Thraustochytrid Fermentation for EPA-Rich Biomass via CO2 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thraustochytrid microorganisms vary in omega-3 fatty acid production, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels, leading to undesirable profiles and low productivity in fermentation processes, necessitating the development of methods to modulate EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting fermentation conditions such as dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, pressure, temperature, and nutrient composition, specifically reducing vitamin B12 and cobalt in the culture medium, to enhance EPA production in Thraustochytrid microorganisms, achieving biomass with at least 3% EPA by weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fermentation methods are used with thraustochytrid microorganisms, then productivity is maintained at standard levels, but EPA concentration in biomass remains low with undesirable fatty acid profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying dissolved CO2 levels (increasing to 5-20% or higher), adjusting temperature (15-30°C ranges), and controlling nutrient composition (reducing vitamin B12 and cobalt) to shift the fermentation process toward high EPA production. These parameter modifications transform the fatty acid profile to achieve ≥3% EPA while maintaining productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If dissolved CO2 levels are increased to modulate EPA production, then EPA concentration increases significantly, but fermentation process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling dissolved CO2 levels as a primary lever to modulate EPA production. This approach uses a single controllable parameter (CO2 dissolution) to achieve the desired fatty acid profile modification without requiring complex multi-component interventions, thereby managing process complexity while achieving high EPA concentrations.
3Quantity of substance
If vitamin B12 and cobalt are reduced in culture medium to enhance EPA production, then EPA concentration increases, but microorganism growth may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing nutrient composition, specifically reducing vitamin B12 and cobalt levels in the culture medium. This modification creates metabolic conditions that favor EPA accumulation while the overall nutrient balance and fermentation parameters are adjusted to maintain reliable microorganism growth and productivity.
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
Significantly increases EPA concentration in the biomass by up to 700% compared to conventional methods, resulting in a more efficient and controlled production of omega-3 fatty acids.
Implementation Method 1
fermenting the microorganism in a fermentor vessel having a dissolved gas in a fermentation broth to produce a biomass
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to isolated microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof, biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, and cultures; methods of producing the microbial oils, biomasses, and mutants; and methods of using the isolated microorganisms, biomasses, and microbial oils.