Acetobacter Malorum Strain for Fast Acetic Acid Fermentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fermented beverages, such as kombucha, face challenges in achieving a good level of acetic acid concentration and maintaining live and active cultures during fermentation, often resulting in undesirable flavors and reduced shelf life due to heat treatment.

Innovation Solution

Utilization of the novel Acetobacter malorum strain CNCM I-5329 for fermentation, which achieves a high acetic acid level quickly and maintains viable cultures, allowing for a shorter fermentation time and improved shelf stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional fermentation methods are used to achieve good acetic acid concentration, then the fermentation time is extended, but the shelf life and viability of live cultures are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacetic acid concentrationVSAvoidfermentation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and optimizing specific strain characteristics (acetic acid production rate, growth kinetics) and fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, aeration) to achieve high acetic acid concentration in reduced time. The novel strain exhibits superior metabolic parameters that accelerate acetic acid production while maintaining culture viability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heat treatment is applied to improve shelf life, then the shelf stability is improved, but the live and active cultures are inactivated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidlive and active cultures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by achieving adequate acetic acid concentration and desired organoleptic qualities during the fermentation process itself, creating a naturally preserved product that maintains shelf stability without requiring post-fermentation heat treatment. The fermentation conditions are optimized to produce sufficient acetic acid as a natural preservative.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If fermentation time is extended to achieve desired acetic acid level, then the acetic acid concentration is improved, but the organoleptic qualities deteriorate due to over-fermentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacetic acid concentrationVSAvoidundesirable flavors
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing monitoring of acetic acid concentration, pH, and other parameters during fermentation to determine the optimal endpoint. This allows achievement of target acetic acid levels while preventing over-fermentation that would generate undesirable flavors, ensuring optimal organoleptic qualities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The Acetobacter malorum strain CNCM I-5329 enables the production of fermented beverages with desirable organoleptic qualities and maintains viable cultures, ensuring a good shelf life without the need for heat treatment.

Implementation Method 1

Acetobacter malorum strain deposited at the CNCM under reference numbers CNCM I-5329... fermenting under aerobic conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerobic oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

fermenting an aqueous base with symbiotic micro-organisms... fermenting by means of the SCOBY

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentEP4255203B1Acetobacter for use in preparation of fermented products
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel strain of Acetobacter malorum, compositions comprising said strain and to methods for the preparation of such compositions.