Stevensite Adsorbent for Broad-Spectrum Mycotoxin Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mycotoxin adsorbents are ineffective in binding a broad spectrum of mycotoxins, particularly non-aflatoxins, and are costly due to complex and expensive surface modification processes.

Innovation Solution

A mycotoxin adsorbent containing stevensite or stevensite components, which effectively binds a wide range of mycotoxins without the need for organic modification or acid activation, providing enhanced adsorption efficiency for non-aflatoxins like T-2 toxin, ochratoxin, and zearalenone at a lower cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If organically modified layered silicates are used to improve adsorption capacity for non-aflatoxins, then adsorption effectiveness increases, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses natural stevensite clay as a simple, unmodified adsorbent material that can be directly applied without complex organic modification processes. This approach replaces expensive, complexly manufactured organically modified layered silicates with a naturally effective, readily available material that achieves comparable or superior adsorption performance for multiple mycotoxins including non-aflatoxins

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adsorbent by using stevensite clay with specific natural properties (layered silicate structure, cation exchange capacity, surface area) that inherently provide broad-spectrum mycotoxin binding without requiring organic modification. The natural mineralogical composition and surface characteristics of stevensite are utilized to achieve effective adsorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If acid activation is applied to increase adsorption capacity for acidic toxins, then adsorption capacity for fumonisin improves, but ability to bind other toxins decreases and process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption capacity for fumonisinVSAvoidbinding capacity for multiple toxins
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs stevensite clay that naturally possesses multi-functional adsorption capabilities for diverse mycotoxins including aflatoxins, ochratoxin, fumonisin, zearalenone, and T-2 toxin through its layered silicate structure and surface properties. This universal adsorbent replaces acid-activated materials that are optimized for specific toxin types, thereby maintaining broad-spectrum effectiveness without requiring acid activation processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If organophilic surface modification is performed to bind specific toxins, then adsorption effectiveness for certain toxins increases, but cost increases and other toxins remain poorly bound

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption effectiveness for specific toxinsVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, naturally occurring stevensite clay that requires no costly organic modification processes. The natural material provides effective adsorption for multiple mycotoxins at a fraction of the cost of organically modified layered silicates, eliminating the need for expensive surfactants and modification procedures while maintaining or improving adsorption performance

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the natural surface area, pore structure, and cation exchange capacity parameters of stevensite clay to achieve effective mycotoxin binding. These inherent physical and chemical parameters provide broad-spectrum adsorption capability without requiring organic modification, thereby reducing costs while maintaining effectiveness

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 stevensite-based adsorbent achieves superior binding efficiency and cost-effectiveness for a variety of mycotoxins, including non-aflatoxins, without the complexity and expense of traditional surface modifications, making it suitable for use in the feed industry.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to the use of stevensite or stevensite-containing components for the adsorption of toxins, in particular mycotoxins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP1890804B1Use of stevensite for mycotoxin adsorption
Publication Date: 2010.10.06 SUD CHEM AG
  • EP1890804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1890804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1890804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of a composition containing stevensite or at least one stevensite-containing constituent for the adsorption of mycotoxins. The invention also relates to a feed preparation and to a method for treating feedstuff in which this composition is used.