Torilidis Fructus Extract for Low-Heat Spore Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spore-forming microorganisms, particularly those in agricultural raw materials, pose challenges in food hygiene and processing due to their heat-resistant nature, as existing sterilization methods either damage food quality or are inefficient in killing dormant spores.

Innovation Solution

An organic solvent extract from Torilidis Fructus, containing bornyl acetate and geranyl acetate, is used to directly damage the spore coat and induce spore death, offering a high sterilization effect without heat treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat treatment at high temperature (121°C) under high pressure is used to kill heat-resistant spores, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but sensory qualities (taste, appearance, texture) and nutrients are significantly damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to sensory qualities and nutrients

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the sterilization parameter from high temperature (121°C) to low temperature by using essential oil extracts. The essential oils achieve spore sterilization at temperatures below 100°C, fundamentally changing the thermal parameter of the sterilization process to preserve food quality while maintaining sterilization effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal sterilization system (heat and pressure) with a chemical/biological system using essential oil extracts. The active components in essential oils (terpenes, phenols, aldehydes) directly interact with spore structures to achieve sterilization without relying on high temperature and pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If indirect sterilization by inducing spore germination at mild temperature (65°C) is used, then sterilization at lower temperature is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and carries high risk of microbial contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization temperatureVSAvoidsterilization time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the active sterilizing components from essential oils (terpenes, phenols, aldehydes) to directly kill spores. This extracted chemical approach eliminates the need for time-consuming germination induction processes, achieving rapid sterilization at low temperatures without the time losses and contamination risks associated with germination-based methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 Torilidis Fructus extract achieves a 99.9-99.99% inactivation of spores, significantly surpassing conventional methods, with a synergistic effect from germination stimulators and surfactant-like compounds, ensuring effective sterilization without quality deterioration.

Implementation Method 1

a synergistic effect from germination stimulators and surfactant-like compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS7927632B2Compositions for sterilizing spores of spore-forming microorganisms comprising the extracts of torilidis fructus

Publication Date: 2011.04.19 CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are a composition comprising an organic acid extract of Torilidis Fructus, which has a sterilization effect on spores of spore-forming microorganisms including fungi and bacteria, and a method of sterilizing spores and vegetative cells using the composition.