Storage containers, growth and / or propagation stations, cultivation systems, and methods for cultivating growth materials.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage container (1) comprising an interior space (3) and a substrate (4) disposed therein, the storage container (1) further comprising a living growth material (6) located in or on the substrate (4), the storage container (1) being formed as a sealed capsule to provide a sterile atmosphere, the substrate (4) having a water absorption in a dry state of at least 50 g / cm of moisture. 3 The storage container (1) comprises at least two end segments (8) and a tubular middle segment (2), in which a substrate (4) and a growing material (6) are disposed. At least one of the end segments (8) has a smaller wall thickness and / or is more susceptible to thermal, physical and / or chemical attack and / or has a predetermined separation point compared to the middle segment (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to storage containers, growth and / or propagation stations, cultivation systems, and methods for cultivating growth materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 4979976 describes an automated sterile culture room. This technology has disadvantages, due to technical equipment limitations, in that the room cannot be used to its fullest extent for planting, and it is not possible to introduce planting material sterilely or to sterilize the room after introducing the planting material. Furthermore, commercially available packaged coated seeds are not kept in a sterile atmosphere or in the designated location on the packaging.

[0003] Furthermore, greenhouses are known from prior art Japanese Patent No. 4979976, where harvesting is carried out under sterile conditions by a harvesting robot. In addition, Japanese Patent No. 4979976 and International Publication No. 2017 / 041757 provide information on containers that can be used for cultivating plants or similar articles, enabling the cultivation of seedlings from seeds, and the simultaneous cultivation of plant products from seedlings, as well as the harvesting thereof. However, these do not include measures for sterilization after harvesting.

[0004] Furthermore, the specifications (U.S. Publication No. 2015 / 027049, European Patent No. 3398429, U.S. Patent No. 5375372) mention in each case transport containers that enable sterile cultivation of products, which on the one hand utilize adapters for supplying and removing media, and on the other hand achieve supplying and removing media through permeable or semipermeable openings or membranes to the outside. The prior art also mentions sections intended to prevent the exchange of media, or intended to draw nutrients and liquids from the storage container through conduits or similar openings.

[0005] Therefore, no transport container is known from prior art that enables sterile transport under airtight conditions, can be sterilized after being introduced into the cultivation room, and can self-open on the other hand. Furthermore, the cultivation of growth material in the aforementioned prior art is only possible within a limited range depending on the growth stage, and it is not possible to cultivate highly growthable or large quantities of growth material. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a growth material for cultivation based on current technology, wherein the growth material is not contaminated during introduction, growth, harvesting, and processing, and the growth material can be cultivated according to the growth stage, the transport container for the growth material occupies the smallest possible volume depending on the growth material, and the growth material can be grown both inside and outside the transport container until harvested under sterile and optimal conditions corresponding to the growth material, i.e., under various climates.

[0007] Furthermore, the growth materials must be transported in a protected manner, have already utilized their transport period for cultivation, be well stored, and be provided in a way that allows for modular expansion within the framework of farm management. In particular, this challenge arises from requirements from regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food supplements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention solves the problem by a storage container having the features of claim 1, a growth and / or breeding station having the features of claim 11, a maintenance unit of claim 19, and a method of claim 20.

[0009] The storage container according to the present invention comprises an internal space and a substrate placed therein. The substrate forms a surface for growing or propagating biological growth materials. In particular, the substrate enables rooting, i.e., the penetration or attachment of roots. Porous materials such as porous rock or sponge material, and gel-like materials such as hydrogels or gels of biomaterials are particularly suitable for this purpose. It is especially preferable that the growth material has a high water absorption capacity. In addition to water, other liquid media, such as nutrient solutions, can of course be absorbed. Nutrients can be contained in the substrate, for example, in liquid form, but also in solid form, such as salt.

[0010] According to the present invention, the substrate can preferably extend across the entire width of the internal space and is stationary on the wall of the storage container, for example by frictional connections, or by substrate supports on a net layer arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the storage container. Alternatively, the substrate can also be formed so that it is stationary by adhesion to the wall of the storage container and by tackiness within the substrate itself, in the absence of a support structure.

[0011] According to the present invention, the above substrate is at least 50 g / cm³ in a dry state. 3 It is formed as an absorbent material having a water absorption capacity. The water absorption capacity may include both unbound and bound water, as it exists in the form of a hydrogel. This eliminates the need for additional water accumulation in the end segments of the storage container. For example, humidification of plant roots is not affected by the water filling level. The opening of the end segments of the storage container in a sterile atmosphere is not obstructed by water leakage.

[0012] The absorbent material may have several components or may be formed in several layers. For example, the absorbent material may be a spongy material that can be held in place by an additional support structure. Alternatively, the absorbent material may be a dimensionally stable spongy material with additional nutrients. Fixing the substrate without losing its dimensional stability is advantageous in particular because it prevents the formation of reservoirs in the end segment region, for example, the accumulation of water, and thereby makes it difficult to open the storage container in the lower end segment.

[0013] According to the present invention, the storage container further includes biological growth material placed in or on a substrate. The growth material is preferably a plant in the form of, for example, seeds, seedlings, or cloned seedlings. However, fungi, fungal spores, algae, or other organisms can also be used as growth material. Further organisms that fall under the term "growth material" are mentioned in the following description.

[0014] In particular, when it comes to plants, an expert would provide an opening device, such as a flower pot, in the storage container. This is because if plants are stored for a long period of time, they will become moldy if they cannot be supplied with water and adequate nutrients.

[0015] In summary, biological growth materials can be formed as plants, cell clusters, seeds, synthetic seeds, or embryos, and especially as cloned biological organisms. In particular, biological growth materials are not solely tied to a volume-to-biological mass ratio.

[0016] However, contrary to this consideration, according to the present invention, the storage container is configured as a closed capsule, and it is preferable that the storage container comprises a tubular intermediate segment defining a longitudinal axis. The capsule is intended solely to bridge the gap between, for example, the cloning process and the plant provisioning, which is the insertion of the plant into the sterile atmosphere of the container. Therefore, the retention of the growth material in the storage container in a closed state is preferably less than 14 days, and particularly less than 5 days. If the storage container is in a sterile atmosphere, the storage container can be opened, allowing for water supply and air exchange, and preventing mold growth.

[0017] Therefore, the storage container is preferably at least 10 -5 Ensure a sterile atmosphere in accordance with ISO 11135, ISO 11137, ISO 17665-1, ISO 13408-1, EU GMP Annex 1, or US cGMP, with target values ​​for the SAL sterilization process. In particular, it is preferable that the storage containers be made of dimensionally stable material that can be inserted into the openings of the storage racks.

[0018] According to the present invention, a storage container has two end segments and a tubular intermediate segment, a substrate and growing material, particularly plants, arranged in the intermediate segment, wherein at least one of the end segments has a smaller wall thickness than the intermediate segment, or has a dimensionally stable wall material that is more thermally, physically, and / or chemically aggressive than the intermediate segment. Thermal aggressiveness is due to the difference in melting points of the respective wall materials. Physical aggressiveness is, for example, mechanical destructiveness due to ultrasound or mechanical vibration.

[0019] Alternatively, in addition to different wall thicknesses and / or different fracture characteristics, a predetermined separation point can be provided between the intermediate segment and the end segment. This predetermined separation point can be a predetermined fracture point. It is also possible to melt the material at this point using a heating element (e.g., by induction heating). In this case, the predetermined fracture point would be a predetermined melting point.

[0020] At least the intermediate segment of the storage container preferably consists of a dimensionally stable wall material. This is particularly advantageous for holding and storing in a storage rack, as distinct from, for example, a film bag. In the context of the present invention, dimensional stability means that, unlike a film, the wall material is not foldable and forms a container, i.e., a molded body. However, for example, in the case of a plastic capsule, flexibility of the wall is possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] The storage container is also preferably configured such that it cannot be autoclaved but can be surface sterilized. The substrate is preferably fixedly arranged in the region of the intermediate segment. The substrate can include a porous material. The substrate may further include a water-soluble material incorporated in an absorbent material.

[0022] The storage container can be configured as a sealed capsule without additional connections for ventilation or medium supply or filtration. The storage container can be configured to be opened on both sides in a sterile environment. The substrate is arranged in the intermediate segment for insertion and positioning of the growth material. A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention is the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0023] In order to ensure at least gas exchange in the closed state of the storage container, at least one of the end segments can be formed from a gas-permeable material. In particular, the material can be formed as a gas-selective semi-permeable material, preferably CO 2 、O 2 、N 2 and / or CH 4 as a selective material.

[0024] The storage container advantageously has a space as a cavity filled with gas or evacuated under the substrate, which preferably functions to contain roots extending from the substrate. This cavity is surrounded by the wall of the storage container and the substrate. This means that there is no accumulation of water in this region.

[0025] The first end segment has a thinner wall thickness than the intermediate segment and / or is more susceptible to thermal, physical and / or chemical attack and / or has a wall material with a predetermined fracture point, and is preferably formed as the lower end segment with respect to a biological bio-growth material.

[0026] The walls of the storage container, particularly the walls of the intermediate segments, can be made of transparent material, at least partially or entirely, thereby allowing for visual monitoring of the condition of the growing material inside the storage container. In particular, the material is preferably made of a transparent, UV-impermeable, thermally insulating material that is at least partially airtight to the outside.

[0027] With respect to the designated position of a storage container within the opening of the storage rack, the intermediate segment may have at least one circumferentially distributed limiting stopper, or several circumferentially distributed limiting stoppers in the form of an axial or conical shape for the same purpose.

[0028] Alternatively, the storage container may have a locking mechanism for securing the storage container in a stationary and vibration-resistant manner. Such a limiting stopper and / or locking mechanism is attached to the intermediate segment, particularly the lower half of the intermediate segment.

[0029] In particular, it is preferable that the substrate be placed in the storage container as the sole water storage area. In this case, the substrate should have a moisture content of at least 30 g / cm³. 3 Therefore, it is preferable that the molded body be located in the intermediate segment of the storage container. This means that the substrate does not necessarily need to be filled with water to its maximum absorption capacity, but it is preferable that it be filled with water to its maximum absorption capacity.

[0030] The storage container may also have a sterilizable surface that encompasses all sterilizable methods, such as UVC, ethanol, ozone, perchloroacetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. Sterilization can be carried out as CIP, as well as WIP, wipe sterilization, immersion sterilization, exposure, or gas treatment. Particularly suitable for this purpose are storage container materials based on metals, thermoplastics and / or elastomers, where metals include aluminum, thermoplastics include polyamides, polyolefins, polyacrylics, polymethacrylics, halogenated ethylenes, etc., and elastomers include rubber, halogenated elastomers, silicones, etc., with at least 50% of the storage container material consisting of these materials.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is a growth and / or propagation station for cultivating growth material, the growth and / or propagation station is configured as a large-capacity container, particularly an ISO container, and the large-capacity container has a device for generating and / or monitoring a sterile internal atmosphere.

[0032] In particular, the device may be configured as a sensor-monitored distribution device. Such a distribution device may have inlets and outlets, actuators such as fans or pumps, and control devices such as valves or gas flaps. A further part of the distribution device is a sensor arrangement with one or more sensors for determining various parameters. Another part of the distribution device may be at least one control and / or evaluation unit, which receives measurement data from the sensors and, if necessary, adjusts the actuators or control devices to set values ​​based on the measurement data.

[0033] Therefore, the above-described apparatus is constructed and configured to provide and monitor a sterile internal atmosphere while setting, monitoring, and / or maintaining optimal growth conditions based on various parameters. Monitoring, adjusting and / or maintaining parameters helps to ensure growth conditions. They include temperature, air pressure, humidity and gas exchange rate, which can be determined and adjusted by the device using sensors.

[0034] If necessary, particularly preferably, the atmospheric pressure, light intensity, amount of fertilizer, fertilizer composition, pH and / or conductivity of the parameters also help to better realize the monitoring, adjustment and / or maintenance of the parameters. In particular, monitoring and adjusting the parameter of the gas exchange rate is beneficial for creating a controlled sealed atmosphere while optimizing energy efficiency.

[0035] Corresponding sensors for performing this task are known to those skilled in the art. In particular, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, an ion-selective electrode, a flow sensor, a conductivity sensor, etc. can be used. Furthermore, the parameters determined, monitored and / or adjusted additionally by the sensor, individually or in combination, for this device are continuous in terms of SAL level, gas partial pressure, fertilizer temperature, wind force, wind direction, sound level and / or sound frequency. SAL refers to the level of sterility assurance that can be determined by combining several measured values.

[0036] The monitored and adjustable gas partial pressures can be the individual gas partial pressures or combined gas partial pressures of CO 2 , O 2 , N 2 , He, Ar, O 3 , CO, CH 4 , ethane, ethene, ethyne, and / or terpenes. In particular, for terpenes, it can be a collection of one or more terpenes of hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes, and / or terpenoids.

[0037] Advantageously, the growth and / or breeding station has a growth chamber for supplying and / or releasing CIP media, particularly gases such as UV-C radiation, ozone, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or atomized liquid media such as hydrogen peroxide, inorganic acids, or inorganic bases. For gases and mists, it is preferable to have a distribution system in place to decontaminate the entire interior. In particular, this can be done with ventilated or pressurized atomized media. Ventilated distribution is particularly advantageous for spray nozzles for gases and fluids.

[0038] The success of decontamination is monitored by appropriate sensor technology, such as gas sensors to determine gas concentration, radiation sensors to determine photon flux, pH sensors to determine acid or base intensity, and / or ion-selective electrons to determine ionic intensity. In relation to concentration, exposure time must be measured to confirm whether the decontamination was successful.

[0039] During decontamination, ozone is advantageously used, which is formed by arc discharge or UV-C over atmospheric oxygen and introduced into the growth chamber until the required concentration and / or exposure time arrives. After successful decontamination, excess CIP medium is removed from the growth chamber in a manner that does not damage the growth material. Appropriate means for this include aeration with fresh air or process gas (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, and / or trace amounts of those in the air), rinsing, or titration. Washing with water and then neutralizing is preferable.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a large-capacity container may have at least one storage rack for arranging one or preferably more storage containers. Preferably, the storage rack is positioned to be movable, particularly displaceable, relative to the wall of the container. For this purpose, the storage rack may be mounted on roller bearings, compressed air bearings, and / or sliding bearings.

[0041] Furthermore, the large-capacity container of the present invention may include at least one, more preferably all, of the following devices. Light source for irradiating growth material Pumps for transporting media including nutrient-containing media and / or sterile media. Sensors for monitoring the health of growth materials Control and / or evaluation unit for controlling a control circuit to adapt indoor air to changes detected by sensors. Water supply and / or treatment unit air conditioner Nutrition container Power supply and / or management unit Mixing chamber, and / or Communication module for data exchange with external devices

[0042] Individual devices, particularly electronic devices, can be placed in a service area spatially separated from the growth chamber, which is accessible from the outside and unaffected by sterile air.

[0043] The medium and / or signal or power lines from this service area to the growth chamber are preferably introduced in a manner that seals the medium within a partition, so that the internal air does not enter the service room, and conversely, the sterile condition inside the growth chamber is maintained even when accessing the service area. Further advantageous embodiments of the growth and / or breeding station are derived from the following description and figures.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the cultivation system includes a growth and / or propagation station and a maintenance unit, in particular a harvesting unit, wherein the maintenance unit is connected to the growth and / or propagation unit to move growth materials or machinery between the two units, and the maintenance unit has a sterile internal atmosphere.

[0045] The maintenance unit can be part of a container that also contains a growth chamber, and in the case of a larger modular configuration, the maintenance unit can be placed in a separate container, which is particularly preferable. The maintenance unit can be part of a container that also has a growth chamber, or, particularly preferably in the case of a larger modular device, the maintenance unit can be located in a separate container. An airlock is placed between the two containers and can be decontaminated by a suitable means such as negative pressure, particularly a vacuum, or with one or more of the above-mentioned CIP media. By opening both containers, the airlock can be filled with sterile internal air. However, this is only one variation of connecting two containers. Alternatively, double doors on one or both of the two containers can represent a safety device for connecting the containers. In this case, the containers have a suitable connecting device for securely connecting the two containers in adjacent positions, preferably in a moderately sealed state.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method for cultivating growth material, comprising at least, a) A step of providing a storage container according to the present invention, b) A step of placing the growth material into a storage container under sterile conditions, c) Inserting the storage container into a growth and / or breeding station, in particular into a storage rack of a growth and / or breeding station according to the present invention, and opening the storage container at least at both ends, d) A step of monitoring the growth and / or reproduction of growth material in the sterile internal atmosphere until a growth and / or reproduction stage suitable for harvesting is detected, e) A process involving the use of a maintenance unit that recovers valuable materials, particularly biological materials containing active substances, while maintaining a sterile atmosphere, The growth or reproduction stage can be determined by optical analysis, such as plant size, strain diffusion, or organic gas release, and compared to a target value. However, other measurement methods are also possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] Next, valuable material is recovered using a maintenance unit, preferably a maintenance unit according to the present invention. Preferably, sterilization is performed in step c, preferably after insertion of the storage container, and preferably as part of the CIP process. This means that the storage container can withstand sterilization conditions at least during sterilization, and thus protect the growth material.

[0048] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described below, relating to both the method and the apparatus. The first step in this procedure is to introduce the growth material into the storage container, along with the substrate that will affect its growth.

[0049] The growth material can be individual seedlings, or any form capable of growth, especially living organisms or biomass. Storage containers can play a role in the storage, handling, and transport protection of growing products, especially in land, water, and air transport.

[0050] The storage containers can be sterilized during the process, and it is preferable that they be automatically opened after being inserted into the trays of the storage rack and after the internal air has been sterilized. Furthermore, the storage containers can be securely fixed to the trays and clearly identified by the markings placed on them.

[0051] Furthermore, a single growth and / or breeding station, or several such stations combined to form a so-called farm, shall have a service area called a process room and a maintenance unit. The growth and / or breeding station or farm allows for the continuous sterile cultivation of biomass, called growth material, without the need for or permission for humans to enter the system. The growth and / or breeding stations are stackable and have stacking stoppers, typical of ISO containers, especially in corner areas.

[0052] The growth and / or breeding station or farm may have indoor air conditions (referred to as indoor air) within the unit, which are preferably provided according to the needs of the growth material, as follows: i) The atmospheric conditions within the unit are set as a closed loop, ii) The air conditions are controlled in accordance with ISO and / or GMP, and the cleanroom can meet the sterility standards. iii) Provide the growth material with temperature, humidity, nutrients, pressure, magnetic field, airflow, atmospheric composition, pH, light intensity, light frequency, and / or diurnal / night cycle as needed. iv) Measure and record the atmospheric conditions indoors over time. v) Recorded data will be used locally and / or centrally for analysis and interpretation, processed, and used to control further processes.

[0053] Growth and / or breeding stations or farms have the bulk and transport characteristics of standard containers (ISO containers) that can be transported by truck or ship. A growth and / or breeding station or farm may include at least one power and communication module, in particular a wireless module, for operation.

[0054] A unit with a storage rack or shelving system optimized for installation space can be formed from at least two shelves that are movable parallel to each other, each shelf having an integrated supply system. All liquid media, partially gaseous media, and energy, sensors, and their connections can be routed into the cavities of the rack system. The rack system makes it possible to deliver nutrients to crops for cultivation. In particular, nutrients can be delivered to the growing material both aerobically and hydroponically, or a mixture of both.

[0055] Aeroplastic cultivation is preferably achieved using a low-pressure system with spraying via piezoelectric elements. Hydroponic cultivation can be achieved using low-pressure systems, particularly nutrient film technology.

[0056] Each shelf may include one or more trays for holding storage containers, and the trays may hold one or more storage containers. The trays are modular, reusable, washable, sterilizable, and have the possibility of anchoring to secure the storage containers. Maintenance units allow for the sterile transfer of growth material from growth and / or breeding stations to maintenance units, particularly in the form of harvesting units.

[0057] The maintenance unit is preferably movable in the horizontal and vertical directions. (a) For vertical movement, a scissor lift can be used. (b) For horizontal movement, a Mecanum® drive mechanism may be used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] Individual embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings merely illustrate variations of preferred embodiments and are not limited to the subject matter of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will apply the individual elements of each embodiment to yet another embodiment, so these are not disclosed only in the context of a particular embodiment. [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view through a storage container for living biomass, particularly biomass capable of growth or reproduction. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a growth and / or breeding station. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of a growth and / or breeding station. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view through a maintenance station connected to a growth and / or breeding station. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view through a first maintenance unit connected to a growth and / or breeding station. [Figure 6]This is a side cross-sectional view through a second maintenance unit connected to a growth and / or breeding station. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] Biomass is produced by known cloning or other reproduction or production methods, and this is suitable as a starting product for reproduction and / or growth in subsequent growth stages. Hereinafter, the growth stage will be referred to as the maturity stage.

[0060] Biomass belongs to both the eukaryotic and prokaryotic groups. In particular, biomass can be produced by somatic embryogenesis, zygotegenesis and / or apomixis and their subgroups, in a manner characterized by the ability to maintain sterile conditions. For cloning, starting cells can be obtained from meristematic tissue, simple permanent tissue, and / or complex permanent tissue. In addition, stem cells, spores, sperm, oocytes, and / or semen can be used.

[0061] Furthermore, biomass can be preserved by appropriate chemical, biological, and / or physical means such as hormones, toxins, and enzymes, and / or by cooling, freezing, or drying. Hereafter, the obtained biomass will be referred to as the growth material because it is supplied to the growth of thorny plants in a harvestable form in steps I, II, and III described herein. In the first step, the growth material is placed in a package under sterile conditions, and hereafter referred to as the storage container.

[0062] Figure 1 shows a storage container of a sterile storage container 1 that is airtightly sealed from the surrounding environment. For this purpose, in a modified embodiment, the storage container has an internal space 3 in the region of the intermediate segment 2, in which a substrate 4 is placed, and the substrate 4 is arranged within this substrate 4 for supplying and / or storing nutrients 5 to growth material 6, particularly plant seeds, plant seedlings or plant embryos and / or fungal spores and / or algae, etc., which are cultured under sterile conditions. Such a substrate may include, among other things, water or hydrate-containing gels, as well as various salts, hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, chelates and / or amino acids that further support plant growth.

[0063] The internal space 3 is bounded by walls 7 that extend circumferentially around the substrate 4 in the form of a tube. The intermediate segment 2 has end segments 8 on both sides, which close off the internal space 3 at the ends. The end segments 8 have a detachable connection, such as a sealed mechanical interface and / or a predetermined break point 9, in the transition region to the intermediate segment 2.

[0064] The mechanical interface 9 can be designed to have, for example, a circumferential seal as a friction connection between the end segment and the intermediate segment, thereby connecting the end segment and the intermediate segment to each other via a mechanical connection mechanism, for example, a latch mechanism. Alternatively, a locking connection of the material can be provided, for example, in the case of a fusionable seal, such as at a predetermined break point or as an insulating and / or adhesive connection.

[0065] Depending on the modification, the mechanical interface may also have a film hinge, which, after the mechanical connection mechanism is released, connects each end segment to the intermediate segment 2 in a lid-like embodiment. Alternatively, the storage container 1 may have a protective coating 10, such as a wax coating, that repels water and / or contaminants. The coating enables surface sterilization as part of a CIP process or any other sterilization process and / or maintains a sterile barrier. A CIP process is understood here to be a cleaning and / or sterilization process in which cleaning or sterilization is carried out in an appropriate place. A CIP process is understood to include cleaning, rinsing, washing and sterilization.

[0066] Therefore, the wall 7 of the storage container 1 has a barrier layer 11, which is preferably made of glass, polyolefin, polyamide, halogenated polyvinylene, terephthalate and / or EVOH, and the diffusion barrier layer accounts for at least 2% of the wall thickness, preferably 10%-100% of the wall thickness. Furthermore, the diffusion barrier layer is positioned between two support layers 12. This can be any transparent material so that the state of the plant inside the storage container can be visually recognized.

[0067] The walls 7 of the storage container 1 further have UV protection, such as a barrier layer 11 of UV-inhibiting materials, such as polymer additives in the form of materials and / or material additives, such as benzotriazole, triazine, acrylate, phenone and / or HALS series, and / or dyed and / or opaque polymers.

[0068] The storage container 1 has desirable dimensional stability so that the storage container and the goods contained within it can be transported by land, water, and air. In particular, the storage container has dimensional stability to a pressure difference of at least 255 hPa, more preferably 500 hPa. Furthermore, the storage container 1 has at least one limiting stopper 13 that protrudes radially from the intermediate segment 2 and limits the insertion depth of the storage container 1 into the storage rack 14 within the growth and / or breeding station 100.

[0069] Due to the mechanical interface and / or predetermined break point 9, the storage container 1 can preferably be opened automatically at a predetermined position. Thus, opening the storage container 1 at both ends can be done without human intervention into the sterile atmosphere of the growth and / or breeding station 100 as described later and according to the present invention.

[0070] In particular, the storage container 1 is designed to be automatically inserted into the opening of a storage rack 14 provided for the maturation of the growth material 6 at the maturation site. The opening for maturation within the storage rack 14 will be referred to below as the installation site. The stage from inserting the growth material 6 into the storage container 1 to inserting the storage container into the installation site will be referred to below as process step II.

[0071] This location is within the growth and / or breeding station 100, hereafter also referred to as the growth chamber, where the storage container 1 remains during maturation until harvest, and where the growth material 6 is stably held by the storage container 1.

[0072] The storage container 1 according to the present invention comprises a growth material 6 disposed on the substrate 4, the growth material 6 including a storage area for substances that stop, suppress, slow down, accelerate, promote, and / or allow the growth or amplification of the growth material 6.

[0073] The storage container 1 is configured to provide a sterile barrier between the growth and / or breeding station 100 and the environment outside the growth material 6. The storage container 1 provides this sterile barrier both during the packaging of the growth material 6 and during its storage, transport, handling, and introduction into its designated location within the growth and / or breeding station 100. The storage container 1 can be sterilized using a liquid, radiation, gas, or a mixture of the aforementioned variants, particularly after its introduction into the growth chamber of the growth and breeding station 100. The storage container 1 protects the growth material 6 during this sterilization process.

[0074] After sterilization, storage container 1 is opened by an automated and / or controllable opening procedure.

[0075] Variations of this opening procedure include the following: I. Mechanical processes such as bursting, blasting, cutting, melting, piercing, twisting, (non)twisting, pressing, sound, ultrasonic, vibration, tapping, striking, and drilling. II. Degradation or decomposition by thermal and / or chemical means in particular, III. By fermentation, IV. and / or by energy input such as DC, AC, magnetic radiation, magnetism, laser, V. By mixing the two or more steps described above,

[0076] As described above, the storage container 1 contains materials for supplying growth material 6 during storage, transport, and introduction to the growth and / or breeding station 100. These include, but are not limited to, water, nutrients, and other media or substances. In particular, the substrate can interrupt, inhibit, slow down, promote, accelerate, and / or continue the growth cycle.

[0077] The walls of the storage container 1 also allow gas exchange while maintaining the sterility of the growth material 6. Preferably, in place of or in addition to the diffusion barrier layer, the walls of the storage container are provided with at least one wall segment that allows gas diffusion but restricts liquid diffusion. Particularly preferably, a membrane is incorporated into the wall, so that the gas can escape on one side but the liquid cannot. In particular, the membrane can be incorporated into the wall to allow a specific gas or gas mixture to enter or exit in a targeted manner.

[0078] Furthermore, the outside of the storage container 1 has markings indicating the identification of the growth material 6, the location or setting of the storage container 1, and other information. Preferably, the markings, and as a result the growth material 6, are formed as a QR code (registered trademark), barcode, data matrix code, dot matrix, symbol, color or color, pattern, RFID, or a mixture of the above, so that the growth material 6 is identifiable and traceable.

[0079] The present invention further relates to a cultivation system comprising at least one growth and / or breeding station 100 or a plurality of modular growth chambers referred to as farm 200, in which case process step III is performed. Each growth and / or breeding station 100 may be in the form of a container having the dimensions of a standard overseas container, i.e., a large-capacity container as defined in ISO 668, which is in effect as of the priority date of the present invention.

[0080] The containers can be transported by truck or ship, stacked and / or bolted together using standard equipment in accordance with ISO668, thus enabling connections to several growth and / or breeding stations 100, and possibly to further stations and farms 200.

[0081] The growth and / or breeding station 100 is thermally isolated from the outside by an internal thermal insulator 15 and can provide a desired climate. In particular, the internal thermal insulator 15 is composed of polystyrene, polyurethane, cellulose, mineral material, glass or foam, fiber or their fibers. Therefore, the growth material 6 has its own hemisphere, also called the internal atmosphere, which can be supplied to each growth and / or breeding station 100 or the entire farm according to the conditions required for the growth material 6 over various maturation cycles.

[0082] The growth and / or breeding station 100 further comprises an installation and / or docking point 16 such as a sluice gate, and optionally includes a maintenance unit 17 located on the first end side of the growth and / or breeding station 100 in an extension to the processing system. The maintenance unit 17, hereafter referred to as maintenance unit 300, allows maintenance of the growth and / or breeding station 100 and / or harvest to be carried out in a contamination-free and sterile manner. In this regard, the maintenance unit 300 may have, among other things, a double door 18 that allows for the installation of an airlock. In this regard, harvesting is carried out in process step IV.

[0083] In process steps II-IV, the growth and / or breeding station 100 is off-limits to humans. This is necessary to provide the growth material 6 with a sterile internal atmosphere and, as a result, to avoid the use of pesticides in the processing of the growth material 6.

[0084] The medium can be supplied via a second end face, which is the technical face 19 of the growth and / or breeding station 100, preferably in the form of a container, and thus accessible from the outside, particularly during process step III. All materials and medium necessary for the growth and breeding of the growth material 6 can be supplied and / or removed in each case via the technical face 19 of the growth and / or breeding station 100. To maintain control and sterility within the growth chamber, an optional, and particularly preferred, maintenance cycle can be provided for this supply and / or removal.

[0085] The growth and / or breeding station 100 comprises at least one dedicated power supply and control unit 20. The power supply and control unit 20 comprises at least one dedicated communication module 21. To permanently provide processes critical to the growth material 6, the power supply and control unit 20 may further have an uninterruptible power supply 22.

[0086] In order to enable the sterile production of the growth material 6, which is completely sealed and isolated from the outside, the technical configuration of the growth and / or breeding station 100 must be such that cleanroom standards in accordance with ISO and / or GMP exist for biological contamination within the growth chamber for process steps II to IV.

[0087] Furthermore, a light source 23 is provided to the growth material 6 to provide calibrated light conditions, i.e., to provide the growth material 6 with any other atmospheric pressure conditions such as a day / night cycle or the required variable light spectrum and light intensity. In particular, a constant light intensity can be provided to the growth material 6 throughout the entire growth cycle.

[0088] Furthermore, the growth and / or breeding station 100 has a humidification and / or ventilation unit, hereafter referred to as an air conditioning unit 24, which provides the necessary humidity, atmospheric composition, and airflow to the growth material, preferably via ventilation slots 25.

[0089] Furthermore, the growth and / or propagation station 100 is equipped with a nutrient or irrigation system 26 to provide the growth material 6 with the necessary regulated nutrients for the entire growth cycle, which are then made available by the growth material 6 at the necessary points, for example, in the root or leaf structure. In particular, it is advantageous in the irrigation system 26 to supply nutrients in a manner in which the components or the composition of the nutrient medium are known. This can be achieved by disinfecting, deionizing, and / or removing heavy metals from the water by the water treatment unit 27. This treated water can be temporarily stored in the storage unit 28 or recycled to be returned to the nutrient medium or the irrigation system 26.

[0090] Aeroplasty is characterized by moistening the roots with an aerosol of nutrient and water solution. To implement this technique, the growth and / or propagation station 100 may have, for example, a low-pressure system. Alternatively, a high-pressure system or an ultrasonic atomizer may be used. In the preferred case of a low-pressure system, a piezoelectric element can be used to atomize the solution.

[0091] Furthermore, hydroponics using NFT (Nutrient Film Technology) is also possible. In this case, the growth material is placed in a mesh pot or similar, which allows the roots of the plant or fungal cells or other parts of the growth material to protrude from the pot and into liquid transport channels through which the nutrient solution is guided. This channel is slightly inclined, providing direction for the flow of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is then discharged through an outlet opening, collected in a collection area below the trough, and, if necessary, can be recirculated, preferably pushed out, and returned to the trough. A void is provided between the nutrient solution and the pot, which must be overcome or bridged by a portion of the growing material in order to reach the nutrient solution.

[0092] The nutrient medium is mixed from water that has previously passed through the water treatment unit 27 and / or is transmitted from the actuator 29 and / or the storage unit 28 by gravity, and from various nutrients advantageously stored in the nutrient container 30. Advantageously, the nutrients from the nutrient container 30 are passively and / or actively mixed by the mixing chamber 31. In this way, gradients, pulses, steps, or changes in the nutrient medium composition can be achieved and coordinated with the growth cycle of the growth material 6 to influence the development of the growth material 6.

[0093] Furthermore, the growth and / or breeding station 100 has a closed-loop control system comprising a control and / or evaluation unit 32 and a plurality of actuators 29 and sensors 33. The control circuit can detect the concentration of substances in the internal atmosphere and the supplied nutrient medium and analyze changes in the internal atmosphere. Then, by controlling and / or regulating the actuators 29 of the control loop, the control and / or evaluation unit 32 enables the provision of adapted internal atmosphere and / or nutrient medium to the growth material 6 based on the analyzed data. Since this can be done quickly or just in time, the preferred period between measurement and adaptation is less than 30 minutes, preferably less than 15 minutes.

[0094] In the context of the present invention, advantageously, the aforementioned control loop is part of the growth and / or breeding station 100. The control loop can be advantageously configured as a closed control loop. The control loop may include a control and / or evaluation unit 32 for its control. The control is performed, in particular, after evaluation of sensor signals by the corresponding sensors 33 within the growth and / or breeding station 100. The control and / or evaluation unit 32, and furthermore, the entire control loop, are remotely controllable from an external device via the communication module 21, and are particularly preferably bidirectional. More complex analysis of the measurement data can be performed by the external device. Data storage may be performed, in particular, by the external device. In this context, the term “external device” also includes IT infrastructure such as clouds and neural networks.

[0095] Data transmission is preferably bidirectional, occurring between the control loop and external devices. Furthermore, an IT infrastructure in the form of an artificial neural network can be used to control the control loop, for example, to recognize trends from sensor data and derive conclusions about the overall state of the growth material 6 by the corresponding analytical logarithm. At this point, the artificially generated swarm intelligence can be used to analyze large amounts of sensor data. Data transmission between the control loop and external devices is preferably performed via a communication module 21 that transmits and receives data via GSM, WiFi, LoRa, and / or Bluetooth (trademark).

[0096] The control loop is characterized by logging data collected from the sensor 33 and using it to evaluate the growth material 6 to maintain, restore, and / or bring about a certain state. Advantageously, these conditions may be triggered by desired or required changes in internal atmosphere or nutrient content. This can be applied in real time, or with a time delay, or in a so-called time-shift process. The control loop can use data from all growth chambers and all farms 200 simultaneously and over a period of time for analysis. This data can be used for analyzing growth stages, health status, or maximizing and / or minimizing parameters of the growth material 6, particularly for determining limit and / or target values.

[0097] Furthermore, external literature, analyses, or other data may be supplemented, validated, or deemed valid for the analysis. Data can be prepared by methods of mathematical analysis, interpretation, causality, semantic determination, decision-making, and / or prediction. The analysis can be refined, supplemented, expanded, and / or completed by statistical methods. In particular, statistical methods such as error analysis, ANOVA, serial expansion, maximum / minimum values, differentiation, integration, and / or convergence analysis are appropriate.

[0098] Data analysis, management, storage, file storage, and backup can be performed remotely from the growth and / or breeding station 100 or from the farm 200 in an external device, using common transmission protocols, technologies, and infrastructure, and hereafter referred to as data processing.

[0099] In this context, data processing is characterized by the fact that bidirectional communication is possible with the growth and / or breeding station 100 and / or farm 200, and that the data is (centrally) utilized and processed by algorithms using AI (artificial intelligence, machine learning, or directed machine learning), and the knowledge derived therefrom is used for the cultivation of growth material 6.

[0100] Furthermore, as described above, the growth and / or breeding station 100 includes, in particular, a storage rack 14 or shelf for storing the storage container 1 in a storage container embodiment. The storage rack 14 can be arranged to be movable within the growth chamber. Optionally, each storage rack 14 may be movable within a connected maintenance unit 300. An advantageous variation of such a storage rack may be a roller storage rack, where the rollers are guided on guides, for example, guide rails on the floor or ceiling of the growth and / or breeding station 100.

[0101] Each storage rack 14 can be removed from its respective growth chamber in order to clean and / or reinstall the storage rack 14 equipped with the trays 34 and / or storage containers 1.

[0102] In this context, the storage rack 14 is preferably a rack system including all connections and / or installations necessary to supply media to the growth material 6. These media are preferably nutrients, water, gas, wind, and / or other substances that may affect growth or regeneration. The necessary installations and / or connections are preferably designed to be individual to the installation location and may include, for example, spray nozzles, supply and / or discharge lines, distribution systems, electrical signal lines, power lines, individual wireless modules to the installation location, and individual sensors 33 and / or actuators 29 to the installation location. Nutrient containers 30 and other media can be supplied on an individual basis to the installation location—individually or on the storage rack—which is particularly advantageous as long as different growth materials 6, for example, different plant varieties, are placed in different installation locations or on different storage racks.

[0103] Each storage rack 14 may consist of several parts and preferably includes insertable trays 34 and / or return trays, each having one or more receiving openings for one or more storage containers 1. The trays 34 may be sterilized separately, discarded as single-use elements if necessary, or replaced with new trays 34 for reuse.

[0104] Assuming that only growth material 6 of a single variety exists in the growth and / or breeding station 100, a single storage unit 28 and / or nutrient container 30 may be provided only for each growth and / or breeding station 100, or for each processing system 400. The storage rack 14 may further include the necessary installations for the disposal of used media. The foregoing description relating to the storage room 28 and the nutrient container 30 applies accordingly to the collection tank for residual media.

[0105] Advantageously, the tray 34 is modular in its structure, and it is preferable that nine or more mounting locations for the growth material 6 be provided per tray 34 in order to reliably and controllly hold the growth material 6 during cultivation. The tray 34 is further equipped with a collection device for the portion of the roots or growing material 6 facing the nutrient medium, which is preferably attached to the tray 34, enabling efficient harvesting. This device may be, for example, a net, a bag, and / or a tab.

[0106] The movable storage rack 14 is positioned so that a circulation area is not required in the internal atmosphere, thereby maximizing the use of the growth chamber for storing the growth material 6. Multiple growth and / or breeding stations 100 can be combined to form a larger unit called a farm 200. The farm 200, i.e., a larger unit consisting of any number of individual cultivation rooms, can be operated from a single maintenance unit 300, for example, a separate container, for their maintenance, harvesting, and supply.

[0107] However, it is also possible to provide only one growth and / or breeding station 100, and to place a maintenance unit 300 adjacent to the growth and / or breeding station 100 within a single container, preferably adjacent to the growth chamber.

[0108] Thus, both maintenance units 300, processing units 500, and / or growth and / or propagation stations 100 form a processing system 400, thereby ensuring the growth / propagation of the growth material 6, as well as the harvesting, processing, and packaging of the harvested growth material 6 under sterile conditions, particularly ensuring an airtight state as seeds in a storage container 1 from the moment of insertion and sealing of the growth material 6. In this regard, the processing system is distributed into one or more large-capacity containers, thereby ensuring the maintenance of an airtight internal atmosphere at least for growth and propagation, and preferably for harvesting and processing in the processing unit 500 and / or packaging.

[0109] For example, medicinal plants can be cultivated under sterile conditions. Each container in the complete processing system 400, or at least the growth and propagation station 100, and especially preferably the processing system 400, has an inlet and / or outlet for introducing a cleaning medium, preferably a CIP medium, such as steam, and as a result the system is sterilized for reuse after use.

[0110] The maintenance unit 300 enables the operation and monitoring of the growth material 6 by an automated system such as a robotic system and / or time-delayed harvesting of the growth material 6, thereby allowing external operation without contaminating the sterile internal atmosphere. In this regard, one or more datasets relating to the type of growth material 6 and the desired growth stage for initiating the harvesting process (e.g., plant size, leaf size, fruit size, fruit ripeness, fungal size, fungal count, etc.) are stored in the data memory 35 of the control and evaluation unit 32. When a setpoint or combination of setpoints corresponding to the growth stage is reached, the control and / or evaluation unit 32 starts the harvesting process.

[0111] This may include, in particular, the airtight coupling of a harvester, especially a harvesting robot, or, if possible, a maintenance unit 300, to the growth and / or breeding station 100, and the subsequent movement of the harvester, especially a harvesting robot, to the growth and / or breeding station 100, or the movement of the storage rack 14 from the growth and / or breeding station 100 to the connected maintenance unit 300.

[0112] Alternatively, for example, the opening device could be placed only at the growth and / or breeding station 100 as part of a mobile robot unrelated to the storage rack 14. However, this solution is less desirable because it increases the time required to open each storage container.

[0113] The maintenance unit 300 may include bearings or transport elements for vertical and lateral operation, such as bearing rollers. For example, a lifting mechanism, particularly a lifting mechanism, and / or a Mecanum® drive unit, such as a Mecanum® wheel, may be provided as part of the maintenance unit. One maintenance unit 300 may serve as multiple growth chambers, processing units 500, and / or farms 200.

[0114] The maintenance unit 300 may be used to maintain one growth and / or breeding station 100, processing unit 500, or farm 200. The maintenance unit 300 can harvest the growth material 6 and process the growth material 6, such as drying, crushing, separating, strengthening, packaging, distillation, extraction, washing, photographing, and / or analysis. One or more of these processes can be performed individually or in combination in process step III. For this purpose, the maintenance unit 300, i.e., the container, may be individually or together equipped with harvesting equipment, drying equipment, communication equipment, e.g., choppers and / or mills, filtration and / or centrifugation equipment, temperature control equipment, e.g., blast freezing equipment, packaging equipment, distillation equipment, extraction equipment, purification modules, photo or video equipment, and / or analytical equipment, more preferably HPLC, GC (gas chromatography), UV-Vis, Raman and / or IR analyzers. Newer equipment such as process photometers may also be applied in this example, enabling in-line measurements in the processing process.

[0115] Advantageously, the above process is entrusted to a processing unit 500, which is a separate container, and the maintenance unit 300 supplies the growth material 6 harvested from the growth and / or breeding station 100 to the processing unit 500 via the respective docking points 16 in the growth and / or breeding station 100, the maintenance unit 300, and the processing unit 500, ensuring that the growth material 6 is processed continuously without contamination.

[0116] The maintenance unit 300 can be adapted to the atmospheric conditions and needs of the growth and / or breeding station 100 for performing process steps III and / or IV. Furthermore, the maintenance unit 300 includes a personnel lock, which allows people to enter and exit the cleanroom or cleanroom-like conditions, or facilitates the docking of additional units, such as the processing unit 500. Process steps III and / or IV of the maintenance unit 300 can be performed manually, semi-manually, or automatically. Since atmospheric and / or microbial conditions are constant during the production of the growth material 6 up to process step IV, the harvestable growth material 6 and its processing can achieve a high degree of consistent quality and uniformity.

[0117] The maintenance unit 300 and / or processing unit 500 may be equipped with storage space for unprocessed and / or processed goods, which may be placed under temperature control, atmospheric control, and / or inert gas to protect the growing material 6 from undesirable influences of the environment outside the container. Warehouse management may be automated or performed manually by lifts, pattern lifts, or similar systems.

[0118] The embodiment shown in the figure is described in more detail below. Figure 1 shows a capsule-shaped storage container 1. The storage container 1 has a wall 7 and an intermediate segment 2 in the shape of a tubular region, a first end segment 8 configured as an upper cap, and a second end segment 8 configured as a lower cap. The upper cap or the first end segment may be configured to be gas permeable. The tubular region, i.e., the intermediate segment 2, has a matrix or substrate 4 containing nutrients 5, where the growth material 6 is placed.

[0119] A mechanical interface and / or a predetermined breaking point 9 is formed between the intermediate segment 2 and the end segment 8 in each case. The mechanical interface 9 may include, for example, a latch mechanism. Furthermore, at least one limiting stopper 13 is provided on the wall 7 as a retaining device distributed circumferentially. In this case, circumferential distribution means several individual segments distributed circumferentially at the height of the intermediate segment, or a single segment extending at a certain height, where the single segment represents an axial stopper and limits the insertion depth of the intermediate segment 2 in the opening.

[0120] Figures 2 to 4 show a container-shaped growth and breeding station 100, which has an outer shell with a device that allows pressure-fit connection to other containers or support devices according to ISO 668, an internal thermal insulator 15, a supply unit 20, and a docking station 16 with double doors 18. Inside the container are one or more storage racks 14 or rack system devices, the storage racks 14 including a sensor 33, an irrigation system 26, a ventilation system, or at least a part of a ventilation system such as a ventilation slot 25, and a light source 23. The supply unit 20 may include one or more actuators 29, each such as a pump and / or valve, a sensor 33, a control and evaluation unit 32, an air conditioning unit 24, a water treatment unit 27, a storage room 28, a nutrient tank 30, a mixing room 31, an energy supply and management unit 20, and a communication module 21, which are preferably in the embodiment as wireless modules. The containers can be connected together to form a farm 200.

[0121] Figure 5 shows a maintenance unit 300, which may be equipped with a lifting mechanism 37 and / or a drive device 38 for vertical and horizontal movement. The maintenance unit 300 has a docking point 16 at one location, particularly at the first end, and a personnel lock 34 at another location, particularly at the second end, and has a power supply and control unit 20 and a thermal insulator 15 inside. The interior may have a conveyor system 37 for transporting storage racks 14 and a robotic device 40 for automated harvesting. Furthermore, the maintenance unit 300 includes a storage space 41.

[0122] Figure 6 illustrates a processing unit 500, which may include a power supply and control unit 20, a personnel lock 39, a docking station 16, and an internal thermal insulator 15. The power supply and control unit 20 may include a technical side 19, a communication module 21, and / or a storage area 28. The docking station 16 may include a double door 18. Inside the processing unit 500 is one or more technical facilities, the majority of which include a robotic facility 40 installed inside and a storage area 41 for raw and processed products. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1 Storage container 2. Intermediate Segment 3 inside 4 Substrate 5 Nutrients 6 Growing materials 7 Walls 8 End segments 9. Mechanical Interface 10 protective layer 11 Barrier layer 12 Support layer 13 Limit Stopper 14 Storage Racks 15 Thermal insulator 16 docking points 17 Maintenance Unit 18 Double doors 19 Technical compartments 20 Energy supply and management units 21 Communication Module 22 Uninterruptible power supply 23 Light source 24 Air conditioner 25 ventilation slots 26 Irrigation Systems 27 Water treatment equipment 28 Storage 29 Actuators 30 Nutrient Containers 31 Mixing chamber 32 Control and Evaluation Unit 33 sensors 34 trays 35 data memory 36 Personnel Lock 37 Lifting Mechanism 38 Drive unit 39 Conveyor System 40 Robot-like device 41 Accumulation chamber 100 growth and / or breeding stations 200 farms 300 maintenance units 400 processing systems 500 processing units

Claims

1. A method for cultivating growth material (6), a) A process of deploying the storage container (1), b) Inserting the storage container (1) into the storage rack (14) of the growth and / or breeding station (100), and after inserting the storage container (1) into the storage rack (14), sterilizing it according to the CIP process, which is a sterilization process, by a local cleaning process without disassembling the components of the storage rack (14) and the storage container (1), and opening the storage container (1) at least one end, c) A step of monitoring the growth and / or reproduction of the growth material (6) in a sterile internal atmosphere until the growth and / or reproduction stage for harvest is detected, d) A step of recovering biomaterial containing active material, which is a valuable material, from harvested growth material while maintaining a sterile atmosphere using a maintenance unit (300) and / or a processing unit (500), The maintenance unit (300), processing unit (500), and growth and / or propagation station (100) form a processing system (400), which ensures the growth / propagation of the growth material (6), as well as the harvesting, processing, and packaging of the harvested growth material (6), under sterile conditions from the moment the growth material (6) is inserted into and sealed in the storage container (1). In steps b) through d), no humans are allowed in the growth and / or breeding station (100), and a harvesting robot is used in the harvesting process.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step c, at least the parameters of air pressure, temperature, humidity, light intensity, gas exchange rate, fertilizer amount, fertilizer composition, pH value and conductance are determined, monitored and / or adjusted in order to ensure an atmosphere for growth and / or reproduction, and / or in step c, the parameters of SAL level, gas partial pressure, fertilizer temperature, wind strength, wind direction, sound wave level and / or sound wave sequence are determined, monitored and / or adjusted in order to ensure an atmosphere for growth and / or reproduction.

3. The storage container (1) comprises an internal space (3) and a substrate (4), the substrate (4) being stationaryly positioned on the wall surface of the storage container within the internal space (3), and further comprises a biological bio-growth material (6) placed within or on the substrate (4). The storage container (1) is configured as a sealed capsule to ensure a sterile atmosphere. The substrate (4) has a moisture content of at least 50 g / cm³ in its dry state. ３ The absorbent material has the above water absorption capacity, The storage container (1) has at least two end segments (8) and a tubular intermediate segment (2), the substrate (4) and the bio-growth material (6) are placed in the intermediate segment (2), and at least the first end segment (8) is positioned opposite the intermediate segment (2) and is positioned further than the intermediate segment (2). Having thinner walls, and / or, Having wall materials that are more thermally, physically, and / or chemically attackable and / or susceptible, The method according to claim 1 or 2, having a predetermined separation point.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the substrate material comprises at least one porous material including porous rock, and / or at least one sponge material, and / or at least one gel-like material including a hydrogel or gel of a biological material in which water is present in a storage form.

5. Below the substrate, there is a space as a cavity which is preferably filled with gas or evacuated to accommodate roots, the space which is bounded by the walls of the storage container and the substrate, and / or the substrate (4) is placed as the sole water storage in the storage container (1), and the intermediate segment of the storage container has a moisture content of 30 g / cm³ ３ The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the molded body is positioned as such.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first end segment (8) is a lower end segment relating to a biological bio-growth material (6).

7. At least the second end segment (8) is the lid-side end segment, CO ２ , O ２ , N ２ and / or CH ４ The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the material is formed from a gas-selective semipermeable material containing a selective material.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the wall (7) of the storage container (1) is the wall of the intermediate segment (2), and at least a portion or the entire portion is made of a transparent material and at least partially airtight, transparent, UV-impermeable, thermally insulating material, and / or the storage container (1) has a sterilizable surface that is entirely covered with a peroxide and / or root-stabilizing material, the root-stabilizing material being an ozone-peracetic acid and / or hydrogen peroxide-stabilizing material, and the hydrogen peroxide-stabilizing material being an elastomer such as polyamide, polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyacrylic, polymethacrylic, halogenated ethylene and / or rubber, halogenated elastomer, or silicone.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the intermediate segment (2) has limiting stoppers (13) distributed in at least one circumferential direction or a plurality of limiting stoppers distributed in multiple circumferential directions or a cone shape, and / or has a locking device for stationary and vibration-resistant fixing of the storage container, and / or the limiting stoppers and / or locking device is attached to the lower half of the intermediate segment.

10. The system includes an industrial growth and / or breeding station (100) for cultivating growth material (6), The growth and / or breeding station (100) is configured as an ISO container, which is a large-capacity container. The large-capacity container has a sensor monitoring and distribution device that provides and monitors a sterile internal atmosphere, while simultaneously setting, monitoring, and / or maintaining optimal growth conditions. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus has at least parameters such as atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and gas exchange rate, which can be sensed and adjusted by the apparatus.

11. The device can further, individually or in combination, determine and / or adjust the gas partial pressure, which is the single or combined gas partial pressure of the SAL level, CO ２ , O ２ , N ２ , He, Ar, O ３ , CO, CH ４ , ethane, ethene, ethyne, and / or terpene, and / or the continuous parameters of fertilizer temperature, wind strength, wind direction, sound level and / or sound frequency, by means of sensors, and / or the device can further, individually or in combination, determine and / or adjust the parameters of light intensity, fertilizer amount, fertilizer composition, pH value and / or conductivity by sensors, according to the method of claim 10.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the terpene is a hemiterpene, monoterpene, sesquiterpene, diterpene, sesterpene, triterpene, tetraterpene, polyterpene, and terpenoid, either alone or in combination.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the growth and / or breeding station (100) comprises a growth chamber having an inlet and / or outlet for a CIP medium which is a cleaning medium for CIP cleaning and / or ozone.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the large-capacity container comprises at least one storage rack (14) for arranging one or more storage containers (1).

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the growth and / or breeding station (100) is part of a cultivation system comprising a maintenance unit (300) and / or a processing unit (500) which is a harvesting unit, the maintenance unit being connected to the growth and / or breeding station (100) for moving growth materials or machinery between the growth and / or breeding station (100) and the maintenance unit (300) or processing unit (500), the maintenance unit (300) or processing unit (500) being equipped, at least in combination with the growth and / or breeding station (100), to maintain a sterile internal atmosphere.

Images