Modified Microorganisms for High-Protein Feed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nutritive compositions containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-producing organisms are inefficient due to low digestibility and nutritional value, as PHB reduces protein content and occupies space, causing detrimental effects on biological functions.
Innovation Solution
Development of organisms with attenuated or eliminated PHB production by modifying phaCAB operon enzymes, such as Cupriavidus necator, to increase amino acid and protein content, resulting in higher crude protein levels and improved nutritional value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If PHB-producing organisms are used in nutritive compositions, then the organisms can serve as single cell protein source, but the PHB component reduces protein content and offers little nutritional value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful PHB storage compound from the organism through genetic modification of the phaCAB operon enzymes. By eliminating or attenuating PHB production capability, the organism redirects metabolic resources from producing non-nutritive PHB to synthesizing nutritive protein, thereby increasing crude protein content from typical levels to at least 40-70% of organism mass
2Quantity of substance
If PHB is accumulated in the organism, then carbon and energy storage is achieved, but physical space is occupied leaving less space for nutritive compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the PHB granules from the cytoplasm through genetic modification. By disabling the phaCAB operon enzymes responsible for PHB synthesis, the cytoplasmic space previously occupied by PHB storage granules is now available for protein and other nutritive compound accumulation, directly increasing the concentration of beneficial nutrients
3Reliability
If PHB components are present in the organism, then intracellular storage is provided, but detrimental impact on biological functions such as digestive system processes occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of PHB by completely eliminating its production through genetic modification of the phaCAB operon. Instead of trying to manage or mitigate PHB's detrimental effects on digestion, the invention removes the source of harm entirely, transforming the organism from one that produces harmful PHB to one that dedicates all metabolic capacity to producing beneficial protein and nutrients
Data Source
AI summary
Nutritive compositions containing an organism having attenuated or no poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production are provided. These nutritive compositions are useful as feed, such as animal feed and feed additives for ruminants, non-ruminants and aquaculture, etc. Materials and methods for production of these organisms are provided.