Halophytophthora Microorganism Culturing for EPA and ARA Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

The decreasing fish population due to overfishing has limited the availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), necessitating alternative sources for their production.

Innovation Solution

A method for producing EPA and ARA using Halophytophthora microorganisms, involving culturing them in specific media such as PYGS, Cornmeal, or Potato Dextrose mediums, with optimal conditions of salt concentration, pH, and temperature, to isolate and yield these fatty acids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If fish are used as the source of PUFA, then the quality and availability of EPA and ARA are improved, but the fish population decreases due to overfishing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of EPA and ARAVSAvoidoverfishing impact on marine ecology

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fish (a natural, limited resource) with microorganisms (Thraustochytrium and Halophytophthora) that can be cultivated indefinitely in controlled environments. These microorganisms serve as sustainable, renewable sources of EPA and ARA, eliminating the need to deplete fish populations while maintaining PUFA supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes culture conditions including salt concentration (1.0-3.5 wt%), pH (5-9), and temperature (10-35°C) to maximize PUFA production by microorganisms. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high yields of EPA and ARA from microbial cultures, making them viable alternatives to fish-based sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If traditional fish-based sources are used for PUFA, then the quality of EPA and ARA is maintained, but the acquisition cost increases due to decreasing fish population

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of EPA and ARAVSAvoidacquisition cost of EPA and ARA

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs microorganisms that can be mass-cultured at lower costs compared to fish farming or fishing operations. The microorganisms reproduce rapidly and can be cultivated in controlled environments using relatively inexpensive media, reducing the acquisition cost of EPA and ARA while maintaining product quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes culture parameters including salt concentration (1.0-3.5 wt%), pH (5-9), and temperature (10-35°C) to maximize growth rate and PUFA production efficiency. These optimized conditions reduce cultivation time and resource requirements, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining high-quality EPA and ARA output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If Halophytophthora is cultured in liquid medium for 4 to 10 days, then the production of EPA and ARA is improved, but the production time varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction of EPA and ARAVSAvoidculture time variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a flexible culture period of 4 to 10 days in liquid medium, allowing the cultivation process to be dynamically adjusted based on desired production volume, resource availability, and market demands. This dynamic approach enables optimization between productivity and time investment, with the ability to scale culture duration to match production requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This method provides an alternative and cost-effective source for EPA and ARA production, enhancing the economic value of Halophytophthora and offering a novel option for PUFA acquisition, with specific strains like BCRC930163 showing high ARA production capability.

Implementation Method 1

Halophytophthora genus is a kind of heterotrophic microorganisms... Halophytophthora can digest complex and big organic substances into smaller molecules... the present research hypothesized the potential ability of Halophytophthora genus in EPA and ARA production

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial metabolism: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS10119153B2Method for arachidonic acid production from <i>salispina spinosa </i>(<i>halophytophthora spinosa</i>)

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 NATIONAL TAIWAN OCEAN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or arachidonic acid (ARA) production by using Halophytophthora and Halophytophthora isolates that are suitable for EPA and/or ARA production. The disclosure of the present invention provides another choice for the industry to produce EPA and ARA that are good for human's health and promotes the industrial value of Halophytophthora.