Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device and process
By using a Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device with four independently controlled humidity zones, the problems of low automation and unstable spore quality in Trichoderma production have been solved, achieving efficient and stable spore production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGZHOU DR MIAO BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
In existing Trichoderma production technologies, shallow tray culture has a low degree of automation and is difficult to control contamination by other microorganisms. In horizontal fermenters, the solid materials are not mixed evenly and heat dissipation is difficult, which leads to limited production scale and unstable spore quality.
The Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device includes a material handling unit, fermentation tank, continuous fermentation machine, mixer, mobile screw conveyor, continuous conveying mechanism and continuous fluidized bed dryer. The humidity is gradually reduced through four independently controlled humidity zones to achieve continuous fermentation and improve spore formation and storage stability.
It enables continuous fermentation of Trichoderma, improves production efficiency and spore quality stability, reduces the risk of contamination and labor costs, and optimizes spore formation and storage stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122081052A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of agricultural microbial production, and more specifically, to a Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation apparatus and process. Background Technology
[0002] Trichoderma belongs to the subphylum Deuteromycetes, class Hyphomycetes, order Hyphomyales, family Trichodermataceae, and genus Trichoderma. It is a type of saprophytic fungus widely distributed in ecological environments such as soil, rhizosphere, phylum, and seeds. Trichoderma has a good control effect on plant diseases and also has a good growth-promoting effect on crops.
[0003] Trichoderma's biological control of plant diseases primarily employs four mechanisms: competition, resistance, hyperparasitism, and induced resistance. Hyperparasitism refers to the parasitic action of Trichoderma through recognition, contact, entanglement, and penetration. Trichoderma recognizes pathogens primarily through chemotaxis, meaning it is attracted to pathogens that produce chemical stimuli. Penetration and parasitism mainly occur through cell wall-degrading enzymes produced by Trichoderma, such as chitinase, glucanase, and protease, which degrade the pathogen cell walls, forming an invasion structure and allowing the fungus to enter and absorb nutrients. Simultaneously, Trichoderma promotes plant growth because its cells can produce indoleacetic acid and siderophores. Furthermore, Trichoderma possesses phosphorus and potassium solubilizing properties, recruits beneficial bacteria, improves soil aggregate structure, and enhances crop resistance. Therefore, the large-scale production of high-quality Trichoderma products is receiving increasing attention.
[0004] Current Trichoderma production mainly employs shallow tray culture and horizontal fermenter culture. Shallow tray culture involves spreading the material evenly on a shallow tray for static cultivation. This process has low automation and is difficult to control for contamination by other microorganisms, resulting in a high contamination rate in the product. Horizontal fermenter culture, on the other hand, is limited in scale because solid materials are difficult to mix evenly, and the large volume of solid materials during fermentation hinders heat dissipation.
[0005] Existing technology discloses an automated mass production system for beneficial fungi, including a culture medium supply device, a first conveying device, a second conveying device, a sterilization method, a filling method, a plurality of fermentation devices arranged in sequence, a picking and conveying method, a pulverizing method, and a packaging method. The culture medium supply device supplies culture medium, the first conveying device transports the culture medium to the filling method, the sterilization method pre-sterilizes shallow trays, the second conveying device transports the shallow trays, the filling method fills the shallow trays with culture medium, the picking and conveying method sends the trays filled with culture medium into the fermentation devices for fermentation and drying, the picking and conveying method removes the trays along with the culture medium to the second conveying device, and the second conveying device sends the culture medium to the pulverizing and packaging methods for pulverization and packaging, thereby completing the automated mass production of beneficial fungi. However, in this scheme, the batch static culture of culture medium in the fermentation device using shallow trays cannot achieve continuous fermentation, and the humidity control is singular, failing to optimize spore formation and storage stability, and the spore quality is unstable. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device and process to optimize spore formation and storage stability and improve spore quality stability.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device is provided, comprising a material processing unit, a fermentation tank, a continuous fermenter, and a mixer, a moving screw conveyor, a continuous conveying mechanism, and a continuous fluidized bed dryer connected in sequence; the material processing unit and the fermentation tank are respectively connected to the mixer; the continuous conveying mechanism passes through the continuous fermenter, and the continuous fermenter is provided with a first fermentation area, a second fermentation area, a third fermentation area, and a fourth fermentation area separated by a soft curtain along the conveying direction of the continuous conveying mechanism; the bottom of the soft curtain deforms along the conveying direction after contacting the conveyed material; the first fermentation area, the second fermentation area, the third fermentation area, and the fourth fermentation area are each provided with an independent humidity control device.
[0008] In the Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation apparatus of the present invention, the materials required for Trichoderma solid-state fermentation are processed by the material handling unit and then enter the mixer. After the Trichoderma seed liquid is cultured in the fermentation tank, it is simultaneously transported to the mixer to mix with the solid materials. The mixed materials are then transported by a moving screw conveyor to a continuous conveying mechanism installed in the continuous fermenter for cultivation. The continuous conveying mechanism continuously passes through a first fermentation zone, a second fermentation zone, a third fermentation zone, and a fourth fermentation zone, where the humidity is gradually reduced by each humidity control device. Each zone is separated by a soft curtain. After the bottom of the soft curtain contacts the material, it deforms along the conveying direction to facilitate the passage of the material. The inoculated mycelium grows rapidly in the high humidity environment of the first fermentation zone, producing a large number of mycelia and generating a large number of conidia. Then, it passes through the second, third, and fourth fermentation zones where the humidity is gradually reduced. Through drying stress, the conidia gradually adapt to the drying conditions, thereby improving the storage stability of the dried conidia. After the material passes through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia are mature and fall into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying. The dried material can be used in subsequent formulation processes. This invention enables continuous material feeding, fermentation, and discharging through a continuous conveying mechanism and a continuous fermentation machine, thereby achieving continuous fermentation and improving production efficiency and capacity. Simultaneously, it integrates material handling, inoculation, continuous fermentation, and drying processes, reducing material transfer steps, lowering the risk of contamination, and reducing labor costs. The fermentation process is divided into four independently controlled humidity zones, with humidity gradually reduced to promote mycelial growth and conidia formation, and to enhance spore thermal and storage stability.
[0009] Furthermore, the first fermentation zone, the second fermentation zone, the third fermentation zone, and the fourth fermentation zone are each equipped with an independent temperature control device.
[0010] Furthermore, the continuous fermenter is also provided with a reciprocating drive mechanism and rake teeth. The rake teeth are located in the first fermentation area, and the output end of the reciprocating drive mechanism is connected to the rake teeth to drive the rake teeth to perform reciprocating motion.
[0011] Furthermore, the continuous conveying mechanism includes a drive device and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is circular and has a U-shaped cross-section. The output end of the drive device is connected to the conveyor belt to drive the conveyor belt to circulate. The continuous fermenter is located on top of the conveyor belt.
[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a scraper mechanism for rakeing the material conveyed by the conveyor belt and fermented in the continuous fermentation machine to the continuous fluidized bed dryer.
[0013] Furthermore, it also includes an in-situ cleaning system, which is located at the bottom of the conveyor belt and is used to clean the conveyor belt in circulatory motion in situ.
[0014] Furthermore, the material handling unit includes a continuous sterilization device, a first screw conveyor, and a cooling device connected in sequence, wherein the cooling device is connected to the mixer via a second screw conveyor.
[0015] The present invention also provides a Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation process, applied to the above-mentioned Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device, comprising the following steps: S1: The solid materials required for Trichoderma solid fermentation are processed by the material processing unit and then sent to the mixer. After the Trichoderma seed liquid is cultured in the fermentation tank, it is simultaneously transported to the mixer to mix with the solid materials. S2: The mixed materials are conveyed to the continuous conveying mechanism via a moving screw conveyor; S3: The continuous conveyor transports the mixed materials to the continuous fermenter for cultivation, passing through the first fermentation zone, the second fermentation zone, the third fermentation zone and the fourth fermentation zone with gradually decreasing humidity, to generate conidia; S4: The material falls into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying.
[0016] The Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation process of this invention involves transporting the mixed material via a moving screw conveyor to a continuous conveying mechanism installed in a continuous fermenter for cultivation. The continuous conveying mechanism continuously passes through a first fermentation zone, a second fermentation zone, a third fermentation zone, and a fourth fermentation zone, each with humidity gradually reduced under independent humidity control devices. In the high-humidity environment of the first fermentation zone, the inoculated mycelium grows rapidly, producing a large number of mycelia and conidia. Then, as the material passes through the second, third, and fourth fermentation zones, the humidity is gradually reduced. Through drying stress, the conidia gradually adapt to the drying conditions, thereby improving the storage stability of the dried conidia. After passing through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia are mature and fall into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying. The dried material can be used in subsequent formulation processes. In this embodiment, material feeding, fermentation, and discharging are carried out continuously, which can realize continuous fermentation and improve production efficiency and capacity. At the same time, the material processing, inoculation, continuous fermentation, and drying processes are inherited, reducing material transfer links, reducing the risk of contamination and labor costs. Furthermore, the fermentation process is divided into four humidity-controlled zones, gradually reducing humidity to promote mycelial growth and conidia formation, and improving the thermal stability and storage stability of spores.
[0017] Preferably, in step S3, during the process of the continuous conveyor mechanism passing through the continuous fermenter: The relative humidity in the first fermentation zone is controlled at 80-95%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. The material stays for 3-5 days, and the material is turned over and the mycelium is broken. The relative humidity in the second fermentation zone is controlled at 70-80%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. Material residence time is 1-2 days; The relative humidity in the third fermentation zone is controlled at 60-70%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. Material residence time is 1-2 days; The relative humidity in the fourth fermentation zone is controlled at 40-60%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. The material residence time is 1-2 days.
[0018] Preferably, after unloading, the continuous conveyor will pass through an in-situ cleaning system at the bottom, where it will be cleaned with cleaning solution and water. After cleaning, it will be air-dried and sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the material feeding, fermentation and discharge are carried out continuously, which can realize continuous fermentation, improve production efficiency and production capacity; and the fermentation process is divided into four humidity-controlled zones, gradually reducing humidity to promote mycelial growth and conidia formation, optimize spore formation and storage stability, and improve spore quality stability. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the process principle of the present invention; Figure 2 A comparison of spore concentration and thermal stability during solid-state fermentation under humidity variation treatment (RHV) and constant humidity treatment (RHC). Figure 3 A graph showing the concentration changes of solid-state fermented spores stored at room temperature under constant humidity (RHC) conditions. Figure 4 A graph showing the concentration changes of solid-state fermented spores stored at room temperature under humidity variation (RHV) conditions. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.
[0022] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] Example 1 A Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a material handling unit, a fermenter, a continuous fermenter, and a mixer, a moving screw conveyor, a continuous conveying mechanism, and a continuous fluidized bed dryer connected in sequence. The material handling unit and the fermenter are respectively connected to the mixer. The continuous conveying mechanism passes through the continuous fermenter, and the continuous fermenter has a first fermentation zone, a second fermentation zone, a third fermentation zone, and a fourth fermentation zone separated by a soft curtain along the conveying direction of the continuous conveying mechanism. The bottom of the soft curtain deforms along the conveying direction after contacting the conveyed material. The first fermentation zone, the second fermentation zone, the third fermentation zone, and the fourth fermentation zone are each equipped with an independent humidity control device.
[0024] In the aforementioned Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation device, the materials required for Trichoderma solid-state fermentation are processed by the material handling unit and then enter the mixer. After the Trichoderma seed liquid is cultured in the fermentation tank, it is simultaneously transported to the mixer to mix with the solid materials. The mixed materials are then transported by a moving screw conveyor to a continuous conveying mechanism installed in the continuous fermenter for cultivation. The continuous conveying mechanism continuously passes through the first, second, third, and fourth fermentation zones, where the humidity is gradually reduced by each humidity control device. Each zone is separated by a soft curtain. When the bottom of the soft curtain comes into contact with the material, it deforms along the conveying direction to facilitate the passage of the material. The inoculated mycelium grows rapidly in the high-humidity environment of the first fermentation zone, producing a large number of mycelia and generating a large number of conidia. Then, it passes through the second, third, and fourth fermentation zones, where the humidity is gradually reduced. Through drying stress, the conidia gradually adapt to the drying conditions, thereby improving the storage stability of the dried conidia. After the material passes through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia are mature and fall into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying. The dried material can be used in subsequent formulation processes. In this embodiment, the material feeding, fermentation, and discharging are carried out continuously through a continuous conveying mechanism and a continuous fermentation machine, which can realize continuous fermentation and improve production efficiency and capacity. At the same time, the material handling, inoculation, continuous fermentation and drying processes are inherited, reducing material transfer links, reducing the risk of contamination and labor costs. Furthermore, the fermentation process is divided into four humidity-controlled zones, and the humidity is gradually reduced to promote mycelial growth and conidia formation, and improve the thermal stability and storage stability of spores.
[0025] Specifically, the soft curtain is a deformable rubber structure that hangs inside the continuous fermentation machine. The bottom of the soft curtain contacts the surface of the continuous conveying mechanism to effectively isolate the first fermentation zone, the second fermentation zone, the third fermentation zone, and the fourth fermentation zone, ensuring that the independent humidity control of each zone does not affect each other.
[0026] The Trichoderma seed culture for solid-state fermentation is obtained by culturing in a fermenter for 16-48 hours. The material handling unit includes a sequentially connected continuous sterilization device, a first spiral conveyor, and a cooling device. The cooling device is connected to a mixer via a second spiral conveyor. The continuous sterilization device is a continuous steam sterilization tower. After sterilization in the continuous steam sterilization tower, the materials required for Trichoderma solid-state fermentation are conveyed to the cooling device via the first spiral conveyor for cooling, and then conveyed to the mixer via the second spiral conveyor. Continuous sterilization and conveying, synchronized with the subsequent continuous fermentation, ensure the continuity and smoothness of the production line. Continuous sterilization is more efficient than batch sterilization and reduces the residence time of materials at high temperatures, which helps to protect nutrients.
[0027] The first, second, third, and fourth fermentation zones are each equipped with independent temperature control devices. Temperature is another key factor affecting microbial growth and sporulation. Independent temperature control, in conjunction with humidity control, creates a more precise and ideal environment for each stage, further optimizing fermentation efficiency and spore quality. Simultaneously, solid-state fermentation generates a large amount of heat, and independent temperature control effectively and promptly removes the fermentation heat generated in each zone, preventing localized overheating from affecting cell activity and ensuring the stability of large-scale production.
[0028] The continuous conveying mechanism includes a drive unit and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is circular with a U-shaped cross-section. The output end of the drive unit is connected to the conveyor belt to drive its cyclical movement. The continuous fermenter is located on top of the conveyor belt. The circular conveyor belt ensures the continuous transport of materials, while the U-shaped cross-section effectively accommodates and supports loose solid materials, preventing spillage. It achieves continuous conveying while ensuring capacity and stability, and can be integrated with automated processes for continuous production. Unmanned, lights-out operation is possible within the cultivation workshop.
[0029] Specifically, the width of the "U"-shaped cross-section is 0.5-3m and the depth is 5-10cm. The length of the material cultivation on the conveyor belt at the same time is 20-60m. Meanwhile, the length of the first fermentation zone is 15m and the material residence time is 3 days. The length of the second, third and fourth fermentation zones is 10m and the material residence time is 2 days.
[0030] It also includes an in-situ cleaning system, located at the bottom of the conveyor belt, used for in-situ cleaning of the circulating conveyor belt. After unloading, the material circulates through the in-situ cleaning system from the bottom. The in-situ cleaning system is equipped with a liquid washing mechanism, a clean water washing mechanism, a drying mechanism, and a sterilization mechanism along the conveying direction. Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor belt is cleaned with cleaning solution, rinsed with clean water, air-dried, and sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiation, providing a clean carrier for the next round of fermentation. This fundamentally controls contamination by miscellaneous bacteria, enabling stable and long-term continuous production. Furthermore, the in-situ cleaning system ensures that the equipment does not require disassembly or manual cleaning, making maintenance simple, reducing labor and downtime, and maximizing equipment utilization.
[0031] Example 2 This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except that the continuous fermenter also includes a reciprocating drive mechanism and rake teeth, with the rake teeth located within the first fermentation area, such as... Figure 1As shown, the output end of the reciprocating drive mechanism is connected to the rake teeth to drive them in reciprocating motion. After inoculation, the material is evenly spread on the conveyor belt of the continuous conveying mechanism via a moving screw conveyor. At the front end of the first fermentation zone, after 2-3 days of cultivation, a large amount of Trichoderma mycelium is produced. As the material passes through the reciprocating rake teeth, it is evenly mixed. This mixing facilitates material transport, increases internal porosity, promotes oxygen entry and carbon dioxide expulsion, and makes temperature and humidity distribution more uniform, avoiding localized anaerobic or overheating. Simultaneously, the rake teeth break up the already grown mycelium, promoting conidia formation. This solves the problems of traditional shallow tray cultivation where mixing is impossible and the difficulty and potential damage to mycelium in large-scale fermentation tanks. Conidia are generated in large quantities under the high humidity environment of the first fermentation zone. After 3-5 days, the material moves from the first fermentation zone to the second fermentation zone.
[0032] It also includes a scraper mechanism, used to rake the material conveyed by the conveyor belt after fermentation in the continuous fermenter to the continuous fluidized bed dryer. After the material passes through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia have matured. The scraper mechanism at the end of the conveyor belt raks the material up and it falls onto the continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying. The dried material can be used in subsequent formulation processes. The scraper mechanism achieves a seamless and automated connection from fermentation to drying without manual intervention, making it a key link in the continuous production flow.
[0033] Example 3 A Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation process, applied to the aforementioned Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation apparatus, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps: S1: The solid materials required for Trichoderma solid fermentation are processed by the material processing unit and then sent to the mixer. After the Trichoderma seed liquid is cultured in the fermentation tank, it is simultaneously transported to the mixer to mix with the solid materials. S2: The mixed materials are conveyed to the continuous conveying mechanism via a moving screw conveyor; S3: The continuous conveyor transports the mixed materials to the continuous fermenter for cultivation, passing through the first fermentation zone, the second fermentation zone, the third fermentation zone and the fourth fermentation zone with gradually decreasing humidity, to generate conidia; S4: The material falls into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying.
[0034] The aforementioned Trichoderma solid-state continuous fermentation process involves transporting the mixed material via a moving screw conveyor to a continuous conveying mechanism installed within the continuous fermenter for cultivation. The continuous conveying mechanism continuously passes through a first fermentation zone, a second fermentation zone, a third fermentation zone, and a fourth fermentation zone, each with humidity gradually reduced under independent humidity control devices. In the high-humidity environment of the first fermentation zone, the inoculated mycelium grows rapidly, producing a large number of mycelia and conidia. Then, as the material passes through the second, third, and fourth fermentation zones, the humidity is gradually reduced. This drying stress allows the conidia to gradually adapt to the drying conditions, thereby improving the storage stability of the dried conidia. After passing through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia are mature and fall into a continuous fluidized bed dryer for further drying. The dried material can then be used in subsequent formulation processes. In this embodiment, material feeding, fermentation, and discharging are carried out continuously, which can realize continuous fermentation and improve production efficiency and capacity. At the same time, the material processing, inoculation, continuous fermentation, and drying processes are inherited, reducing material transfer links, reducing the risk of contamination and labor costs. Furthermore, the fermentation process is divided into four humidity-controlled zones, gradually reducing humidity to promote mycelial growth and conidia formation, and improving the thermal stability and storage stability of spores.
[0035] In step S1, the Trichoderma seed liquid for solid-state fermentation is obtained by culturing in a fermenter for 16-48 hours. The culture medium for solid-state fermentation is sterilized by a continuous steam sterilization tower and then transported to a cooling device by a first screw conveyor for cooling. It is then transported to a mixer by a second screw conveyor and mixed evenly with the seed liquid.
[0036] The culture medium used for Trichoderma seed liquid fermentation consists of 3-10% corn starch and 1-5% corn steep liquor powder. 0.1-0.5%, 10-200mg / L 10-100 mg / L, pH 3-9.
[0037] The Trichoderma solid-state fermentation medium consists of 5-20% carbon source, 0.5-5% nitrogen source, 0.1-0.5% phosphate, 60-80% carrier, and a pH of 3-9. The carbon source is one or a combination of agricultural byproducts such as corn flour, corn starch, cassava starch, wheat flour, sweet potato flour, and molasses. The nitrogen source is one or more of the following: corn steep liquor powder, ammonium sulfate, soybean meal powder, soybean cake powder, fish meal, peanut bran, and rapeseed cake. The phosphate content is... , , , One or a combination of them.
[0038] Trichoderma species include, but are not limited to, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma corningensis, Trichoderma longibranchii, Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma hookii, Trichoderma pseudocorningensis, and Trichoderma echinosporum.
[0039] In step S3, during the process of the continuous conveyor mechanism passing through the continuous fermenter: The relative humidity in the first fermentation zone is controlled at 80-95%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. The material stays for 3-5 days, and the material is turned over and the mycelium is broken. The relative humidity in the second fermentation zone is controlled at 70-80%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. Material residence time is 1-2 days; The relative humidity in the third fermentation zone is controlled at 60-70%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. Material residence time is 1-2 days; The relative humidity in the fourth fermentation zone is controlled at 40-60%, and the temperature at 25-35 degrees Celsius. The material residence time is 1-2 days.
[0040] After unloading, the continuous conveyor system passes through an in-situ cleaning system at the bottom, where it is cleaned with cleaning solution and water. After cleaning, it undergoes air drying and ultraviolet irradiation for disinfection and sterilization. Figure 1 As shown, it provides a clean carrier for the next round of fermentation, fundamentally controlling contamination by miscellaneous microorganisms to achieve stable, long-term continuous production. The in-situ cleaning system ensures that the equipment does not require disassembly or manual cleaning, simplifying maintenance, reducing labor and downtime, and increasing equipment utilization.
[0041] In step S4, after the material passes through the fourth fermentation zone, the conidia have matured. The material is then raked up by the scraper mechanism and falls onto the continuous fluidized bed dryer for drying. The scraper mechanism achieves seamless and automated connection from fermentation to drying without manual intervention, making it a key link in the continuous production flow.
[0042] In this embodiment, spores were cultured under both humidity variation treatment (RHV) and humidity constant treatment (RHC). The humidity variation treatment conditions were: 85% humidity in the first fermentation zone for 4 days; 75% humidity in the second fermentation zone for 2 days; 68% humidity in the third fermentation zone for 2 days; and 55% humidity in the fourth fermentation zone for 2 days. The humidity constant treatment conditions were: 85% humidity in the first fermentation zone for 4 days; 85% humidity in the second fermentation zone for 2 days; 85% humidity in the third fermentation zone for 2 days; and 85% humidity in the fourth fermentation zone for 2 days. The concentration, thermal stability, and temperature (25°C) of spores obtained from solid-state fermentation under both conditions were compared. Changes in spore concentration during storage. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the number of spores in the culture obtained after gradually controlling humidity was not significantly different from that obtained under constant humidity, but the thermal stability of the spores could reach 90-100%, which was significantly higher than the 20-30% of that obtained under constant humidity. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, further comparison of conidial storage data under the two culture conditions reveals that the spore count decay rate under humidity variation treatment is significantly slower than that under constant humidity treatment, indicating that the spores are more resistant to storage.
[0043] The method for testing the thermal stability of conidia is as follows: dissolve the conidia in sterile water containing 0.2% Tween 80, and take a portion of the sample at 45°C. Hot water bath for 1 hour, followed by serial dilution and plate testing to detect viable spore count; some samples were not subjected to the 45°C hot water bath. Instead of a hot water bath, the spores were left to stand at room temperature for 1 hour before being serially diluted and plated to detect the number of viable spores. The survival rate of heat treatment was obtained by calculating the ratio of viable spores in the hot water bath treatment to those in the no-hot water bath treatment.
[0044] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0045] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device, characterized by, The application relates to a fermentation device for Trichoderma reesei, which comprises a material processing unit, a fermentation tank, a continuous fermentation machine and a mixer, a moving screw conveyor, a continuous conveying mechanism and a continuous fluidized drying machine which are sequentially connected; the material processing unit and the fermentation tank are connected with the mixer; the continuous conveying mechanism is arranged in the continuous fermentation machine; the continuous fermentation machine is sequentially provided with a first fermentation area, a second fermentation area, a third fermentation area and a fourth fermentation area which are separated by soft curtains and are arranged along the conveying direction of the continuous conveying mechanism; the bottom of the soft curtain is deformed along the conveying direction after contacting the conveyed material; the first fermentation area, the second fermentation area, the third fermentation area and the fourth fermentation area are respectively provided with independent humidity control devices.
2. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fermentation area, the second fermentation area, the third fermentation area and the fourth fermentation area are respectively provided with independent temperature control devices.
3. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous fermentation machine is further provided with a reciprocating driving mechanism and a rake tooth; the rake tooth is arranged in the first fermentation area; the output end of the reciprocating driving mechanism is connected with the rake tooth to drive the rake tooth to make reciprocating motion.
4. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous conveying mechanism comprises a driving device and a conveying belt; the conveying belt is annular; the cross section of the conveying belt is "U" shaped; the output end of the driving device is connected with the conveying belt to drive the conveying belt to make circular motion; the continuous fermentation machine is arranged on the top of the conveying belt.
5. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device further comprises a scraper mechanism which is used for raking the material fermented in the continuous fermentation machine to the continuous fluidized drying machine.
6. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device further comprises an in-situ cleaning system which is arranged on the bottom of the conveying belt and is used for cleaning the circularly moving conveying belt.
7. The Trichoderma solid state continuous fermentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material processing unit comprises a continuous sterilization device, a first screw conveyor and a cooling device which are sequentially connected; the cooling device is connected with the mixer through a second screw conveyor.
8. A solid state continuous fermentation process of Trichoderma using the solid state continuous fermentation device of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The application further discloses a fermentation method for Trichoderma reesei. In step S1, solid materials required for solid fermentation of Trichoderma reesei are sent to the mixer after being processed by the material processing unit; and Trichoderma reesei seed liquid is synchronously sent to the mixer to be mixed with the solid materials after being cultured in the fermentation tank; In step S2, the mixed materials are sent to the continuous conveying mechanism by the moving screw conveyor; In step S3, the mixed materials sent by the continuous conveying mechanism are cultured in the continuous fermentation machine and sequentially pass through the first fermentation area, the second fermentation area, the third fermentation area and the fourth fermentation area with gradually reduced humidity to generate conidiospores; In step S4, the materials fall into the continuous fluidized drying machine to be dried.
9. The solid state Trichoderma continuous fermentation process according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step S3, during the process that the continuous conveying mechanism passes through the continuous fermentation machine: The first fermentation area controls the relative humidity of air at 80-95%, the temperature at 25-35 , and the material residence time at 3-5 days, and the material is stirred and the mycelium is broken. The second fermentation area controls the relative humidity of air to be 70-80%, the temperature to be 25-35 , and the material residence time to be 1-2 days. The third fermentation area controls the relative humidity of air to be 60-70%, the temperature to be 25-35 , and the material residence time to be 1-2 days. The fourth fermentation area controls the relative humidity of air to be 40-60%, the temperature to be 25-35 , and the material residence time to be 1-2 days.
10. The solid state Trichoderma continuous fermentation process according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the continuous conveying mechanism is unloaded, the bottom part passes through the in-situ cleaning system to be cleaned by cleaning liquid and clean water; and after cleaning is completed, the bottom part is air dried and sterilized and disinfected by ultraviolet irradiation.