Method for managing cultivation of plant biomass

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.SUBSTANCE: invention used in managing the cultivation of plant biomass. The container (1) for cultivating and storing biomass has an internal space (3) and a substrate (4) located in it. The container (1) additionally contains material (6) for the development of biological living organisms, located in the substrate (4) or on it. The storage container (1) is designed as a sealed capsule to ensure an aseptic atmosphere. The substrate (4) is an absorbent material that has water absorption capacity in a dry state. The storage container (1) comprises at least two end compartments (8) and a tubular central compartment (2). The substrate (4) and the material (6) for development are located in the central compartment (2). At least one of the end compartments (8) is located opposite the central compartment (2. The substrate (4) and the material (6) for development are located in the central compartment (2). At least the second of the end compartments (8) is located opposite the central compartment (2), has a smaller wall thickness, and / or has a wall material that is more susceptible to thermal, physical and / or chemical influences, and / or has a predetermined separation location.EFFECT: use of the invention will improve the quality of plant biomass cultivation.15 cl, 6 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container, a growing and / or propagation station, a culturing system and a method for culturing a development material.

[0002] Document JP 4979976 B2 describes an automated aseptic cultivation room. The disadvantage of this technology is that the technical equipment prevents the room from being used for seeding to its maximum potential, and there is no way to aseptically introduce planting material or sterilize the room after introduction. Commercially packaged encrusted seeds are also available, but they are also not placed in an aseptic atmosphere or in a specific packaging position.

[0003] Furthermore, JP 4 979 976 B2 discloses greenhouses in which harvesting is performed under aseptic conditions using harvesting robots. JP 4979976 B2 and WO 2017 / 041757 A1 also disclose accessible containers for growing plants or similar products, which enable the cultivation of seedlings from seeds and the simultaneous cultivation of plant products from the seedlings, as well as devices for harvesting them. However, these solutions do not provide for aseptic processing after harvesting.

[0004] Other documents US 2015 / 027049, EP 3 398 429, and US 5 375 372 each mention a transport container that allows for the cultivation of a product under aseptic conditions, but, on the one hand, uses transition devices for the supply and removal of the medium, or, on the other hand, carries out this through permeable or semi-permeable openings or membranes extending to the outside. The prior art also mentions compartments that are designed to prevent exchange between the media or to remove nutrients and liquid from the reservoir through pipes or similar openings.

[0005] Thus, the prior art does not disclose a transport container that would allow for aseptic transport under sealed conditions and, after being introduced into the cultivation room, be sterilized and, on the one hand, be self-opening. Furthermore, culturing the development material in the aforementioned prior art is only possible to a limited extent, depending on the cultivation stage, and does not allow for the cultivation of fast-growing or large-volume development material.

[0006] Based on the prior art, the technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a development material for cultivation in such a way that the development material is not contaminated during introduction, cultivation, collection, and processing, the cultivation of the development material can be carried out depending on the cultivation stage, the transport container for the development material occupies as little volume as possible in accordance with the development material, and the development material can develop both inside and outside the transport container before collection under aseptic and optimal conditions appropriate for the development material, i.e., under various climatic conditions. Furthermore, the development material should be such that it can be transported in a protected manner that already utilizes the transportation period for cultivation, which can be stored well, and which can be expanded in a modular manner within the framework of farm management.In particular, this challenge arises in connection with the requirements of regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food additives.

[0007] In the present invention, the stated problem is solved by a storage container having the features given in paragraph 1, as well as a growing and / or propagation station having the features given in paragraph 11, as well as a maintenance unit according to paragraph 19 and a method according to paragraph 20.

[0008] A storage container according to the invention has an interior containing a substrate. The substrate forms a surface that allows the growth or propagation of biological growth material. In particular, the substrate can facilitate rooting, i.e., root penetration or attachment. Porous materials, such as porous rock or spongy material, or gel-like materials, such as hydrogels or biological gels, are particularly suitable for this purpose. It is particularly preferable for the growth material to have a high water absorption capacity. It can, of course, also absorb other liquid media instead of water, such as a nutrient solution. The nutrients can be contained in the substrate, for example, in liquid form, as well as in solid form, for example, as a salt.

[0009] The substrate can preferably extend across the entire width of the interior space and, according to the invention, is positioned permanently on the wall of the storage container, for example, by frictional connection or, for example, by supporting the substrate on a mesh layer located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the storage container. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate can also be formed such that, without a supporting structure, the substrate is stationary due to adhesion to the wall of the storage container and due to cohesion within the substrate itself.

[0010] According to the invention, the substrate is made in the form of an absorbent material having a water absorption capacity in a dry state of at least 50 g of water / cm 3Water absorption capacity can refer to both free water and bound water, such as that present in a hydrogel. This can eliminate the need for additional water storage in the end compartment of the storage container. Moisture, for example, of plant roots, is not dependent on the water level. Opening the end compartment of the storage container in an aseptic atmosphere will not be impeded by leaking water.

[0011] The absorbent material may have multiple components or may be formed into multiple layers.

[0012] 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 is a dimensionally stable spongy material, possibly with additional nutrients incorporated. Maintaining the substrate without losing its dimensional stability is advantageous, particularly because it can prevent the formation of a reservoir, such as water accumulation, in the end compartment area, which would make it difficult to open the storage container in the lower end compartment.

[0013] According to the invention, the storage container further comprises a growth material for biological living organisms, located in or on the substrate. The growth material may preferably be a plant, for example, in the form of a seed, seedling, or cloned seedling. However, fungi, fungal spores, algae, or other biological organisms may also be used as growth material. Other organisms falling within the term "growth material" are mentioned in the following description.

[0014] In particular, in the case of plants, a person skilled in the art may provide an open device such as a flowerpot or the like as a storage container, since the plant may become moldy when stored for a longer period of time when water supply is not possible and adequate nutrient supply is not ensured by other means.

[0015] Thus, the material for growing biological living organisms can be formed in the form of a plant, cell clusters, seeds, synthetic seeds, or embryos, in particular, in the form of a cloned biological living organism. In particular, the materials for growing biological living organisms are not tied solely to the ratio of volume to biological mass.

[0016] However, contrary to this consideration, the storage container according to the invention is designed as a closed capsule, wherein the storage container preferably has a tubular central compartment defining a longitudinal axis. The capsule is intended only to bridge the short period between plant production, for example, by cloning, and the plant's placement in the aseptic atmosphere of the container. Therefore, the period of time the growth material remains closed in the storage container is preferably less than 14 days, in particular less than 5 days. Provided that the storage container is in an aseptic atmosphere, it can be opened, allowing water supply and air exchange and preventing mold growth.

[0017] The storage container therefore provides an aseptic atmosphere, preferably an aseptic atmosphere in accordance with ISO 11135, ISO 11137, ISO 17665-1, ISO 13408-1, Annex 1 of EU GMP or US cGMP with a target sterility assured level (SAL) value of the sterilization process of at least 10 -5 It is particularly preferable that the storage container be made of a dimensionally stable material that can be inserted into the opening of the storage rack.

[0018] According to the invention, a storage container has two end compartments and a tubular central compartment. The central compartment houses the substrate and the growth material, in particular the plant. At least one of the end compartments has a thinner wall thickness than the central compartment or has a dimensionally stable wall material that is more susceptible to thermal, physical, and / or chemical influences than the central compartment. Thermal sensitivity may consist of a difference in the melting temperatures of the respective wall materials. Physical sensitivity may be, for example, improved mechanical destructibility, such as by ultrasound or mechanical vibration.

[0019] As an alternative or in addition to different wall thicknesses and / or different fracture capacities, a predetermined separation point may also be provided between the central section and the end section. This predetermined separation point may also be a predetermined rupture point. It is also possible for the heating wire to melt the material at this point (e.g., by induction heating). In this case, the predetermined rupture point will be the predetermined melting point.

[0020] At least the central compartment of the storage container may preferably be comprised of a dimensionally stable wall material. This offers particular advantages for holding and storing on a storage rack, as opposed to a film bag or the like. In the context of the present invention, dimensional stability means that the wall material, unlike film, does not bend but rather forms the container, i.e., a shaped element. However, within the scope of the present invention, deformability of the wall is possible, for example in the case of a plastic capsule.

[0021] The storage container is also preferably designed so that it cannot be autoclaved but the surface can be sterilized.

[0022] The substrate is preferably stationary in the central compartment. The substrate may comprise a porous material. The substrate may further comprise a water-soluble material incorporated into the absorbent material.

[0023] The storage container can be made in the form of a sealed capsule without additional connecting elements for ventilation or supply of medium or for filtration.

[0024] The storage container can be designed to be opened from both sides in an aseptic environment. The substrate is located in the central compartment for insertion and positioning of the development material.

[0025] Additional advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of dependent claims.

[0026] To ensure at least gas exchange in the closed state of the storage container, at least one of the end compartments can be formed from a gas-permeable material. In particular, the material can be formed as a gas-selective semi-permeable material, preferably selective with respect to CO2, O2, N2, and / or CH4.

[0027] The storage container may preferably have a gas-filled or vacuum-sealed cavity beneath the substrate, which can preferably serve to contain roots emerging from the substrate. This cavity is bounded by the walls of the storage container and the substrate, preventing water accumulation in this area.

[0028] The first of the end compartments, which has a smaller wall thickness than the central compartment and / or has a wall material that is more susceptible to thermal, physical and / or chemical influences and / or has a predetermined tensile strength, is preferably formed as a lower end compartment with respect to the material for growing biological living organisms.

[0029] The wall of the storage container, in particular the central compartment, may be made at least partially or completely of a transparent material, allowing visual inspection of the state of the developing material in the storage container. Particularly preferably, the material may consist of a transparent, UV-impermeable, heat-insulating material that is at least partially gas-impermeable to the external environment.

[0030] For a certain position of the storage container in the opening of the storage rack, the central compartment may have at least one circumferentially distributed stopper or several circumferentially distributed stoppers as an axial stop or a conical shape for the same purpose.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the storage container may also have a locking mechanism to secure the storage container in place and prevent vibration. However, such a stopper and / or locking mechanism is attached to the central compartment, specifically the lower half of the central compartment.

[0032] It is especially preferable for the substrate to be the only water reservoir within the storage container. In this case, the substrate has a water content of at least 30 g water / cm3. 3 and is preferably located as a molded element in the central compartment of the storage container. This does not mean that the substrate must be filled with water until it reaches its maximum absorbency, although this is preferred.

[0033] The storage container may also have a comprehensive sterilizable surface that can be sterilized by suitable sterilization methods such as UV radiation, ethanol, ozone, perchloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, etc. Sterilization can be achieved by CIP and WIP cleaning, wipe sterilization, immersion sterilization, exposure, or gas treatment. Particularly suitable for this purpose are storage container materials based on metals such as aluminum, iron, thermoplastics such as polyamide, polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyacrylic, polymethacrylic, halogenated ethylene, etc., and / or elastomers such as rubber, halogenated elastomers, silicones, etc., i.e., at least 50% of which consist of them.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the invention, a growing and / or propagation station for growing development material is proposed, wherein the growing and / or propagation station is designed as a large-capacity container, in particular an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) container, and wherein the large-capacity container has a device for creating and / or monitoring an aseptic internal atmosphere.

[0035] In particular, the device may be implemented as a switchgear controlled by sensors. Such a switchgear may have inputs and outputs, drive devices such as fans or pumps, and control devices such as valves or gas dampers. An additional part of the switchgear is a sensor system containing one or more sensors for detecting various parameters. Another part of the switchgear may be at least one control and / or evaluation unit, which receives measurement data from the sensors and, if necessary, adjusts actuators or control devices to a predetermined value based on the measurement data.

[0036] Thus, the above-mentioned device is designed and intended to provide and monitor an aseptic internal atmosphere while establishing, monitoring and / or maintaining optimal growth conditions based on various parameters.

[0037] Monitoring, adjusting, and / or maintaining parameters are used to ensure optimal growth conditions. These parameters include temperature, air pressure, humidity, and gas exchange rate, which can be detected and adjusted by the device using sensors.

[0038] Optionally and particularly preferably, the parameters of air pressure, light intensity, fertilizer amount, fertilizer composition, pH value and / or electrical conductivity may also serve to further ensure monitoring, adjustment and / or maintenance of the parameters.

[0039] In particular, monitoring and adjusting the gas exchange rate parameter is useful for creating a controlled, sealed atmosphere while optimizing energy efficiency.

[0040] Sensors suitable for this task are known to those skilled in the art. Among others, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, ion-selective electrodes, flow sensors, conductivity sensors, and the like can be used.

[0041] Other parameters that the device additionally determines, monitors, and / or regulates using sensors individually or in combination include SAL, gas partial pressure, fertilizer temperature, wind strength, wind direction, sound level, and / or sound frequency sequence. SAL is the guaranteed sterility level, which can be determined by combining multiple measured values.

[0042] The controlled and adjusted partial pressure of gas may be the partial pressure of the following gases individually or in combination: CO2, O2, N2, He, Ar, O3, CO, CH4, ethane, ethene, ethyne and / or terpenes.

[0043] Specifically, for terpenes, it may be the concentration of one or more of the following terpenes: hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes, and / or terpenoids.

[0044] Preferably, the growing and / or propagation station has a growing room with a supply and / or outlet for a cleaning-in-place (CIP) medium, in particular UV-C radiation, gases such as ozone, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or a liquid spray such as hydrogen peroxide, inorganic acids, or inorganic bases. For gases and aerosols, it is also preferable to provide a distribution system for disinfecting the entire interior. This can be achieved in particular by ventilation or a pressurized spray medium. In particular, ventilation distribution is preferable for gases, while spray nozzles are preferable for liquids.

[0045] Successful disinfection is monitored using appropriate sensor technology, such as gas sensors to determine gas concentration, radiation sensors to detect photon flux, pH sensors to determine acid or base strength, and / or ion-selective electron sensors to determine ion strength. In combination with concentration, the exposure time must be measured to confirm successful disinfection.

[0046] During disinfection, ozone is preferably used, which is generated by arc discharge or UV-C radiation on atmospheric oxygen and introduced into the growing room until the concentration and / or exposure time is reached.

[0047] After successful decontamination, excess CIP medium is removed from the growth chamber to prevent damage to the growing material. Suitable measures include aeration with fresh air or a process gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, and / or traces thereof, down-flow rinsing, or titration. Rinsing with water followed by neutralization is preferred.

[0048] Furthermore, the large-capacity container may have at least one rack for accommodating one or, preferably, a majority of the storage containers in accordance with the invention. However, the storage rack or racks are movable, in particular offset, relative to the container wall. For this purpose, the storage racks may be mounted on roller bearings, air bearings, and / or plain bearings.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable that the large capacity container according to the invention may comprise at least one, several or preferably all of the following devices:

[0050] light source for irradiating the development material;

[0051] pump for transporting a medium, including a medium containing nutrients and / or a sterilization medium;

[0052] sensor for monitoring the state of developing products;

[0053] a control and / or evaluation unit for controlling a control loop to adapt the room atmosphere to changes detected by the sensor;

[0054] water supply and / or purification unit;

[0055] Air conditioner;

[0056] Nutrient container;

[0057] power supply and / or control unit;

[0058] mixing chamber; and / or

[0059] communication module for exchanging data with an external device.

[0060] In a service area that is spatially separated from the growing room, accessible from the outside and not exposed to an aseptic atmosphere, individual devices, in particular electronic devices, may be located.

[0061] Media and / or signal or power lines from this service area to the growth room should preferably be sealed in a media-tight manner within a dividing wall to prevent the internal atmosphere from penetrating the service area and, conversely, to maintain aseptic conditions in the growth room even when accessing the service area. Further preferred embodiments of the growth and / or propagation station are outlined in the following description and drawings.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the invention, a cultivation system is proposed, comprising a growing and / or propagation station and a maintenance unit, in particular a harvesting unit, wherein the maintenance unit is connected to the growing and / or propagation unit for moving the material for development or equipment between the two units, wherein the maintenance unit has an aseptic internal atmosphere.

[0063] The maintenance unit may be part of a container that also contains the growing room, or, particularly preferred for larger modular designs, the maintenance unit may be located in a separate container. An airlock may be installed between the two containers and decontaminated using suitable measures, such as negative pressure, particularly vacuum, or, as mentioned above, one or more CIP environments. By opening both containers, the airlock can be filled with an aseptic internal atmosphere. However, this represents only one option for connecting the two containers. A double door on one or both of the two containers may also serve as a safety device for connecting the containers. In this case, the containers have suitable connecting devices to securely connect the two containers in adjacent positions, preferably while ensuring a hermetic seal with respect to the medium.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the invention, a method for cultivating a development material is proposed, which includes at least the steps of:

[0065] a) Provide a storage container according to the invention,

[0066] b) place the development product in a storage container under aseptic conditions,

[0067] c) inserting a storage container into a storage rack of a growing and / or propagation station, in particular a growing and / or propagation station according to the invention, and opening the storage container at least at both ends,

[0068] d) observe the growth and / or propagation of the development material in an aseptic internal atmosphere until the growth and / or propagation stage is detected for collection.

[0069] The growth or propagation stage can be determined by optical analysis, such as plant size, bacterial strain propagation, or organic matter release, and compared with a target value. However, other measurement methods are also possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] e) Use the maintenance unit while maintaining an aseptic atmosphere with the extraction of valuable material, in particular biological material containing an active substance.

[0071] Then, a maintenance unit, preferably a maintenance unit according to the invention, is used to extract the valuable material.

[0072] Step c) preferably involves sterilization, preferably after installation of the storage container, preferably as part of the cleaning-in-place (CIP) process. This ensures that the storage container withstands sterilization conditions, at least during sterilization, and thus protects the developing material.

[0073] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention, both the method and the devices, are described below.

[0074] The first technological step of the method may be, among other things, introducing the growth material into a storage container together with substances that may affect growth.

[0075] The material for development can be individual seedlings or any form of developing, in particular living, biomass.

[0076] The storage container may be used for storing, processing or transporting the cultivated product, particularly in the case of land, water or air transport.

[0077] The storage container can be sterilized in the process and opened automatically, preferably after being placed in the trays of the storage rack and after the internal atmosphere is sterilized.

[0078] In addition, the storage container can be securely fixed in the pallets and can be clearly identified by the markings applied on the storage container.

[0079] Furthermore, the service area may have a single growing and / or propagation station or several such stations combined into a so-called farm, later also referred to as a processing room, and a technical service unit.

[0080] A growing and / or propagation station or farm can provide continuous aseptic cultivation of biomass, called development material, without the need or permission for human entry.

[0081] Growing and / or propagation stations are stackable and have stacking stops typical of ISO containers, especially in corner areas.

[0082] The rearing and / or propagation station or farm may have an internal atmospheric condition in the device (called an internal atmosphere), which can preferably be provided according to the needs of the development material by:

[0083] i) The internal atmosphere conditions in the unit are set as a closed loop, and the atmospheric conditions can be monitored and meet the aseptic criteria of a clean room according to ISO and / or GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice),

[0084] ii) Temperature, humidity, nutrient composition, pressure, electromagnetic field, air flow, atmospheric composition, pH, light intensity, light spectrum and / or day / night cycle can be provided to the development material as needed,

[0085] iii) the conditions in the room atmosphere are measured and recorded accurately,

[0086] iv) The recorded data are used locally and / or centrally for analysis and interpretation, processed and used to control further processes.

[0087] The rearing and / or propagation station or farm may have the mass and transport characteristics of standard containers (ISO containers) that can be transported by truck or ship.

[0088] A station or farm for growing and / or breeding may include at least one power source and a communication module, in particular a radio module, for operation.

[0089] A unit with a rack or shelf system optimized for the installation space may consist of at least two shelves that can be moved parallel to each other, each with a feeding system built into the shelves.

[0090] All liquid media, partly also gaseous media and energy, sensors and their connections can be carried out in the cavity of the rack systems.

[0091] The rack system allows for the delivery of nutrients to crops for cultivation. Specifically, nutrients can be supplied aeroponically, hydroponically, or, through a combination, directly into the growing medium.

[0092] Aeroponic cultivation can be preferably carried out from a low pressure system by spraying using piezoelectric elements.

[0093] Hydroponic cultivation can be achieved by using a low pressure system, especially with nutrient film technology.

[0094] Individual shelves can contain one or more trays for storing storage containers, which can hold a single storage container or multiple storage containers. The trays are modular, reusable, washable, and sterilizable, and can be permanently attached to a storage container.

[0095] The maintenance unit provides aseptic transfer of development material from a growing and / or propagation station to a maintenance unit, particularly in the form of a harvesting unit.

[0096] The maintenance unit can preferably move in horizontal and vertical directions:

[0097] (a) A scissor lift can be used for vertical movement,

[0098] (b) Mecanum drive can be used for horizontal movement.

[0099] Individual embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show only preferred embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention. However, one skilled in the art will also be able to apply individual elements of the corresponding embodiments to additional embodiments, so they are not disclosed solely in the context of a particular embodiment. The drawings show:

[0100] Fig. 1 - a side view in section of a container for storing living biomass, in particular biomass capable of growth or reproduction;

[0101] Fig. 2 - sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the growing and / or propagation station;

[0102] Fig. 3 - rear view of the growing and / or propagation station;

[0103] Fig. 4 - side view in section of the service station for connection to the growing and / or propagation station;

[0104] Fig. 5 - a side view in section of the first maintenance unit for connection to the growing and / or propagation station; and

[0105] Fig. 6 - side view in section of the second technical service unit for connection to the growing and / or propagation station.

[0106] Using known cloning or other reproduction or production methods, biomass is obtained that is suitable as a starting product, which reproduces and / or develops, e.g., grows, in a subsequent growth phase. This growth phase is also referred to as maturation.

[0107] Biomass can belong to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Specifically, biomass can be obtained through somatic embryogenesis, zygotic embryogenesis, and / or apomixis, and their subgroups, using a process characterized by the ability to maintain aseptic conditions.

[0108] In the case of cloning, cells can be derived from meristems, simple permanent tissue, and / or complex permanent tissue. Stem cells, spores, sperm, oocytes, and / or semen can also be used.

[0109] Furthermore, biomass can be preserved using suitable chemical, biological, and / or physical measures, such as hormones, toxins, enzymes, and / or by refrigeration, freezing, or drying. From here on, biomass is referred to as development material because the resulting biomass must be used to grow it to a harvestable form in process steps I, II, and III described here.

[0110] In the first step, the development material is placed under aseptic conditions in a package, later called a storage container.

[0111] Figure 1 shows a storage container 1 for an aseptic storage container that is hermetically sealed from the environment. For this purpose, in an embodiment, the storage container has an internal space 3 in the region of the central compartment 2, in which a substrate 4 is located for providing and / or storing nutrients 5 for a development material 6 located in the substrate 4 and grown under aseptic conditions, in particular plant seeds, plant seedlings or plant embryos, and / or fungal spores, and / or algae, or the like. Such a substrate may include, among other things, a gel containing water or hydrate, as well as various salts, hormones, vitamins, carbohydrates, chelates and / or amino acids, which additionally support plant growth.

[0112] The inner part 3 is bounded by a wall 7 that extends circumferentially around the substrate 4 in the form of a tube. The central compartment 2 has an end compartment 8 on both sides, which closes the inner part 2 at its end. The end compartments 8 have a detachable connection, such as a sealed mechanical coupling and / or a predetermined rupture point 9 in the transition area to the central compartment 2.

[0113] The mechanical coupling means 9 may be designed as a frictional connection between the end section and the central section, for example, with an annular seal, wherein the end and central sections are each connected to each other by a mechanical connecting mechanism, for example, a locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, a material-locking connection may also be provided, as in the case of a predetermined breaking point, or an insulating and / or adhesive connection, as in the case of, for example, a fusible seal.

[0114] Depending on the variant, the coupling means may also have a film hinge which, after the release of the mechanical connecting mechanism, connects the corresponding end compartment with the central compartment 2 in the form of an embodiment in the form of a lid.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, the storage container 1 may have a water-repellent and / or dirt-repellent protective coating 10, such as a wax coating. The coating enables surface sterilization during a cleaning-in-place (CIP) process or any other sterilization process and / or maintains an aseptic barrier. A cleaning-in-place (CIP) process is defined here as a cleaning and / or sterilization process that may include cleaning-in-place (CIP) or sterilization-in-place (SIP). A CIP process includes cleaning, rinsing, rinsing, and sterilization.

[0116] For this purpose, the wall 7 of the storage container 1 has a barrier layer 11, preferably made of glass, polyolefin, polyamide, halogenated polyvinylene, terephthalates and / or EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), wherein the diffusion barrier layer preferably occupies at least 2% of the wall thickness, preferably from 10 to 100% of the wall thickness. In addition, the diffusion barrier layer can be located between two support layers 12. This can be any transparent material so that the state of the plants in the storage container can be visually recognized.

[0117] The wall 7 of the storage container 1 additionally has UV protection in the form of a material and / or additives to materials, such as polymer additives of a series of benzotriazoles, triazines, acrylates, phenones and / or HALS (light stabilizers based on sterically hindered amines) and / or as a barrier layer 11, preferably made of a UV-inhibiting material, such as pigmented and / or opaque polymers.

[0118] Storage container 1 has preferable dimensional stability, allowing transportation of the storage container and the products contained therein by land, water, and air. Specifically, the storage container has a differential pressure dimensional stability of at least 255 hPa, and more preferably 500 hPa.

[0119] Furthermore, the storage container 1 has at least one limiter 14 that protrudes radially from the central compartment 2 and limits the depth of insertion of the storage container 1 into the storage rack 14 at the growing and / or propagation station 100.

[0120] By virtue of the mechanical coupling means and / or the predetermined rupture point 9, the storage container 1 can be opened at a predetermined position, preferably automatically. Thus, the opening of the storage container 1 at both ends can occur without human intervention in the aseptic atmosphere of the growing and / or propagation station 100 described below, as well as according to the invention.

[0121] Specifically, storage container 1 is shaped such that it can be automatically inserted into an opening of storage rack 14 designated for maturing development material 6 at the maturation site. The maturation openings in storage rack 14 are referred to as the installation site. The step between inserting development material 6 into storage container 1 and placing the storage container at the installation site is subsequently referred to as step II of the process.

[0122] The installation location is a location in the cultivation and propagation station 100, hereinafter also referred to as the cultivation room, where the storage container 1 remains during maturation until harvesting and where the development material 6 is maintained stable by the storage container 1.

[0123] The storage container 1 according to the invention is provided with a development material 6 placed on the above-mentioned substrate 4, which contains a depot of substances capable of stopping, inhibiting, restraining, slowing down, accelerating, stimulating and / or ensuring the growth or reproduction of the development material 6.

[0124] Storage container 1 is designed to provide a sterile barrier between the environment outside the growing and propagation station 100 and the development material 6. Storage container 1 provides this sterile barrier both during packaging of the development material 6 and during its storage, transportation, processing, and introduction into the installation location at the growing and propagation station 100. Storage container 6 can be sterilized, in particular after its introduction into the growing chamber of the growing and propagation station 100, using liquids, radiation, gases, or a mixture of the aforementioned options. Storage container 1 protects the development material 6 during this sterilization process.

[0125] After sterilization, storage container 1 can be opened using an opening procedure that can be automated and / or controlled.

[0126] Variations for this opening procedure include:

[0127] I. mechanical processes such as ignition, blasting, cutting, dissolving, piercing, unscrewing, (un)twisting, pressing, sound, ultrasound, vibration, tapping, impact, perforation;

[0128] II. and / or degradation or decomposition, in particular by thermal and / or chemical means;

[0129] III. and / or fermentation;

[0130] IV. and / or energy input such as direct current, alternating current, electromagnetic radiation, magnetism, laser;

[0131] V. and / or a combination of two or more of the above processes.

[0132] As described above, the storage container 1 contains substances for supplying the development material 6 during storage, transportation, and introduction into the growing and / or propagation station 100. These may include, but are not limited to, water, nutrients, and other media or substances. In particular, the substances may interrupt, inhibit, slow down, stimulate, accelerate, and / or continue the growing cycle.

[0133] The wall of the storage container 1 can also ensure gas exchange while maintaining the sterility of the development material 6. Preferably, as an alternative to or in addition to the diffusion barrier layer, the wall of the storage container can have at least one wall section that allows gas diffusion but is impermeable to liquid diffusion. Particularly preferably, a membrane can be integrated into the wall that allows gas to escape on one side but not liquid. In particular, a membrane can be integrated into the wall that allows specific gases or gas mixtures to exit or enter in a targeted manner.

[0134] The exterior of the storage container 1 may have markings indicating the identification of the development material 6 and the installation location of the storage container 1, as well as possibly additional information. The markings, and thus the development material 7, may preferably be in the form of a QR code, barcode, data matrix code, dot matrix, symbols, color or colors, patterns, RFID, or a mixture of these, allowing the development material 7 to be identified and traced.

[0135] The invention also relates to a cultivation system comprising at least one growing and / or propagation station 100 or a plurality of assembled modular growing rooms, hereinafter referred to as a farm 200, in which stage III of the process takes place.

[0136] Each individual growing and / or propagation station 100 may be in the form of a container having standard container dimensions for overseas transport, i.e. a large capacity container as defined in ISO 668 in force on the priority date of the present invention.

[0137] The container can be transported, in particular by truck or ship, it can be stacked and / or secured using conventional devices in accordance with ISO 668 and thus it becomes possible to connect several growing and / or propagation stations 100 and possibly additional stations, on a farm 200.

[0138] The growing and / or propagation station 100 is thermally separated from the outside by internal insulation 15 and can provide a desired climate. Specifically, the internal insulation 15 is made of polystyrene, polyurethane, cellulose, mineral materials, glass, or foam materials, fibers, or wool thereof. Thus, the development material 6 is provided with its own hemisphere, hereinafter referred to as the internal atmosphere, which can provide each growing and / or propagation station 100 or the entire farm with the conditions required by the development material 6 during various maturation cycles.

[0139] The growing and / or propagation station 100 further comprises an airlock and / or a docking station 16 and, optionally, in continuation of the processing system, a maintenance unit 17 at the first end of the growing and / or propagation station 100. Using the maintenance unit 17, hereinafter referred to as the maintenance unit 300, the maintenance of the growing and / or propagation station 100 and / or the harvesting can be performed without contamination and under sterile conditions. In this regard, the maintenance unit 300 can have, among other things, a double door 18, which allows for a vestibule-like installation. In this regard, the harvesting is carried out in stage IV of the process.

[0140] During stages II-IV of the process, people should not enter the growing and / or propagation station 100. This is necessary to ensure an aseptic internal atmosphere for the development material 6 and, consequently, to avoid the use of pesticides to treat the development material 6.

[0141] The medium supply can be provided through the second end, the technical side 19 of the growing and / or propagation station 100, which is preferably in the form of a container and can thus be accessible from the outside for maintenance and repair work, in particular also during stage III of the process. All materials and media required for the cultivation and propagation of the development material 6 can be supplied and / or removed in each case through the technical side 19 of the growing and / or propagation station 100. Optionally and particularly preferably, maintenance cycles can be provided for this supply and / or removal in order to maintain monitoring and aseptic conditions in the growing room.

[0142] The growing and / or propagation station 100 includes at least one power supply and control unit 20 dedicated thereto. The power supply and control unit 20 includes at least one communication module 21 dedicated thereto. To continuously support the processes essential for the development material 6, the power supply and control unit 20 may additionally have an uninterruptible power source 22.

[0143] To ensure aseptic production of the development material 6, in which the development material 6 is completely hermetically sealed from the outside world, the technical design of the growing and / or propagation station 100 shall meet the clean room criteria according to ISO and / or there is a good manufacturing practice (GMP) for biological contamination in the growing room in stages II-IV of the process.

[0144] Furthermore, a light source 23 may be provided to provide calibrated illumination conditions for the development material 6, i.e., to provide the development material 6 with any other atmospheric conditions, such as a day / night cycle or a desired variable light spectrum and light intensity. In particular, a constant light intensity may be provided for the development material 6 throughout the entire growing cycle.

[0145] Furthermore, the growing and / or propagation station 100 has a humidification and / or ventilation unit, hereinafter referred to as an air conditioning unit 24, for providing the required humidity, atmospheric composition and wind for the material 6 for development through preferably ventilation slots 25.

[0146] Furthermore, the growing and / or propagation station 100 includes a feeding or watering system 26 to provide the development material 6 with the required coordinated nutrients for the entire growth cycle and make them available at the points required by the development material 6, for example, for the root or leaf structure. In particular, it is preferable to supply nutrients to the watering system 26 in such a way that the components or composition of the growth medium are known. This can be achieved by disinfection, deionization, and / or removal of heavy metals from the water using water purification 27.

[0147] This purified water can be temporarily stored in the tank 28 or processed for return to the nutrient medium or irrigation system 26.

[0148] Aeroponic cultivation is characterized by wetting the roots with an aerosolized solution of nutrients and water. To implement this technology, the cultivation and / or propagation station 100 may have, for example, a low-pressure system. Alternatively, a high-pressure system or an ultrasonic atomizer can be used. In the preferred case of a low-pressure system, the solution can be atomized using piezoelectric elements.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, hydroponic cultivation using NFT (nutrient film technology) is also possible. In this case, the growing medium is placed in mesh pots or similar containers, allowing plant roots, mushroom mycelium, or other parts of the growing medium to protrude from the pot and fall into a liquid-carrying trough through which the nutrient solution is directed. This trough is slightly inclined, thus directing the flow of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution can then be drained through outlet holes and collected in a collection area beneath the trough. If necessary, it can be recirculated, preferably by pumping, back into the trough. An air space is created between the nutrient solution and the pot, which must be overcome or blocked by parts of the growing medium to reach the nutrient solution.

[0150] The nutrient medium is mixed from water previously passed through the water treatment system 27 and / or transported from the reservoir 28 using drive mechanisms 29 and / or gravity flow, and various nutrients, which are expediently stored in nutrient containers 30. Preferably, the nutrients from the nutrient containers 30 are mixed passively and / or actively using a mixing chamber 31. In this way, gradients, pulses, steps or changes in the composition of the nutrient medium can be realized, which are coordinated with the growth cycle of the development material 6 and make it possible to influence the development of the development material 6.

[0151] Furthermore, the growing and / or propagation station 100 has a closed-loop control system with a control and / or evaluation unit 32 and a plurality of actuators 29 and sensors 33. The control loop determines the concentrations of substances in both the internal atmosphere and the supplied nutrient media and can analyze changes in the internal atmosphere. Then, by controlling and / or adjusting the actuators 29 of the control loop, the control and / or evaluation unit 32 can provide an adapted internal atmosphere and / or nutrient medium for the growing material 6 based on the analyzed data. This can be done quickly or in a timely manner, so that the preferred time period between measurement and adaptation is less than 30 minutes, preferably less than 15 minutes.

[0152] Preferably, in the context of the present invention, the aforementioned control loop is part of the growing and / or propagation station 100. The control loop can preferably be designed as a closed control loop. It can comprise a control and / or evaluation unit 32 for controlling it. Control occurs, in particular, after evaluating the sensor signals by the corresponding sensors 33 at the growing and / or propagation station 100. The control and / or evaluation unit 32, as well as, preferably, the entire control loop, are preferably remotely controlled and particularly preferably bidirectionally controlled from an external device via the communication module 21. More complex analysis of the measurement data can be performed by an external device. Data storage can, in particular, be performed by an external device. The term "external device" in this context also includes an IT infrastructure, such as a cloud or a neural network.

[0153] Data transfer, preferably bidirectional, can occur between the control loop and the external device. Furthermore, an IT infrastructure in the form of an artificial neural network can also be used to control the control loop, which can, for example, recognize trends in sensor data and draw conclusions about the overall state of the development material 6 through corresponding analysis logarithms. Thus, at this stage, artificially generated swarm intelligence can be used to analyze large amounts of sensor data. Data transfer between the control loop and the external device is preferably carried out via a communication module 21, which transmits and / or receives using GSM, WiFi, LoRa, and / or Bluetooth technology.

[0154] The control loop is characterized in that the collected data from the sensors 33 are recorded and used to evaluate the conditions corresponding to the development material 6 for maintaining, restoring, and / or creating them. Preferably, these conditions may involve initiating a desired or required internal atmosphere or a change in the nutrient composition. This may be implemented in real time or in a time-delayed or so-called time-shifted process. The control loop may use data from all growing rooms and all farms 200 for analysis, both simultaneously and over a specified period of time. The data may be used to analyze growth phases, health status, or the maximization and / or minimization of the parameters of the development material 6, in particular, to determine limit and / or target values.

[0155] In addition, external literature, analyses, or other data may be supplemented, verified, or made suitable for analysis. Data may be obtained using methods of mathematical analysis, interpretation, causality, reasoning, decision making, and / or forecasting. Analyses may be refined, supplemented, expanded, and / or complemented by statistical methods. Statistical methods such as error analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), series decomposition, maximum, minimum, differential, integral, and / or convergence analysis are particularly suitable.

[0156] Data analysis, management, storage, archiving and backup may be performed remotely from the growing and / or breeding station 100 or from the farm 200 on an external device using common transmission protocols, methods and infrastructure, hereinafter referred to as data processing.

[0157] In this context, the data processing is characterized in that two-way communication with the growing and / or breeding station 100 and / or the farm 200 is possible and that the data is (centrally) used by algorithms using AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning or supervised machine learning, and the processed and resulting knowledge is used to grow the development material 6.

[0158] Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the growing and / or propagation station 100 comprises storage racks 14 or shelves for storing storage containers 1, particularly in the embodiment of a storage container. The storage rack 14 can be configured to move within the growing room. If desired, the corresponding storage rack 14 can also be moved to the connected service unit 300. A preferred embodiment of such a storage rack may be a roller storage rack, in which the rollers are guided along a guide, for example, along a guide on the floor or ceiling of the growing and / or propagation station 100.

[0159] To clean and / or reload the storage racks 14 with pallets 34 and / or storage containers 1, the corresponding storage rack 14 can be moved from the corresponding growing room.

[0160] In this context, the storage racks 14 are preferably rack systems that contain all the connections and / or installations necessary for delivering a medium to the material 6 for development. These media are preferably nutrients, water, gases, wind and / or, possibly, other substances that influence growth or reproduction. The necessary installations and / or connections can preferably be designed to be individual for the installation site and can include, for example, spray nozzles, feed and / or pressure lines, distribution systems, electrical signal lines, power lines, radio modules individual to each installation site, and sensors 33 and / or actuators 29 corresponding to the installation site.Individual nutrient containers 30 for nutrients and other media may be provided for the installation site or for the storage rack, which is particularly advantageous since different development material 6, such as different plant varieties, are located in different installation sites or on storage racks.

[0161] The corresponding storage rack 14 may consist of several parts and preferably has insert trays 34 and / or assembly trays with one or more receiving openings for one or more storage containers 1. The trays 34 can be sterilized separately or, if necessary, also discarded as disposable elements and replaced with new trays 34 upon reuse.

[0162] Under the condition that only one variety of development material 6 is present at the growing and / or propagation station 100, one tank 28 and / or container 30 with nutrients may be provided for each growing and / or propagation station 100 or even only for the processing system 400.

[0163] Storage racks 14 may additionally include facilities for the disposal of spent media. The preceding explanations regarding tank 28 and nutrient container 30 shall apply correspondingly to the residual media collection tanks.

[0164] Preferably, the trays 34 have a modular design, allowing the development material 6 to preferably have nine or more mounting locations on the tray 34 for secure and controlled retention of the development material 6 during cultivation. The trays 34 further facilitate efficient harvesting, as a device for collecting roots or the portion of the development material 6 facing the nutrient medium is preferably attached to the tray 34. This device may be, for example, a net, a bag, and / or a tub.

[0165] The 14 mobile storage racks are installed in such a way that no circulation zones are required in the internal atmosphere, which can maximize the use of the growing room for storing the development material 6.

[0166] Multiple growing and / or propagation stations 100 may be combined into larger installations called farms 200. Farms 200, i.e. larger installations consisting of multiple individual growing rooms of any number, may be controlled from a single maintenance unit 300, such as a separate container, for their maintenance, harvesting, and supply.

[0167] However, it is also possible to provide only one growing and / or propagation station 100, and to arrange the maintenance unit 300 next to the growing and / or propagation station 100 in one container, preferably next to the growing room.

[0168] The maintenance unit 300, the processing unit 500 and the growing and / or propagation station 100 thus form a processing system 400, which ensures the growing / propagation of the development material 6, as well as the collection, processing and packaging of the collected development material 6 under aseptic and, in particular, hermetically sealed conditions from the moment of laying and sealing the development material 6, for example, in the form of seeds in the storage container 1. In this regard, the processing system is distributed over one or more containers or large-capacity containers that ensure the maintenance of a hermetically sealed internal atmosphere at least for growing and propagation, but preferably also for harvesting, processing in the processing unit 500 and / or packaging.

[0169] For example, medicinal plants or the like can be grown under sterile conditions. The entire processing system 400 or at least the growing and propagation station 100 and, particularly preferably, each container of the processing system 400 thus have inputs and / or outputs for introducing a cleaning medium, preferably a cleaning-in-place (CIP) medium, such as steam or the like, to sterilize the system for reuse after use.

[0170] The maintenance unit 300 allows for the manipulation of the development material 6 and the monitoring of the development material 6 using automated systems, such as robotic systems, and / or the collection of the development material 6 with a time delay, which allows for external manipulation without contaminating the aseptic internal atmosphere. In this regard, to initiate the harvesting process, one or more sets of data related to the type of the development material 6 and the desired growth stage (e.g., plant size, leaf size, fruit size, fruit maturity, fungus size, bacteria count, etc.) are stored in the data memory 35 of the control and evaluation unit 32. When a predetermined value or a combination of several predetermined values ​​corresponding to the growth stage is reached, the control and / or evaluation device 32 can initiate the harvesting process.

[0171] This may include, among other things, the activation of a cleaning machine, in particular a cleaning robot, or possibly an initial hermetically sealed connection of the maintenance unit 300 with the growing and / or propagation station 100, as well as subsequent movement of the cleaning machine, in particular a cleaning robot, into the growing and / or propagation station 100 or, alternatively, movement of the storage rack 14 from the growing and / or propagation station 100 into the connected maintenance unit 300.

[0172] Alternatively, the opening device could also be located only at the growing and / or propagation station 100, for example, as part of a mobile robot that is not connected to the storage rack 14. However, this solution is less preferable, as it increases the time required to open each storage container.

[0173] The maintenance unit 300 may include support or transport elements, such as support rollers, for vertical and lateral maneuvering. For example, a lifting mechanism, in particular a lifting mechanism, and / or mechanical drive devices, such as mechanical wheels, may be provided as part of the maintenance unit. A single maintenance unit 300 may service multiple growing rooms, processing units 500, and / or a farm 200.

[0174] The maintenance unit 300 can be used to maintain one growing and / or propagation station 100, processing unit 500, or farm 200. The maintenance unit 300 can collect and process the development material 6, for example, perform drying, grinding, separation, tempering, packaging, distillation, extraction, purification, photographing and / or analysis. One or more of these steps can be performed individually or in combination in step III of the process. For this purpose, the maintenance unit 300, i.e.The container may comprise, individually or collectively, a harvesting device, a drying device, a comminution device such as a chopper and / or mill, a filtration and / or centrifugation device, a temperature control device such as a blast freezing device, a packaging device, a distillation device, an extraction device, a purification module, a photo or video camera and / or an analytical device, preferably an HPLC, X (high performance liquid chromatography), GC (gas chromatography), UV-Vis (optical spectroscopy), Raman and / or IR (infrared) analytical device. New devices, such as process photometers, also allow measurements to be taken directly during the processing and can be used in this case.

[0175] Preferably, the above-mentioned processes are transferred to a separate container, i.e., a processing unit 500, and the maintenance unit 300 supplies the processing unit 500 with the collected development material 6 from the growing and propagation station 100 through the corresponding docking places 16 on the growing and / or propagation station 100, the maintenance unit 300 and the processing unit 500, so as to ensure continuous processing of the development material 6.

[0176] The maintenance unit 300 can be adapted to the atmospheric conditions and needs of the growing and / or propagation station 100 to perform stage III and / or IV of the process. In addition, the maintenance unit 300 can include a personnel gateway to allow personnel to enter and exit the cleanroom or cleanroom-like environment, or to facilitate the docking of additional units, such as the processing unit 500. Stage III and / or IV of the process in the maintenance unit 300 can be performed manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Due to constant atmospheric and / or microbial conditions during the production of the growth material 6 up to stage IV of the process, a highly consistent quality and uniformity of the collected growth material 6 and its processing can be achieved.The maintenance unit 300 and / or the processing unit 500 may have a storage space for unprocessed and / or processed products, which may have a controlled temperature, a controlled atmosphere, and / or be placed under an inert gas to protect the developing material 6 from undesirable environmental influences outside the container. Warehouse control may be automated or manual, using elevators, a paternoster lift, or a similar system.

[0177] The embodiments shown in the figures are discussed in more detail below. Fig. 1 shows a storage container 1 in the form of a capsule. The storage container 1 has a wall 7 and a central compartment 2 in the form of a tubular section, a first end compartment 8 made in the form of an upper lid, and a second end compartment 8 made in the form of a lower lid. The upper lid or the first end compartment can be made gas-permeable. In the tubular section, i.e. in the central compartment 2, there is a matrix or substrate 4 with nutrients 5, in which the development material 6 is located. Between the central compartment 2 and the end compartments 8, in each case, mechanical coupling means and / or predetermined rupture points 9 are formed. The mechanical coupling means 9 can include, for example, a locking mechanism. In addition, at least one limiter 13 is provided as a retaining device, distributed along the circumference of the wall 7.Distributed along the circumference in this case means several individual segments distributed along the circumference at the height of the central section, or one segment extending completely at the height, which represents an axial stop and limits the depth of insertion of the central section 2 into the hole.

[0178] Figure 2-4 shows a growing and propagation station 100 in the form of a container, which has an outer shell with devices that provide a press connection with other containers or supporting devices according to ISO 668, an internal insulation 15, a power supply unit 20 and a docking station 16 with double-leaf doors 18. Inside the container, one or preferably several racks 14 for storage or a rack system can be located, which includes sensors 33, an irrigation system 26, a ventilation system or at least parts thereof, such as ventilation slots 25, and a light source 23.Each power supply unit 20 may include one or more drive mechanisms 29, such as pumps and / or valves, sensors 33, a control and evaluation unit 32, an air conditioning unit 24, a water purification unit 27, a reservoir 28, tanks 30 with nutrients, mixing chambers 31, a power supply and control unit 20, and a communication module 21, preferably in the embodiment in the form of a radio module. The containers can be connected together to form a truss 200.

[0179] Figure 5 shows a maintenance unit 300, which may have a lifting mechanism 37 and / or a drive 38 for vertical and horizontal movement. The maintenance unit 300 may have a docking place 16 in one place, in particular, at the first end, and a personnel lock 34 in another place, in particular, at the second end, and a power supply and control unit 20, as well as insulation 15 inside. The interior may have a conveyor system 37 for moving a storage rack 14 and a robot-like installation 40 for automated harvesting. In addition, the maintenance unit 300 may include a storage space 41.

[0180] Figure 6 shows a processing unit 500 that may include a power supply and control unit 20, a personnel gateway 39, a docking station 16, and an internal insulation 15. The power supply and control unit 20 may include a process side 19, a communication module 21, and / or a tank 28. The docking place 16 may include a double door 18. The interior of the processing unit 500 may have one or more technical installations, most of which are robot-like installations 40 installed therein, and a storage area 41 for raw and processed goods.

[0181] Item numbers

[0182] 1 Storage container

[0183] 2 Central compartment

[0184] 3 Inner part

[0185] 4 Substrate

[0186] 5 Nutrients

[0187] 6 Development Material

[0188] 7 Wall

[0189] 8 End compartment

[0190] 9 Mechanical coupling means

[0191] 10 Protective layer

[0192] 11 Barrier layer

[0193] 12 Support Layers

[0194] 13 Limiter

[0195] 14 Storage rack

[0196] 15 Insulation

[0197] 16 Docking place

[0198] 17 Maintenance Unit

[0199] 18 Double door

[0200] 19 Technical compartment

[0201] 20 Power supply and control unit

[0202] 21 Communication Module

[0203] 22 Uninterruptible power supply

[0204] 23 Light source

[0205] 24 Air conditioner

[0206] 25 Vents

[0207] 26 Irrigation system

[0208] 27 Water treatment

[0209] 28 Tank

[0210] 29 Drives

[0211] 30 Nutrient Container

[0212] 31 Mixing chamber

[0213] 32 Control and evaluation unit

[0214] 33 Sensors

[0215] 34 Pallets

[0216] 35 Data Storage

[0217] 36 Staff Gateway

[0218] 37 Lifting mechanism

[0219] 38 Drive

[0220] 39 Conveyor system

[0221] 40 Robotic installation

[0222] 41 Storage room

[0223] 100 Growing or Breeding Station

[0224] 200 Farm

[0225] 300 Maintenance Unit

[0226] 400 Processing System

[0227] 500 Processing unit.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the cultivation of plant biomass, characterized in that it comprises the following stages: a) ensure the availability of a storage container in the form of a sealed capsule to ensure an aseptic atmosphere; b) insert the storage container into the storage rack of the growing and / or propagation station and opening the storage container at least at one end, preferably opening the storage container at both ends; c) monitor and regulate the growth and / or propagation of plant biomass in an aseptic indoor atmosphere until the growth and / or propagation stage is detected for harvesting; d) use a maintenance unit and / or a processing unit while maintaining an aseptic atmosphere when extracting valuable biological material containing the active substance from the harvested plant biomass.

2. The method according to paragraph 1, characterized in that: in step c) of the method for providing an atmosphere for growing and / or propagation, at least the following parameters are determined, monitored and / or regulated: air pressure, temperature, humidity, light intensity, gas exchange rate, amount of fertilizer, fertilizer composition, pH value and conductivity and / or in step c) of the method for providing an atmosphere for growing and / or propagation, the parameters are determined, monitored and / or regulated: Sterility Assurance Level (SAL), gas partial pressure, fertilizer temperature, wind intensity, wind direction, sound level and / or sound frequency sequence.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container has an interior space and a substrate located therein, wherein the substrate is stationary located on the wall of the storage container, wherein the storage container further contains plant biomass located in or on the substrate, wherein the substrate is an absorbent material having a water absorption capacity in a dry state of at least 50 g of water / cm 3 , wherein the storage container has at least two end compartments and a tubular central compartment, wherein the substrate and plant biomass are located in the central compartment, and at least the first of the end compartments is located opposite the central compartment and is characterized by the fact that: it has a smaller wall thickness; and / or has a wall material that is more susceptible to thermal, physical and / or chemical influences; and / or has a predetermined separation point.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the substrate material contains at least one porous material, in particular a porous rock, and / or at least one spongy material, and / or at least one gel-like material, in particular a hydrogel or a gel of biological materials, in which water is present in a preserved form.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the storage container has a space under the substrate filled with gas or a vacuum cavity, preferably for holding the roots, which is limited by sections of the wall of the storage container and the substrate, and / or the substrate is designed as the only water reservoir in the storage container with a water content of 30 g water / cm 3 , preferably in the form of a molded element, in the central compartment of the storage container.

6. The method according to any one of paragraphs 3-5, characterized in that the first of the end compartments is the lower end compartment with respect to the plant biomass.

7. The method according to any one of paragraphs 3-6, characterized in that at least the second of said end compartments, in particular the end compartment on the lid side, is formed from a gas-selective semi-permeable material, preferably selective with respect to CO2, O2, N2 and / or CH4.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the wall of the storage container, in particular the central compartment, consists at least partially or completely of a transparent material and particularly preferably of a transparent, UV-impermeable, heat-insulating and at least partially gas-impermeable material, and / or in that the storage container has a sterilizable surface, preferably an all-encompassing surface made of a peroxide- and / or radical-resistant material, in particular a material resistant to ozone, peracetic acid and / or hydrogen peroxide, such as polyamide, polycarbonate, polyolefin, polyacrylic, polymethacrylic, halogenated ethylene and / or an elastomer, such as rubber, halogenated elastomers, silicones.

9. The method according to any one of paragraphs 3-8, characterized in that the central compartment has at least one limiter distributed along the circumference or a plurality of limiters distributed along the circumference, or has a conical shape, and / or has a locking device for fixing the storage container in a stationary and vibration-resistant position, and / or the limiter or limiters and / or the locking device are attached to the lower half of the central compartment.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said growing and / or propagation station is configured to cultivate plant biomass and is made in the form of a large-capacity container, in particular an ISO container, wherein the large-capacity container has a device, in particular a distribution device controlled by sensors, for providing and monitoring an aseptic internal atmosphere while simultaneously establishing, monitoring and / or maintaining the provision and monitoring of optimal growing conditions, wherein to ensure these growing conditions the device is configured to measure and regulate at least the following parameters: air pressure, temperature, humidity and gas exchange rate.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that by means of the device, additionally the sensors can determine and / or regulate, separately or in combination, the parameters of the guaranteed sterility level (SAL), the partial pressure of the gas, separately or in combination, of the following gases: CO2, O2, N2, He, Ar, O3, CO, CH4, ethane, ethene, ethyne and / or terpenes and / or the temperature of the fertilizer, wind force, wind direction, sound level and / or the sequence of sound frequencies, and / or by means of the device, additionally the sensors can determine and / or regulate, separately or in combination, the parameters of light intensity, the amount of fertilizer, the composition of the fertilizer, the pH value and / or conductivity.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the terpenes are, individually or in combination, hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes and terpenoids.

13. The method according to any one of paragraphs 10-12, characterized in that the growing and / or propagation station includes a growing room with an input and / or output of a cleaning medium for cleaning in place (CIP) and / or a cleaning medium for cleaning in place (CIP), in particular ozone.

14. The method according to any one of paragraphs 10-13, characterized in that the large-capacity container comprises at least one storage rack for accommodating one or, preferably, a plurality of storage containers.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that said growing and / or propagation station is part of a cultivation system that further comprises a maintenance unit and / or a processing unit, in particular a harvesting unit, wherein the maintenance unit is connected to the growing and / or propagation unit for moving plant biomass or equipment between the growing and / or propagation station and the maintenance unit or processing unit, and wherein the maintenance unit or processing unit, at least in combination with the growing and / or propagation station, is equipped to maintain an aseptic internal atmosphere.

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