Fermentation Medium for Methanotrophic Bacteria Nitrite Poisoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in single cell protein (SCP) production is the risk of nitrite poisoning during ammonium-based nitrogen source usage in fermentation, leading to fermentation failure and increased costs due to the need for frequent batch restarts, especially in large-scale and continuous fermentation processes.
Innovation Solution
A new fermentation medium is developed, comprising a main growth solution with calcium compounds, an acidic dissolved trace metal solution, and buffer solutions, where trace metals are dissolved using acids or chelating agents to prevent precipitation, thereby reducing contamination and inhibition risks, and allowing for faster growth and higher cell yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ammonium compound is used as nitrogen source in large-scale fermentation, then growth speed and biomass production are improved, but nitrite poisoning risk increases leading to fermentation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-stage nitrogen source strategy where nitrate compound serves as an intermediary substance in the transition from batch to continuous fermentation. During batch fermentation, nitrate is used as nitrogen source, and only when continuous fermentation conditions are established does the system switch to ammonium compound. This intermediary approach allows the system to safely transition to higher productivity modes without directly exposing the fermentation to high nitrite poisoning risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing batch fermentation with nitrate compound before transitioning to continuous fermentation with ammonium compound. This preliminary phase allows the microbial culture and fermentation system to be properly established and stabilized under safer conditions, creating a foundation that enables subsequent high-productivity operation without immediate risk of failure.
2Reliability
If nitrate compound is used as nitrogen source during batch fermentation, then fermentation safety is improved, but growth speed and biomass production are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic nitrogen source switching strategy that adapts the nitrogen source based on the fermentation stage. The system transitions from nitrate compound during batch fermentation to ammonium compound during continuous fermentation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for safety during establishment phases and for productivity during production phases, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the nitrogen source parameter at a critical transition point in the fermentation process. By switching from nitrate to ammonium compound when transitioning from batch to continuous fermentation, the system exploits the different properties of these nitrogen sources at different operational stages, achieving both safety and high productivity through parameter optimization.
3Ease of manufacture
If ammonium compound is used as nitrogen source during continuous fermentation, then cost efficiency is improved, but nitrite accumulation increases causing fermentation shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a controlled transition period with nitrate compound as an intermediary that mediates between cost efficiency and nitrite accumulation risks. By establishing continuous fermentation conditions with nitrate first, the system creates a stable operational framework that can later support ammonium compound use at higher proportions, balancing cost efficiency with harm reduction through staged implementation.
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 approach results in a faster growth rate, higher biomass production, reduced risk of contamination, and minimized substrate precipitation, enabling quicker transition to continuous fermentation and cost savings by reducing the frequency of batch restarts and extending the shelf life of the fermentation medium.
Implementation Method 1
trace metals are dissolved using acids or chelating agents to prevent precipitation
Implementation Method 2
the cultivation of at least one methanotrophic organism, or for the cultivation of a combination of organisms comprising at least one methanotrophic organism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for providing a fermentation medium for the cultivation of at least one methanotrophic organism, or for the cultivation of a combination of organisms comprising at least one methanotrophic organism, the method comprises the step of: (i) providing a main growth solution; (ii) optionally sterilizing the main growth solution provided in step (i); (iii) providing a trace metal solution; and (iv) mixing the main growth solution (as provided in step (i) or (ii)) with the trace metal solution provided in step (iii) and providing the fermentation medium for the cultivation of at least one methanotrophic organism, or for the cultivation of a combination of organisms comprising at least one methanotrophic organism.