Schizochytrium DHA Production via Solid Culture and Liquid Fermentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for producing DHA through Schizochytrium fermentation are complex, time-consuming, and costly, with multiple fermentation stages and high investment costs, necessitating a simplification of the seed preparation process and reduction in production costs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving solid culture and liquid fermentation of Schizochytrium, which simplifies the seed enlargement process, shortens the culture and fermentation period, and reduces investment by using a eutrophic solid culture medium rich in growth factors, resulting in strong cell viability and reduced waste and environmental pollution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional multi-stage fermentation method is used, then DHA production is achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDHA production efficiencyVSAvoidfermentation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fermentation stages (activation, seed culture, and fermentation) into a streamlined process by using solid culture medium directly in shake flasks for seed preparation, eliminating the need for separate activation and seed tank stages. This merging of operations reduces process complexity while maintaining DHA production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by preparing optimized solid culture medium containing all necessary nutrients and growth factors before inoculation. The solid culture medium is pre-formulated with appropriate carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and trace elements to support direct fermentation, eliminating the need for sequential medium preparations in traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional multi-stage fermentation method is used, then DHA production is achieved, but the culture period is long

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDHA production rateVSAvoidculture period
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent skips the traditional intermediate seed culture stage by directly inoculating the strain into solid culture medium in shake flasks. This rushing through of the seed preparation phase reduces the overall culture period while still achieving adequate biomass and DHA production for fermentation scale-up.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the culture medium from liquid to solid form, which alters the growth characteristics and reduces the culture period. The solid culture medium provides better oxygen transfer and prevents contamination, enabling faster growth rates and shorter culture times while maintaining high DHA production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional fermentation method is used, then DHA production is achieved, but investment cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDHA yieldVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable solid culture medium in shake flasks for seed preparation, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization equipment and multiple fermentation tanks. The solid culture medium can be easily prepared and disposed of, reducing capital investment and operational costs while maintaining effective seed production for fermentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-stage fermentation infrastructure (activation tanks, seed tanks, fermentation tanks) by performing all seed preparation and initial fermentation in simple shake flasks with solid culture medium. This extraction of unnecessary equipment reduces investment costs while preserving the essential DHA production function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enhances the yield of DHA, reduces production costs, and is more suitable for large-scale production, while minimizing waste and environmental impact, providing a stable and efficient method for producing DHA as a nutritional supplement.

Implementation Method 1

a method for producing DHA through solid culture and liquid fermentation of Schizochytrium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS10006067B2Method for producing DHA through solid culture and liquid fermentation of Schizochytrium
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 XIAMEN KINGDOMWAY GROUP

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for fermentation production of DHA, in particular a method for producing DHA through solid culture and liquid fermentation of Schizochytrium. The method comprises steps of activation of a strain, preparation of a suspension of the strain, preparation of a primary seed, preparation of a secondary solid seed, enlarging cultivation of the secondary solid seed in a fermentor, collection of cells after fermentation, and extraction of DHA oil. With the fermentation method, the seed preparation method is improved, the seed enlarging technology is simplified, the period of seed culture and fermentation is shortened, and therefore the investment is reduced and the cost is saved; in addition, the solid culture medium is of eutrophy and rich in a plurality of growth factors, and is more beneficial to the growth of the seed; cells are strong in viability and good in synchronism in solid culture medium.