Biodegradable Polymeric Mesh for Aquaculture Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aquaculture systems face challenges in maintaining healthy fish populations due to high densities leading to stressful conditions, poor water quality, and increased exposure to pathogens, with existing solutions like total disinfection and antibiotics causing economic losses and environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
Development of a biodegradable polymeric mesh for controlled release of functional additives, such as humic substances and inanimate microbial cells, to create a pathogen-suppressing environment by modulating the microbiome, improving water quality, and inducing protective immune responses in fish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If total disinfection of the system is performed, then pathogens are eliminated, but production activity must be completely interrupted causing significant economic losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary disinfection actions continuously in the background without interrupting production. The automated disinfection system is activated beforehand and operates during non-critical periods, allowing pathogen control to be achieved before outbreaks occur, thus eliminating the need for complete system shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfection system operates autonomously using sensors to detect pathogen levels and automatically activates treatment protocols. This self-monitoring and self-treating capability allows the system to maintain hygiene without human intervention or production interruption, resolving the contradiction between effective disinfection and continuous operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antibiotics are used, then pathogen growth is controlled in the short term, but resistant pathogens emerge and beneficial microbial populations are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses probiotic microorganisms as intermediaries to compete with and suppress pathogenic bacteria through natural biological mechanisms. These beneficial microbes act as mediators that restore microbial balance without the harmful side effects of antibiotics, controlling pathogens while preserving beneficial populations and preventing resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the problem of pathogen presence into an opportunity by using controlled introduction of beneficial microbes that outcompete pathogens for resources and space. This approach transforms the harmful pathogen situation into a beneficial microbial balance, eliminating the need for antibiotics and their associated resistance problems.
3Productivity
If high density fish breeding is implemented, then production efficiency increases, but water quality deteriorates and animal welfare decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia levels in real-time using automated monitoring and control. By continuously optimizing these parameters even at high stocking densities, the system maintains water quality within acceptable ranges, allowing high productivity without the typical deterioration associated with intensive breeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous water circulation, filtration, and quality monitoring to maintain optimal conditions throughout the breeding period. This uninterrupted maintenance of water quality parameters enables sustained high-density production without the periodic crashes that typically occur when water quality deteriorates, thus preserving both productivity and animal welfare.
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 biodegradable polymeric mesh effectively suppresses pathogens, improves water quality, and enhances fish health and welfare by creating a diverse microbial community that reduces nitrogenous nutrients and promotes immune responses.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable polymeric mesh for controlled release of functional additives
Implementation Method 2
controlled release of functional additives, such as humic substances and inanimate microbial cells
Implementation Method 3
biodegradable polymeric mesh for controlled release of functional additives
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns an extruded biodegradable material for aquaculture, which comprises at least one biodegradable polymer and at least one functional additive. The production method of the biodegradable material, as well as articles comprising said material, are also disclosed. An aspect of the present invention comprises an extruder for obtaining the extruded biodegradable material.