Synergistic Preservative Composition for Monogastric Animal Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compositions used to prevent pathogenic infections in monogastric animals are not effective enough, as some pathogens can tolerate acidic environments and develop defense mechanisms against existing preservatives, necessitating a composition with improved antibacterial properties.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a synergistic mixture of citric acid, sorbic acid, and thymol, along with other flavouring agents, in specific molar ratios, which can be coated with a delivery agent for controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing antibacterial activity against pathogens like Salmonella typhimurium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing preservatives are used in the gastrointestinal tract, then some protective effect is provided, but pathogenic organisms can develop defense mechanisms and tolerate acidic environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial effectivenessVSAvoidpathogen tolerance to acidic environment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple organic acids (citric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid) with specific flavouring agents (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde) in defined molar ratios to create a composite preservative composition. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different substances to overcome pathogen adaptation to single preservatives, thereby improving reliability while addressing pathogen versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise molar ratios between organic acids and flavouring agents (e.g., thymol: 0.1-10 mmol, carvacrol: 0.1-10 mmol, eugenol: 0.1-10 mmol, cinnamaldehyde: 0.1-10 mmol per 100 mmol total organic acid) to optimize the chemical composition's effectiveness. By controlling these parameters, the composition achieves enhanced antibacterial activity against acid-tolerant pathogens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the composition uses multiple flavouring agents and organic acids in specific ratios, then antibacterial activity is improved, but the complexity of the composition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibacterial effectivenessVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flavouring agents that serve dual functions: they provide the expected flavouring effect in animal feed while simultaneously acting as active preservative components with antibacterial properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate preservative additives, thereby improving effectiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The composition integrates multiple organic acids and flavouring agents into a single formulated product with defined ratios, creating a ready-to-use composite preservative. This approach consolidates multiple active ingredients into one composition unit, improving reliability while managing complexity through standardized formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the composition is released in the gastrointestinal tract, then pathogen elimination is achieved within 24 hours, but controlled release requires coating with delivery agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepathogen elimination speedVSAvoiddelivery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses coating materials (delivery agents) as intermediaries to transport the preservative composition through the gastrointestinal tract and control its release at the target site. These coating materials enable the composition to reach the intended location intact and release the active ingredients in a controlled manner, achieving rapid pathogen elimination while managing the complexity of targeted delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 demonstrates improved antibacterial activity, significantly reducing or eliminating pathogens within 24 hours, providing effective prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in monogastric animals by leveraging the synergy of organic acids and flavouring agents.

Implementation Method 1

The composition demonstrates improved antibacterial activity, significantly reducing or eliminating pathogens within 24 hours

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibacterial activity:

Data Source

PatentEP2185005B2Synergetic composition comprising flavouring substances and organic acids and use thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 VETAGRO INT

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a synergetic mixture of - at least one flavouring compound chosen from the group comprising thymol, vanillin, carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, octanoic acid, heptanoic acid, diallyl disulfide, camphor, limonene, rosmarinic acid, p-cymene, and 1,8 cineole,- and - at least one organic acid chosen from the group comprising lactic acid, malic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid and sorbic acid or an alkali or alkaline-earth metal salt thereof. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of said composition as a preservative for animal foodstuffs and additives intended preferably for monogastric animals.