Fermentation Monitoring With Transcriptome Feedback for Process Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fermentation processes, particularly in beer production, suffer from variability due to unpredictable yeast performance, leading to inconsistent results and high costs, as brewers lack real-time monitoring and remediation tools to manage yeast health and nutritional needs.
Innovation Solution
A fermentation monitoring system with a fluidic sampling apparatus, physical sensor array, and analytic system that tracks physical parameters and yeast transcriptome, constructing a baseline database to infer regulatory genes and adjust fermentation conditions in real-time to standardize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time monitoring and remediation tools are implemented, then fermentation consistency and yeast performance are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into distinct functional modules: fluidic sampling apparatus for sample collection, physical sensor array for parameter measurement, and analytic system for data processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and troubleshooting while achieving comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluidic sampling apparatus serves as an intermediary component that bridges the fermentation tank and the sensor array. It automatically collects and delivers liquid samples to the monitoring system, enabling continuous parameter measurement without direct human intervention or complex mechanical interfaces in the fermentation vessel itself.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of physical parameters and transcriptome is performed, then yeast health management is improved, but loss of time for sampling and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous monitoring of fermentation parameters through automated fluidic sampling that operates throughout the fermentation process. Multiple parameters including gravity, pH, and dissolved oxygen are measured continuously without interrupting the fermentation, eliminating the need for manual sampling intervals and providing uninterrupted data streams for real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual sampling and laboratory analysis operations are replaced with an automated electronic monitoring system using physical sensors and computational analysis. The analytic system processes sensor data and transcriptome information automatically, substituting time-consuming manual procedures with rapid electronic measurement and computation.
3Manufacturing precision
If remediation actions are taken based on regulatory gene correlation, then fermentation variability is reduced, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analytic system continuously compares measured physical parameters against baseline values and automatically determines remediation actions when deviations are detected. The system correlates parameter deviations with regulatory gene expression patterns and implements corrective measures such as adjusting aeration, temperature, or nutrient addition, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically maintains optimal fermentation conditions without requiring expert intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for standardizing a fermentation process. A method of standardizing a selected fermentation process by a fermentation organism in a fermentation substrate is disclosed. The method can comprise: (A) constructing a baseline database for the selected fermentation process by the fermentation organism in the fermentation substrate; and (B) initiating a second instance of the selected fermentation process by the fermentation organism in the fermentation substrate.