Fermentation Media Nutrient Ratios for EPA Enrichment

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to selectively increase or enrich the production of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in microalgae like Thraustochytrids, without decreasing overall lipid production or the percentage of PUFAs.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adjusting the micro- and/or macronutrients in the fermentation media of PUFA-producing microalgae, such as lowering the sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratio or modifying the nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) ratio, to selectively increase the production of EPA and/or DHA.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratio in fermentation media is lowered to selectively increase EPA production, then the percentage of EPA in total fatty acids increases, but the overall lipid production may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEPA percentage in total fatty acidsVSAvoidoverall lipid production

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the Na:K ratio in the fermentation media to selectively increase EPA production. Specifically, reducing the Na:K ratio (e.g., from conventional ratios to lower ratios) changes the ionic environment to favor EPA synthesis pathways in Thraustochytrids, thereby improving EPA percentage while monitoring overall lipid production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific nutrient conditions (low Na:K ratio) that selectively enhance EPA production in certain regions or phases of the fermentation process. This localized optimization of nutrient composition allows EPA enrichment without uniformly compromising overall lipid synthesis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) ratio in fermentation media is modified to increase EPA and/or DHA production, then the PUFA content increases, but the balance of other fatty acids may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePUFA contentVSAvoidfatty acid composition balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the N:P ratio in fermentation media to control PUFA synthesis. By adjusting this critical nutrient ratio, the patent optimizes conditions for EPA and DHA production while maintaining overall fatty acid composition stability through controlled parameter variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If nutrient ratios are adjusted to enrich specific PUFAs, then the selectivity of PUFA production increases, but the complexity of media formulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity of PUFA productionVSAvoidmedia formulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying nutrient ratios (Na:K, N:P) to achieve selective PUFA production. This approach simplifies media formulation complexity by focusing on key parameter adjustments rather than complex multi-component modifications, enabling selective enrichment through controlled parameter variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250129395A1Media refinement and nutrient feeding approaches to increase polyunsaturated fatty acid production

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 DSM IP ASSETS BV

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for increasing production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in a microorganism, comprising adjusting the macro-and/or micronutrients during fermentation. The invention includes any culture, biomass, and oil produced by the method.