Culture state measurement device, culture device, and culture state measurement method

Abstract

The present invention provides a culture state measurement device, a culture device, and a culture state measurement method with which it is possible to accurately measure a culture state of microorganisms. A culture state measurement device 1 comprises: a culture container 10 which cultures microorganisms, which is fixed at a predetermined location and not transported, and to which a gas is supplied from an air supply pipe 13; and a measurement unit 11 which is provided as movable with respect to the culture container 10 and measures a culture state of the microorganisms within the culture container 10.

Description

CULTURE STATE MEASURING DEVICE, CULTURE DEVICE, AND CULTURE STATE MEASURING METHOD

[0001] The present invention relates to a culture state measuring device, a culture device, and a culture state measuring method.

[0002] Various culture devices for microorganisms, methods for measuring a culture state, and devices for measuring a culture state are known. However, the purposes of culturing microorganisms are diverse, and research and development on these are still actively conducted at present.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an automatic algal growth measuring device including a plurality of culture vessels, a circulating transfer means for circularly transferring the culture vessels, an RGB absorptiometry means arranged on a transfer path of the circulating transfer means, a culture light source, and an aeration means for aerating and stirring a culture solution in the culture vessels, wherein the RGB absorptiometry means has a measurement light source for irradiating measurement light to the sequentially transferred culture vessels, and the like.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-182731

[0005] In the measuring device of Patent Document 1, a plurality of culture vessels are transferred, and the culture state of algae in the transferred culture vessels is measured. As described above, since the culture state of algae in the transferred culture vessels is measured by the RGB absorptiometry means, the culture state is affected by the transfer of the culture vessels. Therefore, the measurement accuracy of the culture state, such as the reproducibility of measurement of the culture state of algae, is insufficient.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a culture state measuring device, a culture device, and a culture state measuring method that can accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms.

[0007] The culture state measuring device of the present invention includes: a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an air supply pipe, which is fixed without being transferred at a predetermined position and cultures microorganisms; and a measuring unit that is provided movably relative to the culture vessel and measures the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

[0008] Further, the culture device of the present invention includes: a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an air supply pipe, which is fixed without being transferred at a predetermined position and cultures microorganisms; and a measuring unit that is provided movably relative to the culture vessel and measures the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

[0009] Furthermore, the culture state measurement method of the present invention measures the culture state of microorganisms in a culture vessel, to which gas is supplied from an aeration tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported, by measuring unit that is movable relative to the culture vessel in which microorganisms are cultured.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a culture state measuring device, a culture device, and a culture state measuring method that can accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a culture state measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the culture state measuring device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a measuring unit constituting the culture state measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged top view showing an example of the positional relationship between the measuring unit and the air supply tube. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a culture apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the transmitted light intensity detected by the light receiving unit and the culture time in Example 1. Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the reciprocal of the transmitted light intensity detected by the light receiving unit and the culture time in Example 1. Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the transmitted light intensity detected by the light receiving unit and the culture time in Example 2. Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the reciprocal of the transmitted light intensity detected by the light receiving unit and the culture time in Example 2.

[0012] The present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments.

[0013] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have discovered that by fixing the culture vessel for culturing microorganisms in a predetermined location without moving it, and measuring the culture state of microorganisms within the culture vessel using a measurement unit that can move relative to the culture vessel, the culture state of microorganisms within the culture vessel can be measured with high accuracy. Based on this finding, the inventors have completed this disclosure.

[0014] The culture state measuring device of the present invention comprises a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an aeration tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms, and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

[0015] The culture apparatus of the present invention comprises a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an aeration tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms, and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

[0016] The culture state measurement method of the present invention involves measuring the culture state of microorganisms in a culture vessel by a measuring unit that is movable relative to the culture vessel, which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported, and to which gas is supplied from an aeration tube.

[0017] An example of a culture state measuring device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a culture state measuring device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the culture state measuring device 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the culture state measuring device 1 according to the embodiment comprises a culture container 10 and a measuring unit 11.

[0018] The culture vessel 10 of the culture state measuring device 1 is a container for culturing microorganisms. A sample S of microorganisms being cultured is sealed inside the culture vessel 10. For example, the culture vessel 10 is cylindrical, with one end open and the other end closed. A removable stopper 12 is inserted into the opening of the culture vessel 10. The state of the sample S is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a liquid or a gas. In Figure 1, an example is shown where the sample S is a liquid.

[0019] The culture vessel 10 is fixed in a predetermined position within the culture state measuring device 1 without being moved. Gas is supplied to the sample S inside the fixed culture vessel 10 through a stopper 12 and from one end of an air supply pipe 13 inserted into the culture vessel 10. In other words, the culture vessel 10 remains fixed in a predetermined position without being moved from the start of cultivation to the end of measurement.

[0020] The other end of the air supply pipe 13 is connected to a manifold 14, and gas is supplied to the other end of the air supply pipe 13 from a gas supply unit such as a cylinder (not shown) via the manifold 14. An air filter (not shown) is also provided inside the air supply pipe 13.

[0021] To avoid the influence of heat on the culture state of microorganisms and to improve the accuracy of measuring the culture state, no components that generate a heat amount large enough to affect the culture state of microorganisms inside the culture vessel 10 are installed near the culture vessel 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the microorganisms cultured in the culture vessel 10 are preferably, for example, microalgae. Here, microalgae are organisms that perform oxygen-evolving photosynthesis, excluding mosses, ferns, and seed plants that mainly grow on land, and are algae that are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. The size of the microalgae is preferably, for example, 1 μm to 500 μm per individual. Examples of microalgae are preferably cyanobacteria, prokaryotic green algae, red algae, glaucophytes, cryptophytes, dinoflagellates, golden algae, diatoms, brown algae, yellow-green algae, haptophytes, raphidophytes (green flagellates), chlorarachnion algae, Euglena algae, prasinophytes, green algae, and charophytes.

[0023] The measurement unit 11 of the culture state measuring device 1 is movable relative to the culture vessel 10. For example, the measurement unit 11 is provided to be movable along the guide section 15. The measurement unit 11 may be moved manually, but it is preferable that it be moved automatically by a power unit (not shown).

[0024] The measurement unit 11 measures the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel 10 without contacting the sample S.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a measurement unit 11. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the measurement unit 11 is a photoelectric sensor type measurement unit comprising a light-emitting unit 16, a light-receiving unit 17, and an output unit 18, and preferably includes a fiber sensor. Note that Figure 1 shows an example of a transmissive photoelectric sensor.

[0026] The light-emitting unit 16 of the measurement unit 11 irradiates light onto the sample S in the culture vessel 10. Examples of light sources include white LEDs or red LEDs. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 16 is preferably light with a main peak at a wavelength of 660 nm, and more preferably light with a wavelength of 660 nm emitted by a quaternary red LED.

[0027] The light receiving unit 17 is positioned opposite the light transmitting unit 16 and receives light that has been transmitted through the sample S in the culture container 10 after being irradiated from the light transmitting unit 16. The output unit 18 analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light receiving unit 17 and outputs the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture container 10. Preferably, the output unit 18 analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light receiving unit 17 and outputs the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture container 10.

[0028] The above example shows a transmissive photoelectric sensor, but in the case of a reflective photoelectric sensor, for example, the light-emitting unit 16 and the light-receiving unit 17 are arranged on the same side with respect to the culture vessel 10, and the light-receiving unit 17 receives the light that has been irradiated from the light-emitting unit 16 onto the sample S in the culture vessel 10 and then reflected by the sample S.

[0029] Furthermore, by selecting the configuration of the photoelectric sensor according to the state of the sample S, such as applying a transmission-type photoelectric sensor when the concentration of sample S is high, and a reflection-type photoelectric sensor when the concentration of sample S is low, the accuracy of measuring the culture state can be further improved.

[0030] Furthermore, if the microorganism is a microalga, the microalga will die if the illuminance reaching sample S is 1200 lx or higher. Therefore, when the microorganism is a microalga, it is preferable to control the illuminance reaching sample S according to the type of microorganism, such as setting the illuminance reaching sample S to less than 1200 lx.

[0031] Furthermore, when measuring the culture state of microorganisms using the measurement unit 11, the supply of gas from the aeration tube 13 to the culture vessel 10 is stopped by the shut-off valve 19. By stopping the supply of gas from the aeration tube 13 to the culture vessel 10 with the shut-off valve 19, stirring of the sample S by the gas can be suppressed, thereby further improving the accuracy of measuring the culture state. It is also preferable to determine the time from stopping the gas supply to starting the measurement of the culture state according to the type and size of the microorganisms.

[0032] When the microorganism is a microalga, microalgae have a tendency to precipitate. From this perspective, the time from the cessation of gas supply to the start of measurement of the culture state is not particularly limited as long as the dispersion state in the sample S is maintained, but is preferably within 1 minute, more preferably within 30 seconds, even more preferably within 10 seconds, particularly preferably between 1 second and 10 seconds, and most preferably between 1 second and 3 seconds.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, by providing multiple light-emitting units 16 and light-receiving units 17, measurement errors caused by scratches or other defects on the light-irradiated surface of the culture vessel 10 can be avoided. If there are multiple light-emitting units 16 and light-receiving units 17, the average value of the data obtained from the multiple light-receiving units 17 may be used, or the data with the smallest value or the data with the largest value may be used, provided that the data to be used is unified. In addition, even if there is only one light-emitting unit 16 and light-receiving unit 17, measurement errors can be avoided by moving the light-emitting unit 16 and light-receiving unit 17 vertically to avoid scratches or other defects on the culture vessel 10.

[0034] The light-emitting unit 16 and light-receiving unit 17 of the measurement unit 11 are mounted on a movable unit 20. The movable unit 20 is controlled to move, for example, by an actuator. In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the movable unit 20 may be provided with a cover unit 21 that covers the light-emitting unit 16 and the light-receiving unit 17.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, by configuring the measurement unit 11 as a transmissive photoelectric sensor, that is, by having the output unit 18 analyze the transmittance of light received by the light receiving unit 17 and output the culture state of the microorganism, the measurement accuracy of the culture state of the microorganism is good not only when measuring in the dark but also in the bright.

[0036] Figure 4 is an enlarged top view showing an example of the positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 16, the light-receiving unit 17, and the air supply tube 13 of the measurement unit 11. As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the light-emitting unit 16 does not irradiate light onto the portion of the air supply tube 13 that is inserted into the culture vessel 10. For example, if the culture vessel 10 is cylindrical, the inner diameter of the culture vessel 10 is about 15.5 mm, and the outer diameter of the air supply tube 13 is about 2.4 mm. With such a configuration, the light received by the light-receiving unit 17 does not contain information about the gas flowing inside the air supply tube 13. Therefore, the measurement accuracy of the culture state can be further improved.

[0037] In the culture state measurement device 1, the measurement unit 11 moves to the culture container 10, which is fixed in place without being transported, and measures the culture state of the microorganisms inside the culture container 10. In this way, the culture state of the microorganisms inside the culture container 10 is measured while the culture container 10 is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported or transported while fixed, so the culture state inside the culture container 10 is not affected by the transport of the culture container. Therefore, the culture state measurement device 1 can accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms, including the reproducibility of the measurement. Furthermore, because the structure of the culture state measurement device 1 is simple, it is possible to achieve a small space requirement for the culture state measurement device 1 and a reduction in culture medium costs. Moreover, the culture state measurement device 1 can be automated by moving the measurement unit 11 while measuring the culture state using a power unit (not shown).

[0038] Furthermore, the culture state measuring device 1 does not remove the sample S from the culture vessel 10 when measuring the culture state; that is, it does not open the closed system of the culture vessel 10 to remove the sample S from inside the culture vessel 10, thereby avoiding contamination into the culture vessel 10 that would occur with sample removal. As a result, the accuracy of measuring the culture state can be further improved. In addition, the decrease in the amount of sample S during measurement can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the sample S is removed from the culture vessel 10 during measurement, the culture vessel 10 may be temporarily transferred out of the system from the culture state measuring device 1, which can lead to measurement variations due to the transfer of the culture vessel 10, and variations in the culture state due to the culture vessel 10 being removed from the control of the culture state measuring device 1 when it is transferred out of the system.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the culture state measuring device 1 preferably comprises multiple culture vessels 10, more preferably nine or more culture vessels 10, and more preferably twelve or more culture vessels 10. By measuring the culture state of microorganisms in multiple culture vessels 10 while moving the measurement unit 11, the culture state measuring device 1 can measure the culture state of microorganisms in multiple culture vessels 10 one by one for multiple samples with a single movement of the measurement unit 11. Moreover, the accuracy of measuring the culture state, such as the reproducibility of the measurement, can be further improved. Furthermore, since culture is performed simultaneously in multiple culture vessels 10 and samples in multiple culture vessels 10 are measured at once, the accuracy of measuring the culture state of multiple samples can be further improved.

[0040] When the culture state measurement apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of culture vessels 10, it is preferable that the plurality of culture vessels 10 are arranged in a single row as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The plurality of culture vessels 10 are installed on a guide part 15 that guides the movement of a measurement unit 11. The measurement unit 11, while moving along the guide part 15, measures the culture state of microorganisms in the plurality of culture vessels 10 arranged along the guide part 15. Here, the culture vessels 10 on both sides of the plurality of arranged culture vessels 10 (in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the culture vessel 10 arranged at the leftmost position and the culture vessel 10 arranged at the rightmost position) are culture vessels for calibration, and no gas is supplied from the air supply pipe 13 to the culture vessels 10.

[0041] In this way, adopting a configuration in which the plurality of culture vessels 10 are arranged in a single row simplifies the configuration of the culture state measurement apparatus 1 compared to, for example, a case where the plurality of culture vessels are arranged in a circumferential shape, and can improve the reduction of space requirement of the culture state measurement apparatus 1 and the reduction of medium cost.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the culture state measurement apparatus 1 further comprises a flow rate control unit 22 that controls the flow rate of gas supplied from the air supply pipe 13 into the culture vessel 10. The flow rate control unit 22 controls the aeration conditions of the gas in the air supply pipe 13. When the culture state measurement apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of culture vessels 10, the flow rate control unit 22 is provided for each individual air supply pipe 13.

[0043] The gas flow rate is appropriately set according to factors such as the type of microorganism and culture conditions, and is preferably not less than 0.03 L / min and not more than 0.50 L / min. When the culture state measurement apparatus 1 does not comprise the flow rate control unit 22, an operator controls the gas aeration conditions. Therefore, by providing the culture state measurement apparatus 1 with the flow rate control unit 22, the amount of gas supplied from the air supply pipe 13 into the culture vessel 10 can be made uniform. Furthermore, the volatilization amount of the sample S in the culture vessel 10 can also be made uniform.

[0044] It is further preferable that the culture state measurement device 1 further comprises a display unit 23 that displays the flow rate of the gas controlled by the flow rate control unit 22. The display unit 23 displays aeration information such as the flow rate of gas in the air supply pipe 13 controlled by the flow rate control unit 22. Therefore, an operator can easily grasp aeration information such as the gas flow rate. On the other hand, if the culture state measurement device 1 does not comprise the display unit 23, the operator cannot easily grasp the aeration information.

[0045] Furthermore, turning on and off of the automated configuration in the culture state measurement device 1 is controlled by a power switch 24. In addition, when the culture state measurement device 1 encounters an emergency, the emergency stop switch 25 is used to stop the operating culture state measurement device 1.

[0046] Next, the culture device of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the culture device 2 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the culture device 2 of the embodiment comprises a culture vessel 10 and a measurement unit 11. It is preferable that the culture device 2 has substantially the same configuration as the culture state measurement device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0048] The culture vessel 10 of the culture device 2 is fixed at a predetermined position in the culture device 2 without being transferred. Gas is supplied to a sample S in the culture vessel 10, which is fixed without being transferred, from one end side of an air supply pipe 13 that penetrates a stopper 12 and is inserted into the culture vessel 10. In addition, the measurement unit 11 of the culture device 2 is provided movably relative to the culture vessel 10, and measures the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel 10 in a non-contact manner.

[0049] The culture device 2 cultures microorganisms in the culture vessel 10, and measures the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture vessel 10 with the measurement unit 11. Therefore, while the measurement unit 11 accurately measures the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture vessel 10, microorganisms with high culture state accuracy can be cultured.

[0050] Next, the culture state measurement method of the embodiment will be described.

[0051] The culture state measurement method of the embodiment measures the culture state of microorganisms in a culture vessel without contact using a measurement unit that is movably mounted on the culture vessel in which microorganisms are cultured. The culture vessel is fixed in a predetermined position and is not moved. In addition, gas is supplied to the inside of the culture vessel from an aeration tube. Therefore, the culture state measurement method can accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel. The culture state measurement method is preferably the method performed by the culture state measurement device 1 of the above embodiment.

[0052] For samples in fixed culture vessels that are not transported, gas is supplied from one end of an aeration tube. The other end of the aeration tube is connected to a manifold, and gas is supplied to the other end of the aeration tube from a gas supply unit such as a cylinder via the manifold. An air filter is also installed inside the aeration tube.

[0053] To avoid the effects of heat on the microbial culture state and to improve the accuracy of measuring the culture state, no components that generate enough heat to affect the microbial culture state inside the culture vessel are installed near the culture vessel.

[0054] The measurement unit is movable relative to the culture vessel. For example, the measurement unit is provided to be movable along a guide. The measurement unit may be moved manually, but it is preferable that it be moved automatically by a power unit.

[0055] The measurement unit is a photoelectric sensor type measurement unit comprising a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit, and an output unit, and preferably includes a fiber sensor.

[0056] The light-emitting unit of the measurement unit irradiates light onto the sample in the culture vessel. The light-receiving unit is positioned opposite the light-emitting unit and receives the light that has been irradiated from the light-emitting unit onto the sample in the culture vessel and then transmitted through the sample. The output unit analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture vessel. Preferably, the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganisms in the culture vessel.

[0057] The above example shows a transmissive photoelectric sensor, but in the case of a reflective photoelectric sensor, for example, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are located on the same side relative to the culture vessel, and the light-receiving unit receives the light that has been irradiated from the light-emitting unit onto the sample in the culture vessel and then reflected by the sample.

[0058] Furthermore, when measuring the culture state of microorganisms using the measurement unit, the supply of gas from the aeration tube to the culture vessel is stopped by a shut-off valve. By stopping the supply of gas from the aeration tube to the culture vessel with a shut-off valve, mixing of the sample by the gas can be suppressed, thereby further improving the accuracy of measuring the culture state. It is also preferable to determine the time from stopping the gas supply to starting the measurement of the culture state according to the type and size of the microorganisms.

[0059] When the microorganism is a microalga, microalgae have a tendency to precipitate. From this perspective, the time from the cessation of gas supply to the start of measurement of the culture state is not particularly limited as long as the dispersion state in the sample S is maintained, but is preferably between 1 second and 1 minute, more preferably between 1 second and 10 seconds, and even more preferably between 1 second and 3 seconds.

[0060] The light-emitting and light-receiving units of the measurement unit are mounted on a mobile unit. The movement of the mobile unit is controlled, for example, by an actuator.

[0061] Furthermore, it is preferable that the light-emitting unit does not irradiate the portion of the air supply tube that is inserted into the culture vessel. With this configuration, the light received by the light-receiving unit does not contain information about the gas flowing through the air supply tube. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the culture state can be further improved.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable to have multiple culture vessels, and more preferably nine or more culture vessels, and more preferably twelve or more culture vessels. By measuring the culture state of microorganisms in multiple culture vessels while moving the measurement unit, the culture state measurement method allows for the measurement of the culture state of microorganisms in multiple culture vessels one by one with a single movement of the measurement unit for multiple samples. Moreover, the accuracy of the culture state measurement, such as the reproducibility of the culture state measurement, can be further improved. Furthermore, since culture is performed simultaneously in multiple culture vessels and samples in multiple culture vessels are measured at once, the accuracy of measuring the culture state of multiple samples can be further improved.

[0063] If there are multiple culture vessels, it is preferable that the multiple culture vessels be arranged in a line. The multiple culture vessels are placed on a guide section that guides the movement of the measurement unit. The measurement unit moves along the guide section and measures the culture state of microorganisms in the multiple culture vessels arranged along the guide section.

[0064] By arranging multiple culture vessels in a single row in this way, the configuration of the culture state measurement method becomes simpler compared to cases where multiple culture vessels are arranged around the periphery, thus improving space efficiency for the culture state measurement method and reducing the cost of culture media.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable to control the flow rate of the gas supplied from the air supply tube into the culture vessel using a flow control unit. The flow control unit controls the aeration conditions of the gas in the air supply tube. If there are multiple culture vessels, a flow control unit is provided for each air supply tube. The flow control unit 22 can equalize the amount of gas supplied from the air supply tube into the culture vessel. Furthermore, it can also equalize the amount of volatilization of the sample in the culture vessel.

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferable to display the gas flow rate controlled by the flow control unit on the display unit. The display unit displays ventilation information such as the gas flow rate in the supply pipe, which is controlled by the flow control unit. Therefore, operators can easily grasp ventilation information such as the gas flow rate.

[0067] Furthermore, the automated components of the culture state measurement method are controlled by a power switch. In the event of an emergency, the operating culture state measurement method is stopped by an emergency stop switch.

[0068] According to the embodiments described above, by fixing the culture vessel for culturing microorganisms in a predetermined position without moving it, and measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel using a measuring unit that can move relative to the culture vessel, the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel can be measured with high accuracy.

[0069] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all aspects included in the concepts and claims of this disclosure, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] Next, examples will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0071] (Example 1) We used strain 642 of Phaeodactylum tricornutum UTEX LB, obtained from the algal collection at the University of Texas, USA. For the culture medium, we used f / 2 medium modified based on the components shown in Table 1. Phaeodactylum tricornutum was cultured in the modified f / 2 medium for more than one week and grown to a steady state. The initial cell concentration was 5 × 10⁶. ５ It was set to / mL.

[0072] The culture was performed using the culture state measurement device shown in Figure 1. The culture conditions were room temperature, white LED light source, and light intensity of 100 μmol / m². ２ The setting was set to / s. The aeration rate to each of the 12 culture vessels was set to 0.03 L / min by the flow control unit, and 2% CO2 was added. ２ The culture medium was supplied to the culture vessel. The culture was carried out continuously for 74 hours, with the transmitted light intensity of the culture medium being automatically measured every hour.

[0073]

[0074] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the transmitted light intensity detected by the light-receiving unit and the culture time. Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the reciprocal of the transmitted light intensity detected by the light-receiving unit (relative turbidity) and the culture time. As shown in Figure 7, the culture state measuring device shown in Figure 1 was able to accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms.

[0075] (Example 2) A unique strain of Chlorella sorokiniana isolated from the environment was used. BG-11 medium with the components shown in Table 2 was used as the culture medium. Chlorella sorokiniana was cultured in BG-11 medium for more than one week and grown to a steady state. The initial cell concentration was 1 × 10⁻⁶ ５ It was set to / mL.

[0076] The culture was performed using the culture state measurement device shown in Figure 1. The culture conditions were room temperature, white LED light source, and light intensity of 100 μmol / m². ２ The setting was set to / s. The aeration rate to each of the 12 culture vessels was set to 0.01 L / min by the flow control unit, and 2% CO2 was added. ２ The culture medium was supplied to the culture vessel. The culture was carried out continuously for 69 hours, with the transmitted light intensity of the culture medium being automatically measured every hour.

[0077]

[0078] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the transmitted light intensity detected by the light-receiving unit and the culture time. Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the reciprocal of the transmitted light intensity detected by the light-receiving unit (relative turbidity) and the culture time. As shown in Figure 9, the culture state measuring device shown in Figure 1 was able to accurately measure the culture state of microorganisms.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention may also adopt the following appendix forms: (Appendix 1) A culture state measuring device comprising a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an air supply tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms, and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel. (Appendix 2) The culture state measuring device according to Appendix 1, wherein the measuring unit comprises a light emitting unit that irradiates the culture vessel with light, a light receiving unit that receives light that has passed through the culture vessel, and an output unit that analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of microorganisms. (Appendix 3) The culture state measuring device according to Appendix 2, wherein the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of microorganisms. (Appendix 4) The culture state measuring device according to Appendix 2, wherein the measuring unit measures the culture state in a bright place, and the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of microorganisms. (Note 5) The culture state measuring device according to any one of Notes 2 to 4, wherein the light-emitting unit does not irradiate light to the portion of the air supply tube that is inserted into the culture container. (Note 6) The culture state measuring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the sample is not removed from the culture container when measuring the culture state. (Note 7) The culture state measuring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the microorganism is a microalgae. (Note 8) The culture state measuring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein there are multiple culture containers. (Note 9) The culture state measuring device according to Note 8, wherein the multiple culture containers are arranged in a row. (Note 10) The culture state measuring device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, further comprising a flow rate control unit that controls the flow rate of gas supplied from the air supply tube to the culture container. (Note 11) The culture state measuring device according to Note 10, further comprising a display unit that displays the flow rate of gas controlled by the flow rate control unit. (Note 12) A culture apparatus comprising a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an air supply pipe and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms, and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.(Note 13) The culture apparatus according to Note 12, wherein the measurement unit comprises a light-emitting unit that irradiates light onto the culture vessel, a light-receiving unit that receives light transmitted through the culture vessel, and an output unit that analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism. (Note 14) The culture apparatus according to Note 13, wherein the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism. (Note 15) The culture apparatus according to Note 13, wherein the measurement unit measures the culture state in a bright place, and the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism. (Note 16) The culture apparatus according to any one of Notes 13 to 15, wherein the light-emitting unit does not irradiate light onto the portion of the air supply tube that is inserted into the culture vessel. (Note 17) A culture apparatus according to any one of Notes 12 to 16, wherein no sample is taken from the culture vessel when measuring the culture state. (Note 18) A culture apparatus according to any one of Notes 12 to 17, wherein the microorganism is a microalgae. (Note 19) A culture apparatus according to any one of Notes 12 to 18, wherein there are multiple culture vessels. (Note 20) A culture state measuring device according to Note 19, wherein the multiple culture vessels are arranged in a row. (Note 21) A culture apparatus according to any one of Notes 12 to 20, further comprising a flow rate control unit for controlling the flow rate of gas supplied from the air supply tube to the culture vessel. (Note 22) A culture apparatus according to Note 21, further comprising a display unit for displaying the flow rate of gas controlled by the flow rate control unit. (Note 23) A method for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in a culture vessel, wherein a measuring unit is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel, which is supplied with gas from an air supply tube and fixed in a predetermined position without being transported, and the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel is measured. (Note 24) The method for measuring the culture state according to Note 23, wherein the measuring unit comprises a light-emitting unit that irradiates the culture vessel with light, a light-receiving unit that receives light that has passed through the culture vessel, and an output unit that analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of microorganisms. (Note 25) The method for measuring the culture state according to Note 24, wherein the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light-receiving unit and outputs the culture state of microorganisms.(Note 26) The method for measuring the culture state according to Note 24, wherein the measurement unit measures the culture state in a bright place, and the output unit analyzes the transmittance of the light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism. (Note 27) The method for measuring the culture state according to any one of Notes 24 to 26, wherein the light emitting unit does not irradiate light to the portion of the air supply tube that is inserted into the culture container. (Note 28) The method for measuring the culture state according to any one of Notes 23 to 27, wherein no sample is taken from the culture container when measuring the culture state. (Note 29) The method for measuring the culture state according to any one of Notes 23 to 28, wherein the microorganism is a microalgae. (Note 30) The method for measuring the culture state according to any one of Notes 23 to 29, wherein there are multiple culture containers. (Note 31) The method for measuring the culture state according to Note 30, wherein the multiple culture containers are arranged in a row. (Note 32) The method for measuring the culture state according to any one of Notes 23 to 31, further comprising a flow control unit for controlling the flow rate of gas supplied from the air supply tube to the culture vessel. (Note 33) The method for measuring the culture state according to Note 32, further comprising a display unit for displaying the flow rate of gas controlled by the flow control unit.

[0080] 1 Culture state measuring device 2 Culture apparatus 10 Culture vessel 11 Measurement unit 12 Stopper 13 Air supply tube 14 Manifold 15 Guide section 16 Light emitting section 17 Light receiving section 18 Output section 19 Shut-off valve 20 Moving section 21 Cover section 22 Flow rate control section 23 Display section 24 Power switch 25 Emergency stop switch L Light S Sample

Claims

1. A culture state measuring device comprising: a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an air supply tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms; and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

2. The culture state measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit comprises a light emitting unit that irradiates the culture vessel with light, a light receiving unit that receives light transmitted through the culture vessel, and an output unit that analyzes the signal information of the light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism.

3. The culture state measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the output unit analyzes the transmittance of light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism.

4. The culture state measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the measuring unit measures the culture state in a bright place, and the output unit analyzes the transmittance of light received by the light receiving unit and outputs the culture state of the microorganism.

5. The culture state measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the light-emitting unit does not irradiate light onto the portion of the air supply tube that is inserted into the culture container.

6. The culture state measuring device according to claim 1, wherein no sample is removed from the culture vessel when measuring the culture state.

7. The culture state measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the microorganism is a microalga.

8. The culture state measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the culture vessels are a plurality of vessels.

9. The culture state measuring device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of culture vessels are arranged in a row.

10. The culture state measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a flow control unit for controlling the flow rate of gas supplied from the aeration tube to the culture vessel.

11. The culture state measuring device according to claim 10, further comprising a display unit for displaying the flow rate of the gas controlled by the flow rate control unit.

12. A culture apparatus comprising: a culture vessel to which gas is supplied from an aeration tube and which is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported for culturing microorganisms; and a measuring unit which is provided so as to be movable relative to the culture vessel for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel.

13. A method for measuring the culture state of microorganisms in a culture vessel, wherein gas is supplied from an aeration tube and the culture vessel is fixed in a predetermined position without being transported, and the culture state of microorganisms in the culture vessel is measured by a measuring unit that is movable to the culture vessel.

Images