Xanthobacter Continuous Culture for High-Protein Biomass Production
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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 and biomass for food or feed applications, necessitating the identification of a suitable production organism and process.
Innovation Solution
The use of the isolated bacterial strain VTT-E-193585 or its derivatives, cultured 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
1Adaptability or versatility
If various chemoautotrophic microorganisms are used for protein production, then diverse biomass compositions and properties are achieved, but growth rates and yields 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 oxygen concentrations (10 mol %), and mineral medium composition to achieve both high productivity (50% energy efficiency) and desirable biomass properties simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If chemoautotrophic microorganisms grow on minimal mineral medium with hydrogen and carbon dioxide, then production costs are reduced, but growth rates are slow and yields are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous culture instead of batch culture, maintaining constant hydrogen supply and steady-state growth conditions. This continuous action enables sustained high productivity rates while using minimal mineral medium, resolving the contradiction between low production cost and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Optimization of physiological parameters including oxygen concentration (10 mol %), pH, temperature, and mineral nutrient composition enables the bacteria to achieve high growth rates and yields on minimal medium, making the process both cost-effective and productive
3Productivity
If existing chemoautotrophic processes are scaled up for large-scale production, then economic viability is improved, but process complexity and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal minimal mineral medium formulation and standardized continuous culture protocol that can be applied across different production scales. The process uses common gases (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen) and standard bioreactor operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity for food and feed applications
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 levels of allergens, enabling large-scale, cost-effective production of biomass suitable for food and 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. Reference is made to the Identification of the Microorganism, having the Identification reference given by the DEPOSITOR of SoF1 and with the Accession number given by the INTERNATIONAL DEPOSITORY AUTHORITY of VTT E-193585. The date of the original deposit is Jun. 11, 2019.