Soluble Film Extraction Buffer for Mycotoxin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting contaminants like mycotoxins and GMOs from agrarian products are inefficient, requiring multiple solvents and skilled personnel, and often introduce hazardous chemicals, complicating the detection process and increasing costs due to the need for extensive testing before unloading grain.
Innovation Solution
A method using a solvent-soluble extraction buffer with surfactants, contacted with cold water in a mixing vessel, allows for quantitative extraction of mycotoxins without hazardous reagents, enabling simple, rapid testing by unskilled personnel, using a foldable plastic bag device that eliminates the need for multiple solvents and equipment, and allows for in-situ analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, chloroform, acetonitrile) are used to extract contaminants, then extraction effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors increase due to hazardous chemicals being introduced into the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction solvent from hazardous organic compounds to safe water-based buffers with specific pH values (e.g., phosphate buffer pH 7.4, carbonate buffer pH 9.1). This parameter change maintains extraction effectiveness for mycotoxins while eliminating the harmful chemical factors associated with conventional solvents like ethanol, methanol, and chloroform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable plastic bags containing the extraction buffer as a single-use system. The buffer is contained in a soluble film that dissolves after use, eliminating the need for complex recovery or neutralization procedures. This disposable approach replaces the need for hazardous organic solvents that require careful handling, storage, and disposal infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different solvents are kept in store to test for various mycotoxins, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to store and manage multiple solvents and test strips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal extraction buffer system that can detect multiple types of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, zearalenones) using a single water-based buffer formulation. The buffer is designed to be compatible with different detection methods (colorimetric, fluorescent, ELISA) and can be used with various sample types (grains, spices, beverages), eliminating the need to store and switch between multiple specialized solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple solvents and test strips into a single integrated buffer system. The extraction buffer combines the extraction capability with compatibility markers and can be used with multiple detection methodologies simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the complexity of managing separate solvent stores while maintaining the ability to test for various mycotoxin types.
3Reliability
If extensive testing is performed before unloading grain, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time required for multiple tests and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the extraction and detection actions in advance, before the grain needs to be unloaded. The buffer is pre-prepared and packaged in disposable containers, allowing for rapid on-site testing. The preliminary extraction step is simplified to a single mixing action rather than multiple sequential solvent extractions, reducing the time required while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the complex multi-step extraction process by using a direct water-based buffer system that extracts mycotoxins in a single step. The soluble film container dissolves rapidly upon contact with water, eliminating the need for separate container removal and buffer transfer steps. This rushing through of the extraction process reduces testing time while maintaining the reliability of mycotoxin detection.
4Measurement precision
If grain is ground and tested at granaries, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for skilled personnel and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the testing system to serve itself by using a pre-packaged buffer system that requires minimal preparation. The disposable plastic bags with soluble films are designed to be opened and used directly without requiring skilled laboratory techniques. The buffer automatically performs the extraction function when mixed with the sample, eliminating the need for skilled personnel to manage complex solvent systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that simplifies the operation. Instead of requiring skilled personnel to handle hazardous organic solvents, water serves as a safe, simple intermediary that dissolves the extraction buffer and enables the extraction process. This intermediary approach maintains detection accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation for unskilled personnel.
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 ensures reliable, quantitative extraction of mycotoxins with minimal reagents and equipment, reducing costs and time, and allows for immediate determination of contaminant presence, facilitating safe and efficient handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
the extraction buffer, which is contained in a film soluble in the solvent and is supplemented with at least one surfactant, in particular nonionic surfactant
Implementation Method 2
A method for extracting contaminants from agrarian products or from the surfaces of agrarian products, or foods or animal feeds containing agrarian products
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for extracting contaminants from agrarian products or foods or animal feeds containing agrarian products, comprising contacting a solvent for the contaminants with the agrarian products containing or having adsorbed the contaminants, or the foods or animal feeds, and at least one extraction buffer in an optionally closable mixing vessel, the extraction buffer, which is contained in a film soluble in the solvent and is supplemented with at least one surfactant, in particular nonionic surfactant, and the contaminated agrarian product or food or animal feed are contacted with cold water as solvent in the mixing vessel, and the extraction buffer and the contaminants are brought into solution by agitating or stirring in the mixing vessel; and apparatus therefor.