Xanthobacter Continuous Culture for Economical Single-Cell Protein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemoautotrophic microorganisms have varying growth rates, yields, and properties unsuitable for large-scale, economically viable production of protein for food or feed applications, necessitating the development of a suitable production organism and process.
Innovation Solution
The use of the isolated bacterial strain VTT-E-193585 or its derivatives, cultivated in continuous culture with hydrogen as an energy source and carbon dioxide as the inorganic carbon source, utilizing the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle for carbon fixation and generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation, with controlled bioreactor conditions to optimize protein and biomass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing chemoautotrophic microorganisms are used for protein production, then production can be achieved, but growth rate and yield are insufficient for economically viable large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing cultivation conditions including continuous culture mode, controlled hydrogen supply, specific temperature ranges (20-40°C), pH control (6.5-7.5), and aeration rates to maximize the growth rate and protein yield of Xanthobacter autotrophicus, thereby improving productivity to economically viable levels
2Quantity of substance
If chemoautotrophic microorganisms are cultivated at large scale, then sufficient protein output can be achieved, but suitable production organism and process must be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the self-service principle by employing Xanthobacter autotrophicus that can grow on minimal medium requiring only hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts. The organism performs its own metabolic functions including carbon fixation via Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle and ATP generation through oxidative phosphorylation, eliminating the need for complex organic supplements and simplifying large-scale manufacturing
3Stability of the object's composition
If different chemoautotrophic microorganisms are used, then various biomass compositions are obtained, but properties suitable for food ingredient applications vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting and optimizing specific strain characteristics of Xanthobacter autotrophicus that ensure safe composition for food applications. The cultivation process is designed to produce biomass with controlled amino acid profile, low endotoxin levels, and absence of harmful metabolites, while maintaining high protein content and essential nutritional properties suitable for human consumption
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 process achieves high protein content, essential amino acids, and low allergenic and toxic components, enabling large-scale production of safe and nutritious biomass for food or feed, with productivity exceeding 0.1 g cell dry weight per liter per hour.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle for carbon fixation
Implementation Method 2
generating ATP through oxidative phosphorylation
Data Source
AI summary
A bacterial strain of the genus Xanthobacter and continuous culture processes for the production of protein or biomass using bacteria of the genus Xanthobacter, said process including supply of gases and minerals to the cells. The present disclosure also relates to the products of these processes and use of these products in e.g. food or feed.