Microalgae culture monitoring system capable of monitoring microalgae carbon fixation and carbon flow direction in real time

Abstract

The invention relates to a microalgae culture monitoring system capable of monitoring microalgae carbon fixation and carbon flow direction in real time. The microalgae culture monitoring system comprises a culture bottle, an air supply device, an air metering pump, a tail gas carbon dioxide fixation device and a marker detection device, the microalgae are cultured in the culture device; the air supply device is used for introducing air containing CO2 in a specific proportion into the culture solution in the culture bottle through the air metering pump; the tail gas carbon dioxide detection device is communicated with the culture device through a pipeline and is used for detecting CO2 released by the culture device; and the tail gas carbon dioxide fixing device is communicated with the atmosphere through an exhaust port. The system provided by the invention can be used for monitoring the supply amount and the discharge amount of CO2 in real time so as to obtain the real-time carbon sequestration condition of the microalgae, and the carbon flow direction in microalgae cells can be obtained by combining isotope 13C with instruments such as a Raman spectrometer, so that the growth and metabolism of the microalgae can be deeply researched, and convenience is provided for the research of the microalgae and the screening of high-quality target algae strains.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of microalgae research and monitoring, specifically relating to a microalgae cultivation monitoring system that can monitor microalgae carbon fixation and carbon flow direction in real time. Background Technology

[0002] Microalgae fix carbon dioxide from the environment through photosynthesis and introduce carbon flow into specific metabolic pathways during metabolism to synthesize corresponding metabolites, such as sugars, lipids, and proteins, thereby achieving the accumulation of biomass and specific metabolites.

[0003] To detect the biomass accumulation and carbon flow of microalgae during cultivation, it is necessary to introduce carbon dioxide (C₂O₃) into the atmosphere during the cultivation process. 12 Isotopes of C (e.g., stable isotopes) 13 C) The carbon dioxide is composed of multiple samples, and the cell density or chlorophyll concentration is measured to characterize the biomass and thus roughly estimate the amount of carbon fixation. The isotope content in specific substances is also detected to study the carbon flow.

[0004] However, this method has many drawbacks. First, it cannot accurately calculate the amount of carbon fixed by microalgae in real time during cultivation; it can only indirectly characterize carbon fixation through indicators such as cell density and chlorophyll concentration. Second, this method requires multiple samplings during cultivation, which greatly disturbs the microalgae cultivation conditions and increases systematic errors.

[0005] Therefore, a new culture and detection system is needed for real-time monitoring of microalgae culture and carbon flow direction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above issues, this invention provides a microalgae cultivation monitoring system capable of real-time monitoring of microalgae carbon fixation and carbon flow, comprising a culture flask, an air supply device, an air metering pump, a tail gas carbon dioxide fixation device, and a marker detection device.

[0007] The microalgae are cultured in the culture device;

[0008] The air supply device introduces air containing a specific proportion of CO2 into the culture medium in the culture flask through the air metering pump;

[0009] The exhaust carbon dioxide detection device is connected to the culture device through a pipeline to detect the CO2 released by the culture device;

[0010] The exhaust carbon dioxide fixation device is connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust port.

[0011] In one specific implementation, the carbon atoms in the CO2 supplied by the air supply device are 12 C and / or stable isotopes13 C, the marker detection device is a Raman spectrometer.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the exhaust carbon dioxide fixation device includes a base, one or more collection bottles and an inlet pipe, each of the collection bottles being filled with carbon dioxide fixation packing; the collection bottles are detachably mounted on the base, and the inlet pipe passes through the base, with one end connected to the culture bottle via a pipeline and the other end connected to the collection bottle.

[0013] The system of this invention can monitor CO2 supply and emission in real time, thereby obtaining real-time carbon fixation status of microalgae, and further, by using isotopes 13 Combining C with instruments such as Raman spectroscopy, the carbon flow direction within microalgal cells can be obtained, thereby enabling in-depth research on microalgal growth and metabolism, and providing convenience for microalgal research and the screening of high-quality target algal strains.

[0014] In one specific implementation, a condenser is also provided above the gas outlet of the culture flask.

[0015] In one specific implementation, the condensation section includes a condenser tube and a cooling jacket;

[0016] The condenser tube is connected to the culture flask, and the outside of the condenser tube is wrapped with a cooling jacket, which is filled with coolant.

[0017] By incorporating a cooling unit, the collection bottle absorbs only carbon dioxide, preventing the absorption of water vapor and facilitating quantitative analysis of the carbon dioxide content. Furthermore, since the water flows back into the culture bottle, the weight of the culture bottle and the microalgae culture remains unchanged due to evaporation. Therefore, this provides a basis for real-time monitoring of weight changes in the culture bottle to characterize biomass changes, and also for real-time monitoring of weight changes in the collection bottle to characterize carbon dioxide emissions.

[0018] In one specific implementation, the condenser tube includes an inlet end, one or more vent pipes, a confluence end, and a return pipe;

[0019] The air inlet is connected to the collection bottle;

[0020] The air inlet, air vent, and manifold are connected sequentially from bottom to top.

[0021] One end of the reflux tube is connected to the bottom of the confluence end, and the other end extends into the culture flask;

[0022] The cooling jacket encloses the vent pipe, the return pipe, and the bottom of the confluence end.

[0023] In one specific implementation, the bottom of the confluence end is funnel-shaped.

[0024] One end of the reflux tube is connected to the lowest point of the confluence end, and the other end extending into the culture bottle has its diameter narrowed to a needle shape to form a drip head, so that the condensate can be better returned to the culture bottle.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the diameter of the vent pipe 51 is less than 2 / 3 of the diameter of the top circle of the funnel-shaped bottom at the confluence end.

[0026] In one specific implementation, a weight sensor is provided below both the culture flask and the collection flask.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, the coolant is a liquid coolant. Using a liquid coolant facilitates the real-time replacement of the coolant in the cooling jacket, thereby better maintaining the low temperature in the condenser tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system structure in Example 1.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a carbon dioxide fixation device for exhaust gas.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure in Example 2.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the condenser section.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the condenser section.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the condenser tube in the condenser section.

[0034] The component names corresponding to the numbers in the diagram are as follows: 1. Culture flask, 11. Sample window, 2. Air supply device, 3. Air metering pump, 4. Tail gas carbon dioxide fixing device, 41. Inlet pipe, 42. Collection bottle, 43. Exhaust port, 44. Base, 5. Condenser, 51. Condenser tube, 511. Inlet end, 512. Vent pipe, 513. Confluence end, 514. Reflux pipe, 5141. Dropper, 52. Cooling jacket, 53. Connecting pipe, 6. Raman spectroscopy detection device, 7. First weight sensor, 8. Second weight sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the microalgae culture monitoring system of this embodiment includes a culture bottle 1, an air supply device 2, an air metering pump 3, a tail gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4, and a Raman spectroscopy detection device 6.

[0038] The culture bottle 1 contains microalgae culture medium, and the air supply device 2 contains air with a specific proportion of CO2, wherein the carbon element in the CO2 is 13C. The air supply device 2 introduces the air into the microalgae culture medium of the culture bottle 1 through the air metering pump 3. The culture bottle 1 is connected to the exhaust gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4 through a pipeline. The exhaust gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4 is connected to the atmosphere through an exhaust port 43. The exhaust gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4 is provided with carbon dioxide fixing packing.

[0039] A sample window 11 is provided on the side wall of the culture flask 1, and the detection part of the Raman spectroscopy detection device 5 is connected to the sample window 11;

[0040] The exhaust gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4 includes one or more collection bottles 42, each of which is filled with carbon dioxide fixing packing material for fixing and absorbing carbon dioxide. The collection bottle 42 is detachably mounted on the base 44, and the air inlet pipe 41 passes through the base 44, with one end connected to the culture bottle 1 via a pipeline and the other end connected to the collection bottle 42.

[0041] During use, an air metering pump 3 supplies air from the air supply device 2 to the culture flask 1 containing a specific ratio of... 13 The CO2-rich air is supplied by an air metering pump 3, which measures the amount of gas supplied in real time. After passing through the microalgae culture, the incoming air passes through the tail gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4, where the carbon dioxide in the tail gas is fixed in a collection bottle 42, while other components (oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) are released into the air.

[0042] Collection bottle 42 is periodically removed from base 44 to measure carbon dioxide emissions. Combined with gas supply data measured by air metering pump 3 during this period, the carbon dioxide fixation status of the microalgal culture can be determined. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy detection device 5 can detect changes in some metabolites in algal cells in real time. By combining these data, the carbon fixation status and carbon flow of microalgae at different time periods can be easily determined, aiding in microalgal physiological and biochemical research and the screening of target microalgal strains.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment is an improvement upon embodiment 1. For example... Figure 3As shown, a condenser section 5 is also provided above the gas outlet of the culture flask. The condenser section 5 includes a condenser tube 51 and a cooling jacket 52. The condenser tube 51 is connected to the culture flask 1 through a connecting tube 53. The condenser tube 51 is wrapped with a cooling jacket 52, which is filled with coolant. The low temperature of the condenser tube 51 can be maintained by replacing the cooling jacket 52, or by replacing the coolant in the cooling jacket. With the above configuration, when the gas in the culture flask 1 passes through the condenser section 5, the water vapor in the gas is trapped and flows back into the culture flask 1 along the tube wall.

[0045] However, the above setup has a certain problem: water vapor condenses into water droplets in the condenser tube 51 and may block the condenser tube 51, and under the pressure of the air, it may enter the collection bottle 42 along the pipeline.

[0046] To prevent the above situation from occurring, the design of the condenser section should be further improved. For example... Figure 4-6 As shown, the condenser tube 51 includes an inlet end 511, one or more vent pipes 512, a confluence end 513, and a return pipe 514. The collection bottle 1 is connected to the inlet end 511 via a connecting pipe. The inlet end 511, vent pipes 512, and confluence end 513 are connected sequentially from bottom to top. The bottom of the confluence end 513 is funnel-shaped. One end of the return pipe 514 is connected to the lowest point of the bottom of the confluence end 513, and the other end is narrowed to a needle shape to form a drip head 5141. The drip head 5141 passes through the top of the inlet end 511 and extends into the culture bottle 1, located near the top of the culture bottle 1. The cooling jacket 52 covers the funnel-shaped bottom of the vent pipes 512, the return pipe 514, and the confluence end 513. The diameter of the vent pipe 512 is smaller than the top circle diameter of the funnel-shaped bottom of the confluence end 513, preferably less than 2 / 3 of the latter's top circle diameter.

[0047] With the above configuration, when the gas passes through the condenser 5, it first disperses in multiple vent pipes 512. If water droplets form and block the lumen of a certain vent pipe 512, the water droplets will either flow back into the culture bottle 1 under gravity or, under the action of gas pressure, enter the confluence end 513 along the vent pipe 512 and flow down the funnel-shaped bottom of the confluence end 513 into the return pipe, and then flow back into the culture bottle 1 along the return pipe. Therefore, this configuration can completely trap and return all water vapor in the gas to the culture bottle, while ensuring that the gas passing through the tail gas carbon dioxide fixation device 4 is dry gas.

[0048] Since the water in culture flask 1 is not removed, microalgae can be cultured for a longer period without the need for replenishment. Furthermore, the weight change of the culture flask can directly reflect the change in biomass. Based on this, a first weight sensor 7 can be installed below culture flask 1 to monitor the weight change of culture flask 1 in real time.

[0049] Using the system of this embodiment, we can easily obtain the following real-time data: biomass changes (changes in the weight of the culture bottle), carbon dioxide fixation (carbon dioxide supplied by the metering pump minus the amount of carbon dioxide in the collection bottle), and carbon flow direction (measured by Raman spectroscopy or other methods combined with 13C isotopes), which facilitates metabolic research on microalgae.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microalgae cultivation monitoring system capable of real-time monitoring of microalgae carbon fixation and carbon flow direction, characterized in that, Includes culture flasks, air supply devices, air metering pumps, exhaust carbon dioxide fixation devices, and marker detection devices; The microalgae are cultured in the culture device; The air supply device introduces air containing a specific proportion of CO2 into the culture medium in the culture flask through the air metering pump; The exhaust carbon dioxide detection device is connected to the culture device through a pipeline to detect the CO2 released by the culture device; The exhaust carbon dioxide fixation device is connected to the atmosphere through the exhaust port.

2. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon atoms in the CO2 supplied by the air supply device are 12C and / or the stable isotope 13C, and the marker detection device is a Raman spectrometer.

3. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust gas carbon dioxide fixation device includes a base, one or more collection bottles and an inlet pipe, each of the collection bottles being filled with carbon dioxide fixation packing; the collection bottles are detachably mounted on the base, and the inlet pipe passes through the base, with one end connected to the culture bottle via a pipeline and the other end connected to the collection bottle.

4. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A condenser is also provided above the gas outlet of the culture flask.

5. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The condensation section includes a condenser tube and a cooling jacket; The condenser tube is connected to the culture flask, and the outside of the condenser tube is wrapped with a cooling jacket, which is filled with coolant.

6. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The condenser includes an inlet end, one or more vent pipes, a junction end, and a return pipe; The air inlet is connected to the collection bottle; The air inlet, air vent, and manifold are connected sequentially from bottom to top. One end of the reflux tube is connected to the bottom of the confluence end, and the other end extends into the culture flask; The cooling jacket encloses the vent pipe, the return pipe, and the bottom of the confluence end.

7. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the confluence end is funnel-shaped; One end of the reflux tube is connected to the lowest point of the confluence end, and the other end extending into the culture flask has its diameter reduced to a needle shape to form a dropper.

8. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the vent pipe 51 is less than 2 / 3 of the diameter of the top circle of the funnel-shaped bottom at the confluence end.

9. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, Weight sensors are installed below both the culture flask and the collection flask.

10. The microalgae culture monitoring system according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The coolant is a liquid coolant.

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