Planococcus Strain Astaxanthin Secretion for Low-Cost Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing astaxanthin face challenges such as high costs and waste disposal issues when using crustaceans, and there is a lack of microorganisms that can directly secrete astaxanthin.

Innovation Solution

A novel Planococcus sp. strain KRIBB-KS-1, deposited under KCTC14203BP, is identified and utilized for astaxanthin production, which can be cultured and incorporated into feed, food additive, and cosmetic compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If astaxanthin is extracted and produced from crustaceans, then natural astaxanthin can be obtained, but high cost and waste disposal problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural astaxanthin productionVSAvoidproduction cost and waste disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive crustacean sources with a microbial system (Planococcus sp. strain KRIBB-KS-1) that can be cultured economically. The microorganism serves as a disposable, renewable source of astaxanthin that can be produced through fermentation, eliminating the need for crustacean harvesting, extraction, and waste disposal processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The Planococcus sp. strain KRIBB-KS-1 is engineered to autonomously produce and secrete astaxanthin during its growth phase. The microorganism's metabolic pathway is utilized to generate astaxanthin as a natural byproduct of its growth, eliminating the need for complex extraction processes from crustaceans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If conventional microorganisms are used for astaxanthin production, then production can be achieved, but direct secretion capability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveastaxanthin productionVSAvoiddirect secretion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses on extracting/isolating the specific Planococcus sp. strain KRIBB-KS-1 that possesses the unique capability to secrete astaxanthin directly into the culture medium. This strain was selected and characterized for its ability to release astaxanthin extracellularly, making it readily available for harvesting without cell disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes culture conditions (temperature, pH, nutrient composition, aeration) to maximize the secretion efficiency of astaxanthin from the Planococcus sp. strain. By adjusting these parameters, the microorganism's metabolic activity and secretion capability are enhanced, achieving high productivity with direct release into the medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12509658B2<i>Planococcus </i>sp. strain having astaxanthin secreting ability, and use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

The present invention relates to a Planococcus sp. strain having astaxanthin secreting ability, and uses thereof. In the present invention, a novel microorganism secreting astaxanthin has been identified from a Planococcus sp. strain secreting a carotenoid compound. Accordingly, the Planococcus sp. strain of the present invention is a novel microorganism that secretes astaxanthin, and has potential to be efficiently utilized as feed, a food additive, a cosmetic, and the like.