Probiotic Fermentation for Macroalgae Biostimulant Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing biostimulants from marine algae, such as chemical extraction, degrade the quality and quantity of organic molecules and bioactive substances, and lack sustainable alternatives that maintain yield and product quality while reducing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A method involving fermentation of macroalgae with probiotic bacteria and natural additives, including steps like washing, drying, grinding, micronizing, and aerobic fermentation, followed by separation to produce a high-quality biostimulant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical extraction methods are used to produce biostimulants from marine algae, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the quality and quantity of organic molecules and bioactive substances deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters from harsh chemical conditions to mild fermentation conditions. The fermentation process operates at ambient temperature and pH, using probiotic bacteria to naturally break down algal cell walls and release bioactive compounds, thereby preserving the quality and quantity of organic molecules while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical extraction systems with a biological fermentation system. Instead of using chemical solvents and high-energy mechanical disruption, the invention uses probiotic bacteria to biologically degrade algal biomass and release bioactive compounds through natural metabolic processes
2Productivity
If chemical extraction methods are used to produce biostimulants from marine algae, then extraction efficiency is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful chemical extraction process into a beneficial fermentation process. The probiotic bacteria naturally present in or added to the algal biomass are utilized to perform the extraction function, transforming a harmful chemical process into a beneficial biological process that produces no harmful waste
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation process is self-sustaining and uses the natural metabolic capabilities of probiotic bacteria to extract and concentrate bioactive compounds from algae. The system uses itself (the bacteria's natural enzymatic activities) to perform the extraction function without requiring external chemical inputs
3Productivity
If conventional fertilizer methods are used to maintain agricultural production, then yield is maintained, but nutrient depletion and land use intensity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the nutrient delivery parameters from synthetic chemical fertilizers to natural biostimulants derived from fermented algae. The biostimulant contains naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, phytohormones, and trace elements that promote plant growth and improve nutrient uptake efficiency, thereby maintaining yield while reducing nutrient depletion
Solution Approach 2:
The biostimulant is a composite material containing multiple bioactive compounds (amino acids, vitamins, phytohormones, polysaccharides, and trace elements) derived from fermented algae. This composite formulation provides synergistic effects that enhance plant growth, improve soil health, and reduce nutrient depletion more effectively than single-nutrient chemical fertilizers
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 method produces a biostimulant with enhanced organic compounds, improving plant growth, yield, and resistance, while minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving fermentation of macroalgae with probiotic bacteria and natural additives
Implementation Method 2
aerobic fermentation
Data Source
AI summary
This invention concerns a process for the manufacture of a biostimulant based on fermented seaweed extracts, natural compounds and living bacteria to stimulate the growth and general vigour of plants while improving crop yields and crop quality. The process developed includes a microbial fermentation extraction technology involving a bacterial consortium comprised of bacteria selected from 3 strains of Bacillus sp, which concentrates in a liquid solution many molecules, nutrients and bioactive substances of agronomic interest from five varieties of seaweed (Saccharina longicruris, Fucus vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Chondrus crispus and Furcellaria lumbricalis) harvested in the cold coastal waters of the Canadian Maritime Provinces.