Microfiltration Using Flagella-Suppressed Microorganisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The filtration efficiency in microfiltration is hindered by membrane clogging and deposition of insoluble substances due to high viscosity in fermentation solutions, leading to increased pressure drop and prolonged production times, especially with the use of additives like cationic surfactants.
Innovation Solution
Using a modified microorganism with suppressed flagellar gene function, such as Bacillus subtilis, to improve filtration rate by reducing membrane clogging and deposition, achieved through methods like homologous recombination or genome editing to inhibit flagellar gene expression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional microorganisms are used in fermentation, then high cell density is achieved, but filtration efficiency decreases due to membrane clogging and deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface properties parameter of microorganisms by suppressing flagellar gene function, which alters how cells interact with the membrane surface during filtration. This parameter change reduces deposition without affecting cell density achievement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful flagellar function from microorganisms through genetic modification. By specifically targeting and suppressing flagellar genes, the patent eliminates the clogging and deposition problem while preserving the beneficial high cell density production capability
2Productivity
If sweeping is performed to remove deposited substances, then membrane clogging is reduced, but pressure drop increases and production time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by genetically modifying microorganisms before fermentation to suppress flagellar function. This preventive measure eliminates deposition before it occurs, avoiding the need for time-consuming sweeping operations during filtration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of flagellar motion (which causes clogging) into a benefit by completely suppressing it through genetic modification. The modified microorganisms maintain high cell density but lack the flagellar function that would cause filtration problems, thus eliminating the need for sweeping
3Productivity
If cationic surfactants are added to improve permeate flux, then filtration speed increases, but process complexity increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive and complex chemical additives (cationic surfactants) with a simple genetic modification that is already built into the microorganism. The modified cells themselves provide the filtration improvement without requiring external chemical agents
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the microorganisms to serve their own purpose of high-density production without causing filtration problems. The genetically modified cells inherently possess the property of not clogging membranes, eliminating the need for external surfactant additives
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method for improving the filtration rate in the microfiltration step when producing a useful substance using a microorganism. A method for improving the filtration rate in the microfiltration step of the fermentation production of a useful substance using a microorganism, wherein a modified microorganism, in which the function of a flagellar gene of the microorganism is suppressed, is used as the microorganism.