsule for preparation of washing solutions

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 GRUPA INCO SA

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AI summary

A self-dissolving capsule for preparation of washing solutions is disclosed, containing chemical materials and probiotic microorganisms.