Linear Spirulina Strain for Efficient Sieve Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Spirulina strains face challenges in harvesting due to their short spiral shape and sensitivity to high concentrations of NH4Cl, leading to inefficient harvesting methods and limited growth.
Innovation Solution
A novel Spirulina strain, Arthrospira platensis NCB002, with a long linear shape and enhanced resistance to NH4Cl, is developed. This strain is harvested using a sieve with a mesh size of 0.1 to 1.0 mm, allowing for efficient separation and reduced biomass loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Spirulina strains with short spiral shape are harvested using a sieve, then harvesting can be performed with simple equipment, but the harvest efficiency is too low and biomass loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the morphological parameters of Spirulina from short spiral shape (0.3 mm or less) to long linear shape (1 cm or greater), which fundamentally alters the harvesting characteristics and enables efficient sieve-based separation with high biomass retention
2Productivity
If NH4Cl is used as a nitrogen source at high concentration to boost initial growth rate, then the growth rate increases, but the conventional Spirulina strain cannot survive due to poor ammonia resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physiological parameters of Spirulina through UV irradiation mutation, enhancing ammonia resistance to survive in culture medium containing NH4Cl at 0.4 g/L or more, while maintaining the ability to utilize NH4Cl as a nitrogen source for high growth rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high concentration NH4Cl (which produces toxic ammonia) into a beneficial factor by selecting mutant strains that can tolerate and thrive in such conditions, thus using the previously harmful ammonia environment as a selective advantage
3Quantity of substance
If Spirulina is cultivated in a closed tank such as a light incubator to achieve high protein content, then the protein content increases to 65-75%, but the harvesting becomes very difficult and requires expensive centrifugation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the morphological parameter of Spirulina from short spiral to long linear shape (1 cm or greater), which enables the use of simple sieve-based harvesting equipment instead of complex centrifugation systems, while maintaining high protein content in the closed tank cultivation system
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 novel Spirulina strain achieves high yield and efficient harvesting, surviving in culture media with up to 0.4 g/L NH4Cl, while conventional strains are inhibited at lower concentrations, thus enabling easier and more effective biomass collection.
Implementation Method 1
Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae growing naturally through photosynthesis on the surface of lakes high in alkalinity and salinity in tropical regions
Implementation Method 2
passing an Arthrospira platensis NCB002 strain having a long linear shape and deposited with accession number KCTC 13731BP through a sieve having a mesh size of 0.1 to 1.0 mm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel Spirulina strain having a linear shape, which Spirulina strain can be used to achieve a harvest of Spirulina strain with high yield.