CN117715515A

CN117715515A - Microbiota management in animal housing

Info

Publication number: CN117715515A
Application number: CN202280049644.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P·戴克斯勒
Original assignee: Signify Holding BV
Current assignee: Signify Holding BV
Priority date: 2021-07-13
Filing date: 2022-07-11
Publication date: 2024-03-15

Abstract

The invention provides a lighting system (1000) for indoor microbiota management in an animal home (200), wherein the lighting system (1000) comprises a light generating device (100), a control system (300) and an input system (305), wherein: the light generating device (100) is configured to generate a first device radiation (111), wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation (111) is selected for promoting persistence of a first microorganism (7) with respect to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism (7); an input system (305) is configured to receive and/or sense microbiota affecting parameters and to provide related input signals to the control system (300); the control system (300) is configured to control the light generating device (100) in dependence of the relevant input signal.

Description

Microbiota management in animal housing

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a lighting system for indoor microbiota management in animal dwellings. The invention further relates to a lighting device comprising the lighting system. The invention further relates to an animal accommodation system comprising the lighting system.

Background

Systems for monitoring and managing microbiota in facilities are known in the art. For example, US2017081707A1 describes an automation utility system comprising: means for collecting and sequencing a microbiota sample from the facility; means for measuring a facility operating parameter; and means for automatically modifying the facility operating parameter in response to detecting a nucleotide sequence that falls within the predetermined sequence identity definition; wherein the facility operating parameters are modified on a continuous basis to optimize facility performance as sequence data is obtained from the samples. Furthermore, US2016030609A1 discloses a disinfecting lighting fixture.

Disclosure of Invention

All animals may be a home of bacteria, archaea, fungi, eukaryotic microorganisms, the collection of which may be commonly referred to as microbiota. Faster and cheaper DNA sequencing and data analysis pipelines have likely led to a proliferation of microbiota and their role in animal health and disease (including host nutrition, metabolism, development, immune function and behaviour) over the past two decades. Historically, research may have focused primarily on problematic/undesirable microorganisms, such as salmonella and streptococcus species. However, animal housing environments may contain a rich ecology of rapidly evolving microbial populations. However, these microbial populations may have little overlap with outdoor microbial populations (including beneficial species with which animals co-evolved for millions of years). Thus, the prior art may describe the disinfection of animal accommodation environments (and objects) to reduce exposure to pathogens, as well as the use of antibiotics to combat potential infections.

The widespread use of antibiotics in animal dwellings may have been found to have profound effects on beneficial microorganisms of animals in addition to their effect on the pathogen(s) to which they are administered. With the increasing pressure to reduce antibiotic use in foods, the motivation to utilize microbiota as a tool to promote healthier and higher yielding livestock is now likely to be stronger than ever before. The microbiota in an animal home may be directly or indirectly affected by a variety of factors including the animals residing in the animal home, the density of the animals in the animal home, the frequency of occurrence of humans, including the food present in the animal home, including litter, and including environmental parameters; and the microbiota itself may subsequently affect the animal (well-being).

For example, for (growing) pigs, the feeding environment may affect the microflora of the livestock house animals. Modern animal housing may often lack a natural bacterial library, which strongly affects the microbial structure, diversity, and functionality of the microbiota. In particular, the exchange of microbiota from environment to animals may be important for early microbial colonization of pigs. In addition, environmental complexity in animal dwellings can also affect respiratory and intestinal microbiota structure and diversity. While the first inoculum for microbiota assembly of a live pig may be maternal-dependent, subsequent progress may be substantially environmental-dependent. The environmentally-derived microorganisms may be an essential component of the animal microbiota; thus, any deleterious changes in the physical environment (e.g., antibiotics or over-sterilized or non-optimal feeding environments) during the growth period of the animal can substantially destroy the composition and function of the animal's microbial community. In particular, limiting microbial exposure during animal development, such as by maintaining the animal in an overly hygienic environment, can have a negative impact on the composition and dynamics of the adult pig microbiota. Indoor raised piglets may typically have a substantially reduced microbial diversity and richness, such as ileal mucoadhesion, compared to outdoor raised piglets.

The prior art may further describe solutions based on competitive exclusion to reduce the prevalence of pathogens in animals and/or their environment. However, such prior art solutions may be limited in scope (targeting a specific pathogen), may be cumbersome in use (such as time intensive), and may not be suitable for dynamically adapting to changing (environmental) conditions.

Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative system for microbiota management in animal dwellings that preferably further at least partially obviates one or more of the above-described disadvantages. It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention may provide a system, in particular a lighting system, for indoor microbiota management in an animal home. The system may comprise a light generating device, a control system, a microbiota dispenser device, and an input system, in particular a sensor system. The microbial dispenser device may be configured to provide for the discharge of the first microbe in a microbial discharge mode. The system, in particular the control system, may have a microbiological illumination pattern. In the microorganism lighting mode, the light generating device may be configured to generate a first device radiation, wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation is selected for promoting persistence, in particular growth, of a first microorganism relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism. In an embodiment, the input system may be configured to receive and/or sense microbiota affecting parameters and provide related input signals to the control system. In a further embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the microbial illumination pattern, in particular the light generating device, in dependence of the relevant input signal.

In particular, the present invention may provide a system for an animal home configured to provide suitable lighting conditions for the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the animal home, such as in a feeding space of the animal home. For example, the lighting system may be specific to objects in building surfaces and animal dwellings and make them a bacterial library of desirable but often relatively rare or transient "good" microorganisms (such as good bacteria). Thus, the administration of suitable lighting conditions contributes to a healthy microbial community within the immediate (rearing) environment of the animal; the presence of a large and diverse pool of bacteria with rare/transient microbial species can lead to increased competition with core microorganisms in animal dwellings and can help to inhibit undesirable second microorganisms.

Thus, the (lighting) system of the present invention may provide the following benefits: the microbiota composition of the microbiota in the animal home may be manipulated using the first device radiation, in particular in view of input, measured, inferred and/or retrieved microbiota influencing parameters (via a user interface). Thus, the animal may be exposed to a desired microbiota, which may positively affect various aspects of animal well-being, including with respect to digestive and respiratory characteristics, as well as with respect to overall health and temperature management, which in turn may positively affect the animal's performance, such as with respect to weight gain, or such as with respect to productivity.

In particular, it may be an object of the present invention to selectively promote a first microorganism (which may be known to be relatively robust to a selected wavelength of light, for example) than a second microorganism (which may be more sensitive to a selected wavelength of light, such as 405 nm). The first microorganism may also be damaged or inactivated by the selected wavelength, but to a lesser extent than the second microorganism, such as due to lower absorption of radiation at the selected wavelength, or such as due to a better or more active repair mechanism. Thus, the selected wavelength may alter the balance between the first and second microorganisms, thereby helping the first microorganism to dominate (relative to the second microorganism) in the animal home via a competitive exclusion mechanism.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention may provide a lighting system for indoor microbiota management in an animal home, wherein the lighting system comprises a light generating device, a control system and an input system, wherein: the light generating device is configured to generate a first device radiation, wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation is selected to promote persistence of a first microorganism relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism; the input system is configured to receive and/or sense microbiota affecting parameters and provide related input signals to the control system; and the control system is configured to control the light generating device in dependence of the relevant input signal.

In an embodiment, the present invention may provide a system (particularly a lighting system) for indoor microbiota management in animal dwellings.

The term "indoor microbiota" may refer herein to a collection of microorganisms in a building environment, especially in an indoor environment. In general, the indoor microbiota can include a variety of different species including bacteria, archaebacteria, and fungi. In particular, the indoor environment may house a plurality of different indoor microbiota, which together form a total indoor microbiota. For example, the microbiota on the surface of the feeding trough may be different from the microbiota on the surface of the floor, and both may be different from the microbiota on the surface of the wall.

In embodiments, the indoor microbiota may be, inter alia, a surface indoor microbiota, such as a microbiota of one or more of a feeding trough, floor, wall, or ceiling.

In further embodiments, the indoor microbiota may be a (total) room indoor microbiota, i.e. the indoor microbiota may comprise all microorganisms in the (open) room.

The term "microbiota management" may in embodiments include, among other things, controlling one or more of a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation and a radiant flux of the first device radiation. In an embodiment, the radiant flux may be controlled, for example, by controlling the duty cycle of the first device radiation, although other options may also be possible. Furthermore, other ways of microbiota management are not excluded herein (see also below).

The term "animal accommodation" may herein particularly refer to any accommodation suitable for raising animals, in particular domestic animals. In general, an animal home may be any structure configured to house livestock, particularly a building (structure in a building). The animal home may include an indoor space. The indoor space may in particular be configured for accommodating animals, in particular domestic animals. In an embodiment, the indoor space may comprise a compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the indoor space may comprise (dedicated) farm equipment, such as feeding equipment and/or milking equipment. In an embodiment, the indoor space may include a feeding space. In further embodiments, the animal home may include one or more of a stable, a barn, a shed, and a railing.

Thus, in embodiments, the animal home may be configured for raising livestock, especially pigs, or especially cattle.

The term "livestock" (also referred to as "animal") may generally refer herein to any wild or domestic animal that is raised in an agricultural environment to produce an animal product. The term "livestock" particularly refers to any farm animal, such as cattle (including cows), sheep, goats, pigs, horses, fish and/or poultry. The term "livestock" may further refer to any animal that is raised to provide an animal product, including animals that provide an alternative protein source, such as worms and insects. Livestock refers in particular to ruminants, more particularly to cows (such as cows).

In an embodiment, the system may further comprise a light generating device. The term "light generating device" may particularly denote a device configured to provide (visible) light. In an embodiment, the light generating device may be selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, and a (UV and/or IR) disinfection device.

Thus, the system may especially be a lighting system.

The light generating device may particularly be configured to provide (in a microbiological illumination mode of the system) a first device radiation, in particular a first beam of the first device radiation. In particular, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected to promote persistence of the first microorganism, in particular with respect to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism.

The term "persistence" may in particular refer herein to the continued presence of a first microorganism, in particular with respect to a second microorganism. Thus, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected to promote the presence of the first microorganism, in particular with respect to the presence of the second microorganism. In particular, in an embodiment, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected for positively affecting the first microorganism (such as promoting growth of the first microorganism), in particular with respect to the second microorganism. Thus, the first microorganism may accumulate in the animal home, such as on a surface, or such as in an indoor space. In further embodiments, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected to negatively affect the second microorganism (such as inactivating the second microorganism, particularly reducing the growth of the second microorganism). Thus, the second microorganism may reduce the microbiota in the animal home (such as on a surface or such as in an indoor space), which may reduce (especially eliminate) competitors of the first microorganism.

In particular, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected to provide the first microorganism with a competitive advantage with respect to the second microorganism, i.e. to promote persistence of the first microorganism with respect to the second microorganism. A competitive advantage may be provided by providing a greater benefit (or less damage) to the first microorganism relative to the second microorganism. Thus, the first microorganism may be persistent in the animal home relative to the second microorganism, particularly (over time) becoming more prevalent in the animal home.

Thus, in an embodiment, the first device radiation may have a spectral power distribution selected to inactivate the second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism.

In further embodiments, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected for one or more of: (i) promote growth of a first microorganism, (ii) inactivate a second microorganism different from the first microorganism (or "reduce growth of a second microorganism different from the first microorganism"), (iii) inactivate the second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism, and (iv) inactivate a virus.

For example, light may promote the growth of microorganisms, particularly also heterotrophic microorganisms, such as described by farimipour et al, "Daylight exposure modulates bacterial communities associated with household dust", microbiome,2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference, which may be specifically described: while sunlight is often associated with the loss of microorganisms, it can also lead to increased abundance of some specific microorganisms. The paper can further demonstrate that illumination itself results in less abundant living bacteria and communities (which are compositionally different from darkroom), indicating that some microorganisms are preferentially inactivated than others under daylight conditions. Thus, light may be used to (i) promote growth, (ii) cause a loss of microorganisms, and (iii) cause a greater loss of second microorganisms relative to first microorganisms. Furthermore, maresca et al, "Light Modulates the Physiology of Nonphototrophic Actinobacteria", journal ofBacteriology,2019 (which is hereby incorporated by reference) may describe actinomycetes (specifically strains Rhodoluna lacicola MWH-Ta8 and Aurantyirobium sp.MWH-Uga) that grow faster in blue and UV light, but not in red or green light. Thus, the light may already promote the growth of these actinomycetes.

The first microorganism (or "first microorganism") may particularly comprise beneficial microorganisms, including microorganisms having (direct) health benefits, but also microorganisms which may compete with pathogenic (or otherwise undesired) microorganisms and may thereby provide (indirect) health benefits.

In an embodiment, the first microorganism may be selected from the phylum firmicutes, in particular from the class bacillales, such as from the order lactobacillus, in particular from the family lactobacillus, such as from the genus lactobacillus. In such an embodiment, the second microorganism may be selected in particular from the genera staphylococcus and vibrio.

The first microorganism may be selected to provide a positive effect (direct or indirect) on animals (in particular livestock animals such as pigs), including via competitive exclusion.

Thus, in an embodiment, the first microorganism may be selected from the group comprising: acinetobacter, alcaligenes, arthrobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, thermomyces, archaea, exomonas, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, lactobacillus, nitrosomyces, nitrosoxypyrus, nitrosomonas, nitrosoxydwarf, nitrosoxyspirobacteria, rhizobium and Serratia. The first microorganism may in particular comprise a plurality of different species, such as different genera. The term "first microorganism" or "first microorganisms" and similar terms may refer to one or more different types of microorganisms. In further embodiments, the first microorganism may comprise (belong to) two or more of the following: acinetobacter, alcaligenes, arthrobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, thermomyces, archaea, exomonas, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, lactobacillus, nitrosomyces, nitrosoxypyrus, nitrosomonas, nitrosoxydwarf, nitrosoxyspirobacteria, rhizobium and Serratia. Thus, the first microorganism may comprise two or more microbial communities. In further embodiments, the first microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of: bacillus subtilis, bacillus amyloliquefaciens, lactobacillus gasseri, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus fermentum and lactobacillus acidophilus. In a specific embodiment, the first microorganism may comprise (at least) a lactobacillus species, such as one or more of lactobacillus gasseri, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus fermentum and lactobacillus acidophilus.

The first microorganism may further be selected to provide a positive effect (direct or indirect) on humans, including via competitive exclusion, such as on humans working in animal dwellings.

In further embodiments, the first microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of: acremonium, bifidobacterium, maspirillum, additionally, bacteroides, faecal coccus, weissella, escherichia faecalis, roche, listeria, sateus, methanotium, lactobacillus, paralobacter, prevotella, agar, eubacterium, ruminococcus, nitrosomonas, nitrospira, nitrojojoba, archaea, nitronitrifying, warm archaea, acinetobacter, alcaligenes, arthrobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, rhizobium, serratia and Exception. In further embodiments, the first microorganism may comprise (belong to) two or more of the following: acremonium, bifidobacterium, maspirillum, additionally, bacteroides, faecal coccus, weissella, escherichia faecalis, roche, listeria, sateus, methanotium, lactobacillus, paralobacter, prevotella, agar, eubacterium, ruminococcus, nitrosomonas, nitrospira, nitrojojoba, archaea, nitronitrifying, warm archaea, acinetobacter, alcaligenes, arthrobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, rhizobium, serratia and Exception. In further embodiments, the first microorganism may be selected from the group comprising: RF39, akkermansia muciniphila, bifidobacterium longum, gluconeovorax, and escherichia coli praecox.

Thus, in further embodiments, the first microorganism may be selected from the group comprising: bacillus subtilis, bacillus amyloliquefaciens, lactobacillus grignard, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus fermentum, lactobacillus acidophilus, RF39, akaman mucin, bifidobacterium longum, bacillus roseus and escherichia coli faecalis.

The term "second microorganism" may refer herein to a microorganism that is different from the first microorganism. In particular, the first microorganism may be a desirable microorganism in the indoor space, while the second microorganism may be undesirable due to its effect on humans, animals and/or on the first microorganism. In an embodiment, the second microorganism may be selected from the group comprising: actinobacillus, actinomyces, aeromonas, bacillus, bordetella, brachypus, campylobacter, clostridium, corynebacterium, erysipelas, haemophilus, lawsonia, legionella, leptospira, listeria, mycoplasma, neisseria, pasteurella, o-monad, cold bacillus, salmonella, shigella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, vibrio and yersinia. In further embodiments, the second microorganism may be selected from the group comprising: actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, actinobacillus suis, actinomyces, aeromonas hydrophila, bacillus anthracis, bacillus cereus, bordetella bronchiseptica, bordetella pertussis, borrelia burgdorferi, brachyspira suis, brachyspira merdorensis, brachyspira polymorpha, brucella abortus, brucella melissi, brucella suis, campylobacter foetidae, campylobacter jejuni, chlamydia pneumoniae, chlamydia psittaci, chlamydia trachomatis, clostridium botulinum, clostridium difficile, clostridium perfringens, clostridium tetani, corynebacterium diphtheriae, enterococcus faecalis, erysipelas, escherichia coli, francisco, haemophilus influenzae, haemophilus parasuis, helicobacter pylori, lawsonia intracellularis, legionella pneumophila, leptospira question mark, listeria monocytogenes, clostridium difficile Mycobacterium leprae, mycobacterium tuberculosis, mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, mycoplasma suis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, neisseria meningitidis, nocardia, pasteurella multocida, shigella, pseudomonas aeruginosa, pseudomonas melitensis, alcalix, rickettsia, salmonella enteritidis, salmonella typhimurium, shigella dysenteritidis, staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, staphylococcus saprophyticus, streptococcus agalactiae, streptococcus pneumoniae, streptococcus suis, mycobacterium syphilis, mycoplasma urealyticum, vibrio cholerae (O1), vibrio parahaemolyticus, vibrio vulus, yersinia enterocolitica, yersinia pestis, yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

For example, in an embodiment, the first microorganism may include lactobacillus plantarum and the second microorganism may include vibrio parahaemolyticus. When irradiated with the first device radiation comprising a wavelength in the range of 400-410nm, in particular about 405nm, or with the first device radiation comprising a wavelength in the range of 455-465nm, in particular about 405nm, the vibrio parahaemolyticus may be substantially inactivated while the lactobacillus plantarum is substantially less sensitive to irradiation. Thus, irradiation at a wavelength of about 405nm or about 460nm may promote persistence of lactobacillus plantarum with respect to vibrio parahaemolyticus.

In terms of genus, there may be an overlap between the first microorganism and the second microorganism. For example, a genus may include both a desirable species and an undesirable species, such as bacillus subtilis and bacillus anthracis. Furthermore, the desirability of the microorganism may also depend, for example, on the animal, such as on the age of the animal or such as on the health status of the animal. For example, microorganisms may be generally harmless, but may be harmful to animals whose immune system is impaired, or may be harmful in the presence of relatively large (relative) abundances.

In further embodiments, the first microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of Acremonium, bifidobacterium, maospira, oenomycoides, bacteroides, durococcus, weissella, duchesnea, roche, acinetobacter, sargassum, methanobacillus, lactobacillus, paramycolatopsis, prevotella, agar, eubacterium, ruminococcus, nitromonas, nitrospira, nitrosogram, nitrogram, arthrobacter, nitrospira, arthrobacter, azobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, rhizobium, serratia, and Exception. The second microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of actinomycetes, aeromonas, campylobacter, clostridium, corynebacterium, listeria, neisseria, ortho-monad, cryophila, salmonella, shigella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, vibrio and yersinia.

Thus, the term "first microorganism" and similar terms may refer specifically to a (desired) bacterium. The term probiotic may also be applied instead of the term "first microorganism". The term "probiotic" herein may in the examples particularly refer to live bacteria or yeasts beneficial to animals. Note that the term "probiotic" does not necessarily refer to microorganisms that enter the gastrointestinal tract. The term probiotic may also refer to microorganisms that may be beneficial to the skin or pelt, or microorganisms that may be harmful to undesirable microorganisms (secondary microorganisms). The term "second microorganism" and similar terms may particularly refer to undesired bacteria. The term "second microorganism" and similar terms may also refer to viruses.

In an embodiment, the term "first microorganism" may refer to a plurality of different first microorganisms. In an embodiment, the term "second microorganism" may refer to a plurality of different second microorganisms.

In further embodiments, the first device radiation (or sanitizing radiation; see below) may be configured to remove (or "inactivate" or "kill") (as a second microorganism) viruses. In an embodiment, the virus (as the second microorganism) may comprise an animal pathogen. In further embodiments, the virus (as the second microorganism) may be a microbial pathogen, such as a virus that infects the first microorganism. For example, in an embodiment, the virus (as the second microorganism) may include a phage, such as a phage that targets one or more of the first microorganisms.

In an embodiment, the virus (especially the second virus) may comprise an animal pathogen, especially an animal pathogen of an animal housed in an animal home, i.e. the animal home may be configured to house the animal, and the virus may be a pathogen of the animal. For example, particularly in embodiments in which the animal home is configured to house pigs, the virus (particularly the second virus) may comprise one or more of: porcine adenovirus 1, porcine adenovirus 2, porcine adenovirus 3, african swine fever virus, porcine astrovirus 1, respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, porcine vesicular rash virus, porcine zang virus, porcine circovirus 2, porcine circovirus 3, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, porcine respiratory coronavirus, porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus, porcine delta coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, leston virus, japanese encephalitis virus, swine fever virus, atypical swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, porcine cytomegalovirus, hepatitis E virus, swine influenza A virus, influenza B virus, influenza C virus, influenza D virus, swine papilloma virus, mei Nage virus, blue eye paramyxovirus NippaVirus, porcine parainfluenza Virus 1, sendai Virus, porcine parvovirus 1, porcine parvovirus 2, porcine parvovirus 3, porcine parvovirus 4, porcine parvovirus 5, porcine parvovirus 6, porcine parvovirus 7, foot and mouth disease Virus, encephalomyocarditis Virus, coxsackie Virus B4, coxsackie Virus B5, porcine kobuvirus, porcine sapelo Virus, seuka valley Virus, porcine Texib Virus, porcine poxvirus, rotavirus A, rotavirus B, rotavirus C, rotavirus E, rotavirus H, porcine reovirus, ganta Virus, chikungunya Virus, vesicular stomatitis Virus, indian vesicular stomatitis Virus, new Jersey vesicular stomatitis Virus, and rabies Virus.

In the above, viruses are generally considered as second microorganisms, i.e. less desirable or undesirable microorganisms. However, in particular embodiments, viruses (e.g., phages) may also be present, which may be detrimental to some bacteria as the second microorganism. Such viruses harmful to the second microorganism may also be indicated as (embodiments of) the first microorganism. Thus, in an embodiment, the first microorganism may also comprise a phage.

Some phages are viruses that are harmless to humans, but they attack harmful microorganisms. Such phage may promote persistence of the first microorganism relative to the second microorganism. Thus, the first microorganism (directly or indirectly) has a positive impact on human health. Thus, some phages (as they may attack the second microorganism) may have a positive (indirect) effect on humans, as it inactivates the harmful second microorganism. Thus, in an embodiment, the lighting settings may be selected such that phage as the first microorganism may be selectively promoted relative to the second microorganism. Thus, a phage that is a first microorganism may be more detrimental to a second microorganism because light may inactivate the phage less.

In particular, the microorganism classified as the first microorganism is not the second microorganism, and the microorganism classified as the second microorganism is not the first microorganism.

The spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected in view of the wavelength dependent sensitivity of the first microorganism and the second microorganism (and optionally the virus). For example, wavelength dependent Log10 reduction of the microorganism (and virus) can be considered. For example, some examples of Log10 doses for swine pathogens are described in white paper Wedel, johnson, "Ultraviolet C (UVC) Standards and Best Practices for the Swine Industry", swinehealth. Org,19October 2020, and in Malayeri et al, "Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation ofBacteria, protozoa, viruses and dAlgae", UV Solutions,2016, which are incorporated herein by reference.

For example, in an embodiment, the first microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of flavobacterium and rhizobium, while the second microorganism may comprise staphylococcus aureus, shigella dysenteriae, and/or escherichia coli, and the spectral power distribution may comprise UVC, as flavobacterium and rhizobium may have a much higher log10 (kill) dose in UVC than staphylococcus aureus, shigella dysenteriae, and escherichia coli.

For example, light may promote the growth of microorganisms, particularly also heterotrophic (first) microorganisms, such as described by farimipour et al, "Daylight exposure modulates bacterial communities associated with household dust", microbiome,2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference, which may be specifically described: while sunlight is often associated with the loss of microorganisms, it can also lead to increased abundance of some specific microorganisms. The paper can further demonstrate that illumination itself results in less abundant living bacteria and communities (which are compositionally different from darkroom), indicating that some microorganisms are preferentially inactivated than others under daylight conditions. Thus, light may be used to (i) promote growth, (ii) cause a loss of microorganisms, and (iii) cause a greater loss of second microorganisms relative to first microorganisms. Furthermore, maresca et al, "Light Modulates the Physiology of Nonphototrophic Actinobacteria", journal ofBacteriology,2019 (which is hereby incorporated by reference) may describe actinomycetes (specifically strains Rhodoluna lacicola MWH-Ta8 and Aurantyirobium sp.MWH-Uga) that grow faster in blue and UV light, but not in red or green light. Thus, the light may already promote the growth of these actinomycetes.

In an embodiment, the light generating device may be configured to provide the first device radiation to one or more of a floor of the animal home, a wall of the animal home, a feeding element in the animal home (such as a trough), and a sleeping part in the animal home (such as a grass bed).

In an embodiment, the system, in particular the control system (see below), may have a microbiological lighting pattern. In particular, in the microbial illumination mode, the light generating device may be configured to provide a first beam of light of the first device radiation. In particular, in a microorganism illumination mode, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected to provide a first microorganism(s) with a competitive advantage relative to a second microorganism(s) different from the first microorganism(s).

In an embodiment, the system may have a control system. The control system may be configured to control, among other things, one or more elements of the system. The term "control" and similar terms may in particular refer herein at least to determining the behaviour of an element or supervising the operation of an element. Thus, "controlling" and like terms herein may refer, for example, to applying a behavior to an element (determining the behavior or supervising the operation (or "activity") of the element), etc., such as, for example, measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, moving, changing the temperature, etc. In addition, the term "control" and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Thus, the term "control" and similar terms may include applying an action to an element, and also applying an action to an element and monitoring the element. The control of the elements may be accomplished with a control system. Thus, the control system and elements may be functionally coupled, at least temporarily or permanently. The element may comprise a control system. In embodiments, the control system and elements may not be physically coupled. Control may be accomplished via wired and/or wireless control. The term "control system" may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which are in particular functionally coupled, and wherein, for example, one master control system may be a control system and one or more other control systems may be slave control systems.

In further embodiments, the system may comprise an input system, in particular a sensor. The input system may include, among other things, one or more of a sensor, a user interface, and a data retrieval system. In an embodiment, the input system may be configured to receive and/or sense microbiota influencing parameters and in particular to provide relevant input signals to the control system.

Thus, in an embodiment, the input system may comprise a sensor system, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a microbiota affecting parameter, and wherein the related input signal comprises a related sensor signal. In further embodiments, the sensor may be selected from the group consisting of a movement sensor, a presence sensor, an activity detection sensor, an animal count sensor, a distance sensor, an ion sensor, a gas sensor, a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor, a pathogen sensor, an air flow sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. In further embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect an animal in an animal home. In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the location of the animal in the animal home and/or, in particular, the activity of the animal in the animal home based on the associated sensor signals. In further embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect the presence of a person in the animal home. In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to determine the location of the person in the animal home and/or the activity of the person in the animal home, in particular, based on the relevant input signals (in particular, based on the relevant sensor signals). For example, the sensor may detect a person performing a cleaning activity in a stable, such as removing manure or a power wash in a stable. The system can generate a heat map of areas in the stable that are often occupied by humans and, for example, distribute lighting conditions such that second microorganisms harmful to humans are inhibited in those areas.

In further embodiments, the sensor may be a radio frequency receiver for receiving an item comprising or indicative of a microbiota affecting parameter.

In a further embodiment, the input system may comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to receive user input from a user regarding microbiota influencing parameters, and wherein the relevant input signals comprise relevant user input signals.

In a further embodiment, the input system may comprise a data retrieval system, wherein the data retrieval system is configured to retrieve data about microbiota influencing parameters from a (external) database, and wherein the relevant input signals comprise relevant database signals.

The term correlated input signal may refer herein to a signal related to a received/detected input, such as a signal related to a microbiota affecting parameter. In particular, the correlation signal may comprise raw and/or processed data related to the (received/detected) input. Thus, the relevant sensor signals may in particular comprise raw and/or processed data related to the sensed microbiota influencing parameter.

The term "microbiota influencing parameter" may herein particularly refer to a parameter that may influence (the development of) a microbiota in an animal home. In an embodiment, the microbiota impact parameters may include one or more of animal related parameters, floor related parameters, food related parameters, microorganism presence related parameters, and environmental parameters. For example, the microbiota impact parameter may relate to one or more of the following: (a) floor type in animal housing (e.g. concrete slab floor versus plastic floor versus steel and cast pig floor versus complex straw based feeding ecosystem), (b) type of bedding (shavings, straw, paper shreds), (c) change of bedding type (e.g. straw and hay only for sow and not for breeders or fattening agents), (d) faeces (e.g. faeces/urine) on bedding), (e) (excessive) disinfection in animal housing such as UV and ionizers (history now and last few weeks) in animal housing, (f) presence of animals (e.g. first equipment radiation may be applied only after surface has been disinfected, dried and before animals re-enter house structure), (g) type of feed (animal feed may influence type of micro-organisms on building surface, e.g. semi-dry silage versus hay) (h) antibiotic treatment of recently applied in animal housing (i.e.g. whether they need to restore microbiota), (i) space density of animals in animal housing, (j) state of animal housing such as UV and ionizers (history in animal housing and last few weeks), (f) presence of a frequency of infection of animals in animal housing (e.g. infection of animals in a future phase of life of the animal housing, phase of the animal housing) infection (e.g. frequency of infection of the animal housing in the future phase of the life of the animal housing, phase of the infection of the animal housing (i/phase of the life of the animal) Severity and type, (m) temperature and humidity of the animal's residence (which may have a different effect on the first microorganism than on the second microorganism), (n) whether the animal is currently or recently in the open air, (o) surface material to be colonised by the first microorganism (microbial growth may depend on surface material, humidity) (p) state of the animal such as sleep stage, (e.g. if a strong 460nm light pulse is applied to produce an increase in growth between lactobacillus as an example first microorganism and vibrio parahaemolyticus as an example second microorganism, this may preferably be done when the animal closes the eye to limit the effect on the animal's circadian rhythm).

Similarly, first device radiation at about 405nm may (strongly) inactivate the second microorganism listeria monocytogenes, while exposure to wavelengths greater than 450nm may not substantially inactivate such microorganisms. Analysis of the 10nm bandwidth between 400nm and 450nm demonstrated that 405 (+ -5) nm light was most effective for inactivation of listeria monocytogenes, with significantly less bactericidal effect at other wavelengths between 400nm and 440 nm. Thus, the first device radiation comprising a wavelength of 405nm may promote persistence (especially growth) of lactobacillus plantarum compared to both listeria monocytogenes and vibrio parahaemolyticus, while wavelength selection of 460nm may not substantially affect growth of both lactobacillus plantarum and listeria monocytogenes while reducing growth of vibrio parahaemolyticus. The system, in particular the control system, may thus control the light generating device to influence the microbiota (composition) in particular in dependence of the relevant input signal, in particular as determined by the sensor, to dynamically select which first microorganisms are to be promoted by the applied first device radiation, at the expense of which second microorganisms. Since the effectiveness of the light interaction with the microorganism may change (gradually) with the applied wavelength, the control system may (be configured to) select the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation in view of the relative tradeoff between the desired microorganism and the undesired microorganism currently present within the animal home.

Thus, in an embodiment, the spectral power distribution (of the first device radiation) may have an intensity at one or more wavelengths selected from a first wavelength range of 405nm +/-5nm or a second wavelength range of 460+/-5 nm.

The light generating device may in particular also be used as a (normal) room lighting, such as animal house lighting. Thus, the light generating device may have a dual function, providing both illumination for normal use of the animal house and first device radiation for cultivating a desired microbiota in the room.

Thus, in an embodiment, the system (in particular the control system) may have a standard illumination pattern. In a further embodiment, in the standard illumination mode, the light generating device may be configured to provide (standard) white (first) device radiation, in particular (standard) white light. In particular, standard lighting modes may include providing general lighting, spot lighting, and wall-flood lighting. The term "standard illumination" may in particular refer herein to illumination lacking enriched light for selectively promoting the desired microorganism.

In an embodiment, the first device radiation provided during the microbial illumination mode may also be suitable for normal indoor use. In particular, in a further embodiment, the light generating device is configured to provide (microbial) white first device radiation, in particular (microbial) white light, in the microbial illumination mode.

Thus, in a further embodiment, the light generating device may be configured to provide (i) white first device radiation in a standard illumination mode, and (ii) white first device radiation in a microbial illumination mode. In such embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range may be at least 30% higher during at least a portion of the microbial illumination mode than during at least a portion of the standard illumination mode, relative to the spectral power distribution in the 200-780nm wavelength range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength range may include a range of 405nm +/-5 nm. In further embodiments, the first wavelength range may include a range of 460nm +/-10 nm.

In further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 400-400nm, in particular 400-420nm, may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 180-780nm, in particular 200-750 nm.

In further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 180-220nm, in particular 200-220nm, may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 180-780nm, in particular 180-400 nm.

Similarly, in further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 222nm +/-5nm may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a portion of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a portion of the standard illumination mode, relative to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 200-780nm, in particular 200-400 nm.

In further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 270nm +/-10nm may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 200-780nm, in particular 200-400 nm.

In further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 405nm +/-5nm may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 200-780nm, in particular 200-750 nm.

In further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 460nm +/-10nm may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 200-780nm, in particular 200-750 nm.

Similarly, in further embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range of 460nm +/-5nm may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a portion of the microbial illumination mode than during at least a portion of the standard illumination mode, relative to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 180-780nm, in particular 200-750 nm.

In an embodiment, the first wavelength range may have a center wavelength λ _c And widen lambda _S Such that the first wavelength range includes lambda _c -λ _S –λ _c +λ _S Is a wavelength range of (c). In particular, in such embodiments, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a part of the standard illumination mode, with respect to the spectral power distribution in the 180-780nm wavelength range, such as in the 200-750nm wavelength range. In an embodiment, the stretching λ _S It may be 10nm or less, such as 5nm or less, in particular 2.5nm or less, such as 1nm or less. In a further embodiment, the stretching λ _S May be ≡0.2nm, such as ≡0.5nm, especially ≡1nm. For example, in an embodiment, 0.2 nm.ltoreq.lambda. _S 10nm or less, such as 1nm or less lambda _S Less than or equal to 5nm. In a further embodiment, the center wavelength λ _c May be selected from the group consisting of 210nm, 222nm, 230nm, 254nm, 270nm, 405nm and 460 nm.

Thus, in an embodiment, lambda _c May be 210nm, in particular where lambda _S 10nm or less, such as 5nm or less, especially 2.5nm or less. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 222nm, and lambda _S May be 5nm or less, such as 5nm. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 230nm, in particular where lambda _S 10nm or less, such as 5nm or less, especially 2.5nm or less. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 254nm, in particular where lambda _S 10nm or less, such as 5nm or less, especially 2.5nm or less. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 270nm, and lambda _S May be 10nm or less, such as 10nm. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 405nm, and lambda _S May be 5nm or less, such as 5nm. In a further embodiment lambda _c May be 405nm, and lambda _S It may be 10nm or less, in particular 5nm or less, such as 5nm. Thus, in an embodiment, the first wave is 405nm +/-5nm relative to the spectral power distribution in the wavelength range of 200-780nm, particularly 380-780nm, such as 380-750nm The long range relative spectral power distribution may be higher, in particular at least 30% higher, such as at least 60% higher, in particular at least 100% higher, during at least a part of the microbiological lighting pattern than during at least a part of the standard lighting pattern.

Some wavelengths and wavelength ranges may be particularly suitable for promoting persistence of the first microorganism, especially with respect to the second microorganism. In particular, these wavelengths or wavelength ranges may affect different microorganisms (substantially) differently (see also below).

Thus, in a further embodiment, the microbial illumination mode may comprise providing the first device radiation with a wavelength selected from the <240nm range, such as from the range of 100-240nm, in particular from the range of 180-240 nm. In further embodiments, the microbial illumination mode may include providing the first device radiation with a wavelength selected from the range of 250-280nm, in particular from the range of 260-280 nm. In particular, the relative spectral sensitivity of viruses and bacteria can generally depend strongly on UV wavelength. The difference in relative spectral sensitivity at a given wavelength between different microorganisms may generally be most pronounced in the range of 260nm-280nm and most pronounced for UV wavelengths below 240nm, where the spectral sensitivity delta between microorganisms may continue to increase with lower UV wavelengths.

At a specific wavelength, a desired differential effect of illumination of different microorganisms, in particular between a first microorganism and a second microorganism, can be obtained. Thus, in a further embodiment, the microbial illumination mode may comprise providing a light source having a (narrow) peak wavelength λ _P In particular, at lambda _P -5nm–λ _P At least 30% of the spectral power in the wavelength range of +5nm falls within the peak wavelength range, such as at least 50%, in particular at least 70%. In further embodiments, the peak wavelength range may include λ in particular _P -1nm–λ _P In the +1nm range, e.g. lambda _P -0.5nm–λ _P A +0.5nm range. For example, in an embodiment, 70% of the spectral power of the first device radiation in the wavelength range 400nm-410nm may fall within the range 404nm-406nm, in particular 404.5nm-405.5nmWithin the range.

In a further embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the microbial lighting pattern, in particular the light generating device, in dependence of the relevant input signal, in particular in dependence of the (received/sensed) microbiota influencing parameter. For example, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device to provide the first device radiation if the microbiota impact parameter exceeds a threshold. In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device to provide the first device radiation when it is determined that the (inferred/predicted) abundance of the first microorganism will fall below a threshold based on the microbiota impact parameter, or similarly the (inferred/predicted) abundance of the second microorganism will exceed the threshold.

Thus, the control system may be configured to manipulate the microbiota (composition) by controlling the light generating device, in particular depending on the microbiota influencing parameters. For example, the microbiota impact parameter may indicate (or suggest) an (to be) increased prevalence of the undesired second microorganism, and the control system may control the light generating device to promote persistence of the first microorganism relative to the second microorganism. Similarly, the microbiota influencing parameter may indicate (or imply) the presence of a desired first microorganism, and the control system may control the light generating device to promote persistence of the first microorganism relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism, thereby promoting colonization (in a persistent manner) of the first microorganism in the animal home.

In further embodiments, the microbiota impact parameter may be selected from one or more of (a) the presence of a first microorganism and (b) the presence of a second microorganism in the animal home.

In further embodiments, the microbiota affecting parameter is selected from the group of: temperature, relative humidity, humidity level of the floor surface, light from a source other than the light generating device, ventilation, and floor covering in an animal home. For example, modern cow sheds in europe may often have large-sized openings to the outside world to let in fresh air. The window opens more in summer than in winter, resulting in more ("beneficial") first microorganisms being introduced from the outside air during summer than during winter, taking into account temperature. Similarly, cows in the netherlands may typically spend some time on pastures during the summer but may stay in the barn during (most of the time of) the winter. Thus, cows may be exposed to various microbiota during the summer season, but may be exposed to a limited indoor microbiota during the winter season. Thus, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected in view of the (external) temperature. For example, in an embodiment, the lighting system may be used (only) during winter to enrich the microbiota in the stable.

The term "ventilation" refers herein to both natural ventilation, such as through openings in the wall(s) of an animal home, and ventilation provided by a ventilation system.

Thus, in further embodiments, the microbiota affecting parameter may be selected from the group consisting of: the season of the year, the indoor or outdoor time of the animal, and the time of day.

In further embodiments, the microbiota affecting parameter may be selected from the group comprising: the type of animal, the feeding stage of the animal(s), the condition of the animal(s), the feed of the animal(s) (including type of feed and feeding time), the spatial density of the animal(s), the activity of the animal(s) (such as movement, urination and defecation), the cleaning of the animal's residence (such as ongoing cleaning, or such as recent cleaning), the treatment of the animal(s) (including type of treatment (such as antibiotic treatment) and treatment time), the (expected) addition/exchange of animal(s), the (expected) human activity in the animal's residence, the stress level of the animal, and the fear behavior of the animal. For example, the gut microbiota of pigs housed in a natural outdoor environment may be normally dominated by firmicutes, in particular by lactobacillus, whereas pigs housed in (excess) hygienic conditions in indoor environments may show a reduced number of lactobacilli and a greater number of bacteroides and proteida (including potential pathotypes). This suggests that the development of pigs in an overly hygienic environment may hamper the natural development of an adult balanced intestinal microbiota, despite the highly diverse microbiota obtained early in life (e.g. at birth). In particular, the phylum of firmicutes in animals kept isolated may be reduced when compared to animals kept outside. In particular, early life may be a critical developmental period during which continued exposure to environmental microorganisms is required to drive the intestinal microbiota "stable" toward the desired adult phenotype. Similarly, the breeding environment may be configured to significantly model the microbial community of growing pigs. For example, flooring and litter systems, the presence of bacteria on the surface of an animal home may directly affect the developmental dynamics of the microbial community of the pig. Similarly, animal feeding conditions in animal houses may also change over time for males. For example, in a first period, horses may typically be raised on shavings, while in a second period they may be raised on straw. These horses may be fed with semi-dry silage or hay. Furthermore, antibiotic treatment may destroy the (gut) microbiota of the animal(s). In particular, it may be beneficial to provide a bacterial pool of the first microorganism to promote rapid re-colonisation of the animal. Thus, in an embodiment, the first device radiation may be used to increase the concentration of the first microorganism in the (feeding) environment of the animal after the animal has been treated with the antibiotic.

For example, after distribution of bacillus ferments (typically present in soil and water), previously cleaned building surfaces may form colonies within 45 minutes.

As indicated above, in an embodiment, the microbiota affecting parameter may comprise the (intended) addition/exchange of animal(s). In this case, the system of the present invention may take action actively in anticipation of the addition/removal of (farm) animals to be added in the animal home. For example, a cow intended to be pregnant will give birth to a calf. Thus, the system can actively prepare the microbiota that will be most suitable for calves before their birth. Similarly, if prolonged human activity in a stable is expected, such as maintenance work within the stable or hoof finishing of cattle, the microbiota in the animal home may be ready to improve the microbiota in the working environment for human workers and/or to take into account any effects of humans and/or work on the microbiota.

In embodiments, the system may include one or more actuators to further control microbiota management, such as by controlling microbiota affecting parameters. For example, the control system may be configured to control one or more of temperature, humidity, airflow, number of animals in an animal home, etc. (see examples of microbiota affecting parameters described above). Thus, in addition to controlling the (first) device light, the (other) microbiota influencing parameter (depending on the sensed microbiota influencing parameter) may also be controlled. Such control may be based on one or more of feedback or feedforward control, for example.

The microbiota may affect the fear response of animals. In particular, sterile animal models may have significantly different fear responses as compared to animals that have traditionally formed colonies. Thus, an unusual fear response may be indicative of a microbial imbalance. In particular, individual differences in microbiota composition may affect the acquisition and expression of fear behaviors. Thus, in particular embodiments, the microbiota affecting parameter may include fear behavior of the animal(s). Thus, the fear response of the animals may be modulated (in particular improved), which may provide an overall improved well-being of the (farm) animals. Similarly, an unbalanced microbiota may cause pressure and/or the pressure may cause a change in the microbiota. Thus, pressure may indicate microbiota imbalance.

Thus, in a further embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device in dependence of information from the animal feeding management system, i.e. the system may comprise or be functionally coupled to the animal feeding management system, wherein the control system is configured to receive and/or retrieve information from the animal feeding system, and wherein the control system is configured to control the light generating device in dependence of information from the animal feeding management system.

In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation, the duty cycle of the first device radiation, the dynamic lighting effect of the first device radiation, the spatial direction of (the first beam of) the first device radiation, and the intensity of the first device radiation, depending on the relevant input signal. Thus, the control system may be configured to control one or more properties of the first device radiation in dependence of the relevant input signal. The control system may be configured, inter alia, to control the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation in dependence of the relevant input signal.

In an embodiment, the system (in particular the control system) may have an operational mode, in particular a microorganism application mode (see below) and/or in particular a microorganism illumination mode. The term "operable mode" may also be indicated as "control mode". The system or apparatus or device (see also further below) may perform actions in "mode" or "operational mode" or "mode of operation". Also, in a method, an action, phase or step may be performed in "mode" or "mode of operation". This does not exclude that the system, or the apparatus, or the device may also be adapted to provide another operational mode, or a plurality of other operational modes. Again, this does not exclude that one or more other modes may be performed before and/or after the mode is performed. However, in an embodiment, a control system (see also further below) may be available, which is adapted to at least provide an operational mode. The selection of such a mode may in particular be performed via the user interface if other modes are available, although other options (e.g. executing the mode according to a sensor signal or a (time) scheme) may also be possible. In an embodiment, an operational mode may also refer to a system or apparatus or device that can only operate in a single operational mode (i.e., "on" with no further tunability).

The system may comprise a microbial (spray) dispenser device. The microbial dispenser device may in particular be configured to provide for the discharge of the first microorganism, i.e. the microbial dispenser device may be configured to continuously, periodically or intermittently provide the (indoor space of the) animal accommodation with the first microorganism. In an embodiment, the microbial dispenser device may be particularly configured to provide a spray of the first microorganism in the microbial application mode. In a further embodiment, the microbial dispenser device may in particular be configured to provide a (dry) powder of the first microorganism in the microbial application mode, i.e. the first microorganism is provided in powder form.

In an embodiment, the microbial dispenser may employ ultrasonic waves to generate an aerosol having a first microbial load.

Thus, the system of the present invention may provide both (beneficial) first microorganisms and first device radiation adapted to promote persistence of the first microorganisms with respect to the second microorganisms. In particular, the first device radiation may be beneficial for the growth of the first microorganism and/or may be detrimental for the growth of the second microorganism. Thus, the first device radiation may provide a competitive advantage for the first microorganism relative to the second microorganism, allowing the first microorganism to colonize and persist in the animal home.

In particular, the system of the present invention may actively enhance microbial diversity throughout an animal home, including by deliberately introducing desirable microbial species, such as those commonly found on plants and foliage in nature. These microorganisms can further mitigate the side effects of (excessive) disinfection of animal dwellings (e.g., using light-based disinfection or ionizers) and can provide competition for harmful microorganisms that subsequently arrive.

Thus, the present invention may relate to dispensing (or "applying") microorganisms, and further facilitating a desired microbiota in a room with the aid of a customized lighting formulation. In an embodiment, the microbial dispenser may be actuated depending on the current environment of the animal's premises and on the past/current/predicted operating state of the disinfection system and the (expected) occupancy state or (expected) activity in the premises.

In particular, in an embodiment, the microbial dispenser device may (be configured to) have a microbial discharge area (or range), i.e. the microbial dispenser device may (be configured to) provide the first microorganism to the microbial discharge area. In an embodiment, the microorganism discharge zone may be a 2D zone, such as a surface. In further embodiments, the microbiological discharge area may be a 3D area, such as a (indoor) space, in particular a feeding space.

In particular, in an embodiment, the microbial dispenser device may be configured to provide for the emission of the first microorganism in the microbial application mode and substantially no emission of the second microorganism, i.e. the emission is (substantially) devoid of the second microorganism.

As mentioned in part, the system (particularly the control system) may have a mode of microorganism application. In the microorganism application mode, the microorganism dispenser apparatus may (be configured to) provide (microorganism) discharge of the first microorganism. In particular, in the microorganism application mode, the microorganism dispenser apparatus may (be configured to) provide discharge to the microorganism discharge zone. Thus, during the microbiological discharge pattern, the microbiological discharge area may be filled with the first microorganism.

In particular, the system (in particular the light generating device) may be configured to provide the first device radiation to the dispensed first microorganisms, i.e. to (at least a part of) the microorganism discharge zone. In particular, in an embodiment, the light generating device may be configured to provide a first beam of light of the first device radiation, wherein the microorganism discharge zone and the first beam of light may at least partially overlap spatially. For example, the microorganism discharge zone may comprise a surface and the first light beam may illuminate at least a portion of the surface, or the microorganism discharge zone may comprise a (3D) space and the first light beam may pass through at least a portion of the space. Thus, in an embodiment, the microorganism discharge zone and the first light beam may overlap spatially (at least partly) at a distance from the microorganism discharge device and/or the light generating device (in particular from the microorganism discharge device, or in particular from the light generating device), such as at a distance selected from the range of 0.5-10 m.

In particular, the first light beam may be divergent (relative to the light generating device) and may thus cover a large area at a larger distance from the light generating device. Thus, in an embodiment, the microorganism discharge zone and the first light beam may have a shared zone, i.e. they overlap in the shared zone, wherein the shared zone (such as a shared volume, or such as a shared surface) may have a frustum shape.

In a further embodiment, the light generating device may be configured to provide (during the microbial illumination mode) the first device radiation, in particular the first light beam, to at least a portion of the microbial discharge area.

In an embodiment, the first light beam and the microorganism discharge zone may spatially overlap at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, such as at least 70%, including 100%, in particular with respect to the area of the surface, or in particular with respect to the volume of the space.

In further embodiments, the emission of the first microorganism and the provision of the first light beam may also overlap in time (see also below).

In an embodiment, the microorganism illumination pattern and the microorganism application pattern may overlap in time, i.e. the microorganism dispenser device may provide the discharge of the first microorganism to the microorganism discharge zone, while the light generating device provides the first beam of light radiated by the first device.

In further embodiments, the microorganism lighting pattern is temporally disposed after the microorganism application pattern. Thus, the microorganism dispenser device may (first) provide the first microorganism to the microorganism discharge zone and the light generating device may subsequently provide a first beam of light radiated by the first device, in particular to at least a portion of the microorganism discharge zone. Such an embodiment may be particularly beneficial when the first device radiation has a spectral power distribution selected to promote the growth of the first microorganism.

Thus, in embodiments, the microorganism lighting pattern may overlap in time with the microorganism application pattern, or may follow in time the microorganism application pattern.

The system, in particular the control system, may further have a disinfection mode. In the disinfection mode, the light generating device may (be configured to) provide disinfection radiation. In an embodiment, the disinfecting radiation may comprise UV radiation. In further embodiments, the disinfecting radiation may comprise visible near UV radiation, in particular comprising a disinfecting wavelength selected from the range 380-450nm, such as from the range 400-410nm, in particular (approximately) 405 nm. In further embodiments, the disinfecting radiation may comprise IR radiation, especially IR wavelengths selected from the range of 750-2000nm, such as from the range of 750-1500 nm. In further embodiments, the IR wavelength may be less than or equal to 900nm, such as selected from the range of 750-900 nm. In yet further embodiments, the IR wavelength may be ≡780nm, even more particularly ≡900nm, such as selected from the range 900-2000nm, especially from the range 900-1500nm, such as from the range 900-1100 nm. In particular, in the disinfection mode, the light generating device may (be configured to) provide a disinfection beam of disinfection radiation, wherein the disinfection beam at least partly overlaps the microorganism discharge area. Thus, in an embodiment, in a disinfection mode, the light generating device may (be configured to) provide disinfection radiation to the microbiological discharge area.

In further embodiments, the system (in particular the light generating device) may be configured to provide one or more of (a) disinfecting radiation and (b) charged particles, in particular disinfecting radiation, or in particular charged particles, in a disinfecting mode (of the system). In particular, the disinfecting radiation may comprise one or more of the following: (i) UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 100-380nm, (ii) visible near UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 380-495nm, and (iii) IR radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 750-950 nm.

Thus, in further embodiments, the system may comprise an ionizer device, wherein the ionizer device is configured to provide charged particles (during a disinfection mode).

The term visible near UV radiation may refer herein to (disinfecting) radiation in the visible spectrum but close to the UV spectrum. In particular, in an embodiment, the visible near UV radiation may comprise a wavelength range of 380-495nm, such as a wavelength range of 380-450nm, in particular a wavelength range of 380-420 nm.

In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device. In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the microbial dispenser device. In particular, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the first device radiation, the disinfection radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism, in particular in dependence of one or more of the relevant input signals (in particular the relevant sensor signals), the timer, the user interface and the predetermined program.

For example, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the first device radiation, the disinfection radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism based on a relevant input signal to the input system, in particular based on a relevant sensor signal from a sensor, such as a sensor selected from the group comprising a movement sensor, a presence sensor, an activity detection sensor, a person count sensor, a distance sensor, an ion sensor, a gas sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a pathogen sensor, an air flow sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor may comprise a pathogen sensor, and the sensor signal may be indicative of a high level of (undesired) second microorganism, which may cause the control system to activate one or more of the first device radiation, the disinfection radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism, in particular the disinfection radiation. In further embodiments, the sensor may comprise a temperature sensor, and the sensor signal may indicate that the temperature is rising, which may provide a competitive advantage for the first microorganism or alternatively (part of) the second microorganism. Thus, the control system may be configured to respond to the changing temperature by, for example, increasing the emission of the first microorganism and/or increasing the first device radiation. In further embodiments, the sensor may include an activity sensor configured to detect activity of an animal (or person) in the animal's residence, such as, for example, pulling feces, urinating, sleeping, feeding, body posture, interactions between animals (e.g., fight), and eating activity. For example, a fight between animals may result in the deposition of bodily fluids (such as blood) on surfaces (such as floors) of the animal's residence. In such embodiments, the control system may for example increase the microbial emission after detection of the activity, may adjust, in particular stop, the disinfection radiation during the activity, and may increase the wavelength in the first device radiation contributing to vitamin D production (see below). Furthermore, if the system further includes a pathogen sensor, the system may be configured to determine pathogen status in the indoor space after the activity to re-evaluate the need for subsequent disinfection. In further embodiments, the sensor may comprise a presence sensor, and the sensor signal may also indicate that an animal, in particular a person, has entered the room, which may cause the control system to adjust the disinfecting radiation, in particular to stop the disinfecting radiation, or in particular to change the wavelength of the disinfecting radiation, as UV radiation may also be harmful to the animal, such as a person. For example, the following table may indicate characteristics of different disinfection wavelength ranges, including disinfection efficiency for different types of microorganisms, and safety (for humans):

The use of UV for sterilization may be well recognized. IR light may also have a disinfecting effect. Generally, the term infrared refers to wavelengths above 750nm, where Near Infrared (NIR) describes wavelengths of 750-1400nm, where the range of 750-950nm may be particularly suitable for IR sterilization. One advantage of using IR light as the disinfecting light is that it may be more efficient than UV light on certain surfaces and for certain microorganisms. For example, it may be well known that NIR disinfection (750-950 nm) achieves 80% to 99.9% or 2-3 log reduction of iron dependence and some other types of bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, the absorption spectrum of each microorganism may show some different absorption peaks. Thus, a specific IR wavelength may be selected in order to "excite" a specific bond type, for example, in a specific molecule in the target second microorganism.

Furthermore, under actual disinfection lighting conditions, the target surface may be partially occluded. While a material may be transparent at IR frequencies (e.g., thin plastic), it may be opaque to 405nm or UV sterilizing light. It is known that infrared light can pass through many materials that are not transparent to visible or UV light. However, the reverse is also true. Some materials, such as glass, may pass 405nm visible light but not infrared light.

For example, far infrared rays may penetrate human tissue for 1.5 to 2.8 inches, while UV light may be absorbed generally in the outer dead skin layers. Similarly, if a sheet of paper is placed on a table, the IR may be scattered by the paper, but some of the IR light may still pass through the paper and reach the underlying surface.

Furthermore, additional synergistic effects between the IR and UV disinfection light sources, or other dual functions of IR or UV, may be achieved. For example, the IR light source may further be used to provide warmth for heating the floor of an animal home, depending on the arrangement. IR light can also be used to provide a feeling of health by directly heating the body in the room without heating the air. The absorption of heat into the skin (which feel like warm sun in spring) can be particularly relaxed and incredibly comfortable for animals.

As an additional advantage, IR light can be used to prevent mold or mildew. In many places in a wet room, silicone seals may be subject to mildew attack and may require special handling. IR light can be used to heat and dry walls (rather than air as in conventional heaters) and thus provide a mildew-proof function at high humidity.

The combination of UV and IR light sources appears to produce a synergistic effect for killing pathogens. However, IR sterilization may also have drawbacks: if a high dose of IR is applied to the object, it may heat up to a high temperature, which may damage the object. Thus, when applying IR sterilization, it may be advantageous that the surface to be sterilized is covered by a water film.

In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the first device radiation, the sanitizing radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism based on the timer. For example, the control system may be configured to provide (cause the microbial dispenser apparatus) at least once an hour of microbial emissions. Thus, if an hour has elapsed since the last (predetermined or spontaneous) microbial discharge, the control system may provide (cause the microbial dispenser device) microbial discharge of the first microbe.

In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the first device radiation, the sanitizing radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism based on the user interface. In particular, the control system may comprise a user interface. For example, a user may provide input to the control system to start or stop operation.

In a further development, the control system may be configured to control one or more of the first device radiation, the disinfection radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism based on a predetermined program. For example, the control system may be configured to culture the microbiota such that the desired microbiota is present in the (feeding) trough at the time of feeding. Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to employ one or more of the first equipment radiation, the sanitizing radiation, and the emission of the first microorganism for indoor microbiota management in the animal home during (at least a portion of) night. In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to dynamically adjust the predetermined program based on a schedule (such as based on a calendar). In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to predict activity in the indoor space, such as based on historical data related to past activity, and adjust the predetermined program accordingly.

In further embodiments, the control system may have access to an external database, in particular wherein the external database comprises information about the first microorganism and/or the second microorganism. In particular, the control system may be configured to retrieve information about the first microorganism and/or the second microorganism from an external database, in particular wherein the information comprises data about the spectral sensitivity of the first microorganism and/or the second microorganism. In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to retrieve information about the (geographical) popularity of the second microorganism from an external database, such as based on the GPS location of the animal home, especially also taking into account the wind direction or the surroundings of the animal home (forests, pastures, densely populated areas with many building structures and streets), such as when the animal home is open to the open air. Thus, the control system may be configured to determine the (possible) presence of the second microorganism based on information retrieved from an external database, and may select the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation based on the presence of the second microorganism.

Similarly, in embodiments, the control system may include or be functionally coupled to a user interface. In particular, in an embodiment, the input system may comprise a user interface. The user interface may be configured to receive input and provide the input to the control system. In an embodiment, the user interface may be configured for receiving an input related to the spectral sensitivity of the first microorganism and/or the second microorganism. In further embodiments, the user interface may be configured to receive an input related to a type of the second microorganism present in the indoor space. In further embodiments, the user interface may be configured to receive input related to microbiota affecting parameters.

The first microorganism may also be damaged by the disinfecting radiation, i.e. the first microorganism may also be susceptible to the disinfecting radiation. Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the microorganism discharge rate of (the discharge of) the first microorganism in dependence of the disinfection radiation.

In particular, in further embodiments, the microorganism application mode and the disinfection mode may overlap at least partially in time, particularly wherein the microorganism discharge rate during at least a portion of the disinfection mode may be higher than the baseline discharge rate relative to the baseline discharge rate (such as a daily average microorganism discharge rate). Thus, the microbial dispenser device may simultaneously dispense the first microorganism to maintain a desired balance when the first microorganism is inactivated/killed by the disinfecting radiation. In particular, during the period of time when the disinfecting radiation is activated, additional first microorganisms may be actively distributed into the indoor space to compensate for the effect of UV light inadvertently inactivating some of the desired biological communities on the surface. Thus, the microbial dispenser device can be supplemented with beneficial bacteria that are inadvertently inactivated by the disinfecting radiation.

In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device depending on the disinfection mode. In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the microbial dispenser device depending on the disinfection mode.

In further embodiments, the microorganism application pattern and the sterilization pattern may be separated in time, i.e., the microorganism application pattern and the sterilization pattern do not overlap in time. In such embodiments, the microorganism discharge rate after the disinfection mode may be higher than the baseline microorganism discharge rate relative to the baseline microorganism discharge rate. Thus, after the space/area (in particular the microorganism discharge zone) has been disinfected by the disinfecting radiation, the space/area may be re-populated with the first microorganisms.

Thus, the disinfection mode may be particularly useful for cleaning (or "preparing") a microorganism discharge zone for a first microorganism. In particular, the disinfecting radiation may be used to remove (or "inactivate" or "kill") second microorganisms or viruses that inhabit (at least a portion of) the microorganism discharge area, thereby reducing competition by the first microorganisms in the microorganism discharge area. Thus, the disinfection mode may promote the continued presence of the first microorganism on the microorganism discharge zone. In further embodiments, the disinfection mode may (thus) be arranged temporally (directly) before the microorganism application mode.

The term "baseline emission rate" may refer herein to a default microorganism emission rate. In an embodiment, the microorganism discharge rate may be (substantially) constant over time. In further embodiments, the microorganism discharge rate may follow a temporal pattern. In further embodiments, the microorganism discharge rate may be irregular over time. In further embodiments, the baseline emission rate may be (substantially) 0, and the microorganism application mode may be initiated (only) when certain conditions are applicable, such as when user input is received, and/or such as (directly) after the disinfection mode.

In further embodiments, the baseline emission rate may be a daily average emission rate.

In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to select a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation to (a) promote persistence, in particular growth, of the first microorganism (relative to the second microorganism), and (b) inactivate the virus.

The control system may have access to a (predetermined) target microbiota composition. In particular, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device so as to direct the actual microbiota composition in the animal home to the (predetermined) target microbiota composition. The term "target microbiota composition" may generally include a range of target microbiota compositions, i.e. there may be some degrees of freedom with respect to specific microorganisms and/or with respect to the relative popularity of these microorganisms. However, it may not be possible to achieve the desired target microbiota composition within a given time frame, such as in the case where microbiota affecting parameters cannot be completely counteracted, or such as in the case where the desired first microorganism is not present in the animal home and is not available for dispensing via the microbial dispenser device. In these scenarios, the control system may also control the light generating device to direct towards the desired target microbiota composition, such as based on a scoring function. In particular, the control system may be configured to execute an optimization algorithm to select the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation to direct the microbiota composition towards the target microbiota composition (in view of any constraints).

Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may have access to a predefined target microbiota composition of (at least a part of) the animal home, and the control system may be particularly configured to control the light generating device depending on the microbiota influencing parameters and the target microbiota composition.

In particular, for example, the microbiota influencing parameters may push the actual microbiota composition towards the target microbiota composition, and the control system may optionally fine tune the microbiota composition by controlling the light generating device. However, in further examples, the microbiota influencing parameter may push the actual microbiota composition away from the target microbiota composition, such as via an increased prevalence of the second microorganism, or such as via a decrease of the (specific) first microorganism, and the control system may control the light generating device to counteract the microbiota influencing parameter.

Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may (be configured to) determine a microbiota effect of the microbiota influencing parameter. In further embodiments, the control system may (be configured to) select the lighting intervention based on the microbiota effect, and in particular control the light generating device based on the lighting intervention. In particular, the control system may control the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation based on the lighting intervention.

As described above, the control system may infer (changes in) microbiota based on microbiota impact parameters as well as based on historical data. However, this may be particularly visible if the control system has access to data regarding (at least part of) the actual microbiota composition in the animal home. Thus, in an embodiment, the sensor may comprise a microbiota sensor, wherein the microbiota sensor is configured to determine a microbiota related parameter and to provide a related microbiota signal to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to determine (at least part of) the current microbiota composition based on the related microbiota signal.

For example, in further embodiments, the sensor may comprise one or more of a 16S-RNA sequencer or an 18S-RNA sequencer.

In an embodiment, the microbial dispenser device may comprise a cartridge holder. The cartridge holder may in particular be configured to detachably accommodate one or more cartridges, in particular a plurality of cartridges. In an embodiment, the cartridge holder may be configured to house at least one cartridge comprising (at least a part of) the first microorganism. In further embodiments, the cartridge holder may be configured to house a plurality of cartridges comprising (different) first microorganisms. In further embodiments, the cartridge holder may be configured to hold a cartridge containing one type of scent, particularly a scent compound.

In particular embodiments, the cartridge holder may be configured to house a plurality of cartridges, wherein two or more of the plurality of cartridges are filled with a material that is different in the type of first microorganism.

In further embodiments, the system may include a cartridge sensor configured to determine a remaining capacity (or volume) of the first microorganism in the cartridge of the microorganism dispenser device.

Thus, the microbial dispenser device may comprise different types of first microorganisms (including cartridges of different types of first microorganisms). In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the microbial dispenser device to discharge (a part of) the first microorganism based on the current (determined/estimated) microbiota in the animal home and the current allowable spectral power distribution in the animal home.

Thus, the control system may further select the spectral power distribution taking into account the animals in (the indoor space of) the animal's residence. For example, animals may have different photosensitivity during different developmental stages, and for example young animals, specific wavelengths may be preferably avoided. For example, the retina of young animals may be more sensitive to UV radiation as compared to the retina of older animals.

In further embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device in dependence of the microbiota influencing parameter, the current microbiota composition, the current availability of the first microorganism in the microorganism dispenser canister, and the target microbiota composition. Thus, the control system may take into account the expected variations and possibilities for (actively) introducing the first microorganism into the animal home for selecting an appropriate spectral power distribution for directing the microbiota composition in the animal home towards the target microbiota composition.

In further embodiments, the microorganism dispenser apparatus may comprise a spray dispenser, in particular wherein the spray dispenser is configured to dispense the first microorganism.

In a further aspect, the invention may provide a (lighting) device comprising the lighting system according to the invention. In an embodiment, the device may include a housing. The housing may in particular enclose at least a part of the light generating device, and in a further embodiment at least a part of the microbial dispenser device. In an embodiment, the housing may substantially enclose the light generating device. In further embodiments, the housing may substantially enclose the microbial dispenser device.

In an embodiment, the device may particularly comprise a lighting device. In a further embodiment, the lighting device may be selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device and an optical wireless communication device, in particular may be a luminaire.

In a further embodiment, the device may be configured such that the first beam of radiation of the first device has a first direction and wherein the second beam of disinfecting radiation has a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction have a mutual angle (α) selected from the range of 60-180 °, in particular from the range of 90-180 °, such as from the range of 120-180 ° _M ). In particular, in a further embodiment, the device may be configured such that the first beam of radiation of the first device has a first direction parallel to the first optical axis (O1) (of the first beam); and wherein the second beam of sterilizing radiation has a second direction parallel to a second optical axis (O2) (of the second beam), wherein the first direction and the second direction have a mutual angle (α) selected from the range of 60-180 °, in particular from the range of 90-180 °, such as from the range of 120-180 ° _M ). In particular, in such an embodiment, the first device radiation and the disinfecting radiation may be spatially separated. In particular, the microbiological discharge area may not spatially (substantially) overlap with the disinfecting radiation. Thus, the disinfecting radiation may be provided to a portion of the space, such as a ceiling, while the first device radiation may be provided to a different portion of the space, such as a table surface. In particular, the first direction may coincide with a first optical axis (of the first device radiation). However, in an embodiment, the second direction may coincide with a second optical axis (of the second beam of sterilizing radiation).

In a further embodiment, the device may particularly comprise an upper air disinfection device configured to provide disinfection radiation to (top) portions of the ceiling and/or wall.

In a further aspect, the present invention may provide an animal accommodation system. The animal accommodation system may comprise an animal accommodation and the (lighting) system of the invention. In particular, the (lighting) system may be configured to control indoor microbiota in an animal home.

In an embodiment, the animal accommodation may comprise a feeding space, in particular wherein the light generating device of the lighting system is configured to provide the first device radiation to the feeding space.

In a further aspect, the invention may provide a method for indoor microbiota management in an animal home. The method may comprise providing (an indoor space of) the animal house with a first device radiation, wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation is selected for promoting persistence, in particular growth, of the first microorganism with respect to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism. The method may further comprise

Receive and/or sense (especially receive or especially sense) microbiota influencing parameters and provide a relevant input signal. The method may further comprise controlling (the spectral power distribution of) the first device radiation in dependence of the relevant input signal.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise providing for the discharge of the first microorganism in (the indoor space of) the animal accommodation.

The method may particularly comprise providing first equipment radiation and emission of the first microorganism in the animal accommodation. In an embodiment, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected to promote the persistence, in particular the growth, of the first microorganism with respect to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism. In further embodiments, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation may be selected for one or more of: (i) promote the growth of a first microorganism, (ii) inactivate a second microorganism different from the first microorganism, (iii) and inactivate the second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism.

Thus, in a particular embodiment, the method may comprise providing (a) first equipment radiation, and (b) emission of a first microorganism, in (an indoor space of) an animal accommodation, based on microbiota affecting parameters; wherein the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation is selected to promote persistence of the first microorganism relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism.

In an embodiment, the method may include a microbial illumination pattern. The method, in particular the microbial illumination mode, may comprise providing a first beam of radiation of the first device based on the microbiota influencing parameter.

In further embodiments, the method may include a mode of microorganism application. The method (in particular the mode of microorganism application) may comprise providing for the emission of the first microorganism in the microorganism discharge zone based on the microbiota influencing parameter.

In further embodiments, the microorganism lighting pattern and the microorganism application pattern may overlap in time, i.e., the microorganism lighting pattern may overlap in time with the microorganism application pattern. In further embodiments, the microorganism application pattern may be arranged (directly) after the microorganism illumination pattern in time, i.e. the microorganism illumination pattern may be after the microorganism application pattern in time.

In further embodiments, the first light beam and the microorganism discharge zone may at least partially spatially overlap.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise a disinfection mode. In further embodiments, the method (particularly the disinfection mode) may comprise directing at least a portion of the disinfection radiation to an overhead space (such as a ceiling), particularly wherein the disinfection radiation comprises UV radiation. In further embodiments, the method (in particular the microbiological lighting pattern) may comprise directing at least a portion of the first beam of light radiated by the first device towards the floor. In further embodiments, the method (particularly the microorganism application mode) may comprise directing at least a portion of the emissions of the first microorganism to the floor. In particular, in embodiments, the method may comprise forming the first and second surfaces at a mutual angle (α) selected from the range of 60-180 °, in particular from the range of 90-180 °, such as from the range of 120-180 ° _M ) Providing sterilizing radiation and microbial illumination radiation. In particular embodiments, the method may comprise using a lighting system or lighting device as described herein (and as claimed).

The lighting device or lighting system may be part of an animal home, or may be applied in an animal home such as a barn, shed, railing, (farm) house or the like.

Because, for example, the bacillus first microorganism may reduce the odor, the odor VOC sensor may be used as a possible sensor device in animal houses. In embodiments, providing, for example, bacillus microorganisms in an animal house may be based on detected odor levels. Thus, the microorganisms are provided to eventually remove at least part of the undesired odor from the animal house. As indicated above, the sensor may comprise a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor.

The temperature sensor may be used to control when the first microorganism is dispensed. For example, bacillus-based products do not work substantially well below 5 ℃ and above 60 ℃. In this case, for example, a microorganism dispenser or other device that dispenses the first microorganism may wait to apply the microorganism until the temperature is at a temperature at which the first microorganism(s) are active, and not provide the first microorganism(s) when the temperature exceeds such a temperature range. As indicated above, the sensor may comprise a temperature sensor.

The term white light (or "white radiation") is known to those skilled in the art. It relates in particular to light having a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) between about 2000 and 20000K, in particular between 2700 and 20000K, for general illumination, in particular in the range of about 2700K and 6500K, and for backlighting purposes, in particular in the range of about 7000K and 20000K, and in particular within about 15SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from BBL (blackbody locus), in particular within about 10SDCM from BBL, even more in particular within about 5SDCM from BBL.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

figures 1A and 2A schematically depict an embodiment of a system,

figure 1C schematically depicts the spectral power distribution of a standard illumination mode,

FIGS. 1B and 2B schematically depict embodiments of operational modes of the system, and

fig. 3A-3B schematically depict the relative spectral sensitivity S versus wavelength λ (in nm).

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale. The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A schematically depicts an embodiment of a system 1000 for indoor microbiota management in an animal home 200 of the present invention. The system 1000 may particularly comprise a lighting system. In the depicted embodiment, the system 1000 includes a light generating device 100, a control system 300, and an input system 305 (particularly a sensor system 310). In an embodiment, and in particular in a microbial illumination mode, the light generating device 100 may be configured to generate the first device radiation 111. In particular, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111 may be selected to promote persistence, in particular growth, of the first microorganism 7 relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism 7. In further embodiments, the input system 305 may be configured to receive and/or sense microbiota affecting parameters and provide related input signals to the control system 300. In particular, the control system 300 may be configured to control the light generating device 100 in dependence of the relevant input signals.

Thus, the input system 305 may be configured to receive and/or sense microbiota affecting parameters and provide related input signals to the control system, and the control system may be configured to control the light generating device 100 in dependence of the related input signals in order to manage microbiota in the animal home 200. For example, the microbiota influencing parameter may indicate or suggest an increased prevalence of undesired second microorganisms, and the control system 300 may (control the light generating device 100) adjust the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111 in order to inhibit (or "inactivate") the second microorganisms. In particular, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111 for one or more of (i) promoting the growth of the first microorganism 7, (ii) inactivating a second microorganism other than the first microorganism 7, (iii) inactivating the second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism 7, and (iv) inactivating the virus, in particular for one or more of (i) - (iii).

In further embodiments, the viruses may include a first (desired) virus and a second (undesired) virus different from the first virus. Thus, in an embodiment, the method control system may be configured to control the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111 for inactivating the second virus more strongly than the first virus. For example, the first virus may include a phage configured to target the second microorganism, and the second virus may include a phage configured to target the first microorganism. The second virus may further comprise, for example, a human and/or animal pathogen.

In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111, the duty cycle of the first device radiation 111, the dynamic lighting effect of the first device radiation 111, the spatial direction of the first device radiation 111 (in particular the first beam 115 of the first device radiation 111), and the intensity of the first device radiation 111, depending on the relevant input signal.

In further embodiments, the input system 305 comprises a sensor 310, wherein the sensor 310 is configured to sense a microbiota affecting parameter, and wherein the related input signal comprises a related sensor signal. Accordingly, the sensor 310 may be configured to sense the microbiota affecting parameter and provide an associated sensor signal to the control system 300.

In the depicted embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide first device radiation 111 to the floor 5 and feeding element 8 of the animal home 200. In further embodiments, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide the first device radiation 111 to one or more of the ceiling 4 of the animal home 200, the floor 5 of the animal home 200, the wall 6 of the animal home 200, the feeding element 8 (such as a trough) in the animal home 200, and the sleep component 9 (such as a grass bed) in the animal home 200.

The current microbiota composition in animal home 200 may have information about the (expected) change in microbiota composition over time. For example, if a particular first microorganism 7 or second microorganism is not present in animal home 200, it will not accumulate over time unless first introduced from the outside. In addition, the microorganisms may cooperate with specific other microorganisms (groups), such as by forming a synergistic microbial community. Thus, the presence of two or more particular species in animal home 200 may be indicative of relatively enhanced persistence, particularly growth, of one or both species. Similarly, microorganisms may compete for the same niche, which may lead to competitive exclusion. In this case, the presence of a particular microorganism may indicate a relative decrease in the persistence of a different microorganism. Thus, in an embodiment, the microbiota influencing parameter may be selected from one or more of (a) the presence of the first microorganism 7, (b) the presence of the second microorganism, and (c) the presence of a virus (especially a first virus and/or a second virus) in the animal home 200, in particular from one or more of (a) the presence of the first microorganism 7 and (b) the presence of the second microorganism in the animal home 200.

Thus, in further embodiments, the sensor 310 may comprise a microbiota sensor 311, wherein the microbiota sensor 311 is configured to determine a microbiota related parameter and provide a related microbiota signal to the control system 300, in particular wherein the control system 300 is configured to determine the current microbiota composition based on the related microbiota signal.

The composition of the microbiota in animal home 200 (such as with respect to first microorganism 7, and with respect to second microorganism) may be further affected by various factors including animal behavior, temperature, humidity, antibiotic exposure, the introduction of objects in the home, food, and the like. Thus, in an embodiment, the microbiota affecting parameter may be selected from the group comprising: temperature, relative humidity, light from a source other than the light generating device 100, ventilation, floor covering material in the animal home 200, type of animal 2, feeding stage of animal 2, condition of animal 2, feed of animal 2, treatment of animal 2, season of the year, indoor or outdoor time of animal 2, and time of day.

In particular, the feeding phase of the animal 2 may be either a relevant microbiota influencing parameter or a relevant parameter concerning the desired (target) microbiota for (the indoor space in) the animal's residence. In particular, the feeding stage of an animal can determine which microorganisms may be particularly beneficial and which microorganisms may be particularly harmful to the animal. Thus, in an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the light generating device 100 in dependence of information from the animal feeding management system. In practice, some animals (such as adult chickens and chickens) may be kept together, typically though in different stages of feeding. Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may be configured to control the light generating device 100 depending on the (different) feeding stages of the plurality of animals.

In the depicted embodiment, the system 1000 further comprises a microbial dispenser device 400 configured to provide a discharge 407 of the first microorganisms 7, in particular to (the indoor space 3 of) the animal accommodation 200. In particular, the system 1000 (in particular the control system 300) may have a microbial discharge mode, and the microbial dispenser device 400 may in particular be configured to provide a discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7 in the microbial discharge mode.

In an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the microbial discharge pattern, in particular the microbial dispenser device, depending on the microbiota influencing parameters. For example, the control system 300 may be configured to introduce or increase the presence of a first microorganism in the animal home based on (the value of) the microbiota affecting parameter.

In further embodiments, in particular in a microorganism application mode, the microorganism dispenser device 400 may (be configured) provide a (microorganism) discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7, wherein the microorganism dispenser device 400 has a microorganism discharge area (or range) 415, i.e. the microorganism dispenser device 400 may be configured to provide the discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7 to the microorganism discharge area 415.

In the microbial illumination mode, the light generating device 100 may (be configured to) provide a first beam 115 of the first device radiation 111, wherein the microbial discharge area 415 and the first beam 115 may at least partially spatially overlap, such as at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, of the microbial discharge area 415.

In the depicted embodiment, the microbial dispenser device 400 (in the microbial application mode) may (be configured to) provide a spray 410 of the first microorganisms 7.

The microbial dispenser device 400 may be in an average direction E ₁ The first microorganism 7 is provided. The average direction may be a direction obtained by determining a direction in which most of the first microorganisms are propagated away from the microbial dispenser device 400 on average. For example, the spray direction may be the average direction of propagation of the first microorganisms away from the spray microbial dispenser apparatus.

Thus, in an embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide white first device radiation 111 in a standard illumination mode, wherein the light generating device 100 is configured to provide white first device radiation 111 in a microbial illumination mode; wherein the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range is higher during at least a portion of the microbiological illumination mode than during at least a portion of the standard illumination mode with respect to the spectral power distribution in the 200-780nm wavelength range. In further embodiments, the first wavelength range includes a range of 405nm +/-5 nm. In further embodiments, the first wavelength range includes a range of 460nm +/-5 nm.

In embodiments, the microbial illumination pattern may overlap in time with the microbial emission pattern, or may follow the microbial emission pattern in time.

The microorganism application pattern, the microorganism illumination pattern and the standard illumination pattern may (partly) overlap (in time).

In an embodiment, the control system may be configured to select (and execute) one or more of a microorganism application mode, a microorganism lighting mode and a standard lighting mode depending on the relevant input signal.

Fig. 1B schematically depicts an embodiment of a temporal arrangement of a microorganism application pattern, a microorganism illumination pattern and a standard illumination pattern over time T, wherein M1 refers to the microorganism illumination pattern, M2 refers to the microorganism application pattern and M3 refers to the standard illumination pattern. In the first phase I, the system may be in a standard illumination mode. Subsequently, in the second phase, the system may be in both a microorganism application mode and a microorganism illumination mode, i.e. the microorganism dispenser device 400 may provide the discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7 and the light generating device 100 may provide the first beam 115 of the first radiation 111 to promote persistence of the first microorganism 7, in particular with respect to the persistence of the second microorganism. At the end of the second phase II, the microorganism application mode may be stopped until the third phase III has performed about 1/5, during which the microorganism illumination mode is continuously activated, and during which the microorganism application mode is partially activated. At the end of the third phase III, the microbial illumination mode may be turned off and a standard illumination mode may be activated for the fourth phase IV.

For example, phase I may correspond to the end of a (workday) day during which standard lighting is used. At the end of the (working) day, such as after a person leaves the indoor space 3, the second phase II may start and the system 1000 may initiate a microorganism application mode and a microorganism illumination mode. During phases II and III, the system 1000 may prepare the indoor space 3 for the next (working) day. As indicated in the embodiments, the microbial discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7 may be provided multiple times. For example, the system 1000 may provide a first set of first microorganisms 7 during phase II and may provide a second set of first microorganisms 7 during phase III, such as a second set of first microorganisms belonging to a different genus than the first set of first microorganisms 7. This may be relevant, for example, if the different first microorganisms 7 can be advantageously cultivated with the first radiation 111 having the different first spectral distribution. Alternatively, for example, if the first microorganisms 7 of the second group depend on the first microorganisms 7 of the first group, in such an embodiment the first microorganisms 7 of the first group may be allowed to colonize the indoor space 3 first. With the beginning of the next (working) day, the system 1000 may switch to standard lighting again in phase IV.

In further embodiments, the system may also perform a microbial lighting mode when the indoor space 3 is in use (by a human user).

In the depicted embodiment, the microorganism illumination pattern overlaps in time with the microorganism application pattern. In further embodiments, the microbial illumination pattern may be temporally disposed after the microbial application pattern.

Fig. 1C schematically depicts the spectral power distribution (intensity I versus wavelength λ) of a standard illumination mode M3 and a microbial illumination mode M1. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, the relative spectral power distribution of the first wavelength range relative to the spectral power distribution in the reference wavelength range (such as the wavelength range of 200-780 nm) is higher during at least a portion of the microbial illumination mode M1 than during at least a portion of the standard illumination mode M3. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, the microbial illumination mode M1 may have an additional peak in the spectral power distribution to the left of the distribution.

Fig. 2A schematically depicts a further embodiment of a system 1000. In the depicted embodiment, the light generating device 100 may provide the disinfecting radiation 121 in a disinfecting mode (configured), in particular wherein the disinfecting radiation 121 comprises UV radiation. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control the emission 407 of the first device radiation 111, the disinfection radiation 121, and the first microorganisms 7, in particular in dependence of the relevant input signals, in particular in dependence of the microbiota influencing parameters.

In an embodiment, the input system 305 may comprise a sensor 310 selected from the group comprising a movement sensor, a presence sensor, an activity detection sensor, a people counting sensor, a distance sensor, an ion sensor, a gas sensor, a volatile organic compound sensor, a pathogen sensor, an air flow sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, wherein the relevant input signals comprise relevant sensor signals, i.e. wherein the input system 305 is configured to provide relevant sensor signals (relevant input signals comprising relevant sensor signals) to the control system 300.

In the depicted embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide a first radiation 111 centered along the first optical axis O1 (such as a cone centered along the first optical axis O1), and a disinfecting radiation 121 centered along the second optical axis O2. In particular, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide the disinfecting radiation centered along the second optical axis O2 in a first direction indicated by O2' towards the aerial space (in particular towards the ceiling 4) or in a second direction indicated by O2 "towards the floor 5. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may control the disinfecting radiation in the second direction, e.g. in dependence of a signal from a sensor 301, such as a presence sensor. Thus, the system 1000 (in particular the control system 300) may avoid providing disinfecting radiation (which in particular comprises UV radiation) to animals or humans in (the indoor space 3 of) the animal home 200.

In the depicted embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to provide disinfecting radiation to an overhead space that may be safely remote from potential personnel in the room. For example, the high-altitude space may be a space of about 2.3m or more in (the indoor space 3 of) the animal house 200.

Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the light generating device 100 may be configured to be suspended from the ceiling 4. However, in further embodiments, the light generating device 100 may comprise a task light, such as a free-fall luminaire or a light on a table.

In an embodiment, the control system 300 may be configured to control the microorganism discharge rate of (the discharge 407 of) the first microorganisms 7 in dependence of the disinfection radiation 121. In particular, one or more of the following may be applied: (a) The microorganism application mode and the disinfection mode may overlap at least partially in time and, relative to the baseline emission rate, the microorganism emission rate during at least a portion of the disinfection mode is higher than the baseline emission rate; and/or (b) the microorganism application mode and the disinfection mode may be separated in time, and wherein the microorganism discharge rate after the disinfection mode is higher than the baseline microorganism discharge rate relative to the baseline microorganism discharge rate. Thus, in an embodiment, the microbial dispenser device 400 may be configured to increase the microbial discharge rate during the disinfection mode in order to counteract the negative effect of the disinfection radiation on the first microorganisms 7, or the microbial dispenser device 400 may be configured to increase the microbial discharge rate after the disinfection mode in order to (re-) colonise the indoor space 3. In particular, in the latter embodiment, the microbial discharge rate of the microbial dispenser device may be (substantially) 0 during the disinfection mode, i.e. the microbial application mode may be arranged (directly) after the disinfection mode in time.

In the depicted embodiment, the microbial dispenser apparatus 400 may include a cartridge holder 420, particularly wherein the cartridge holder 420 is configured to removably receive a plurality of cartridges 425. The plurality of cartridges may in particular contain (different) first microorganisms 7 for subsequent application of the different first microorganisms as described above, and/or may comprise scents, in particular scenting compounds. In further embodiments, two or more of the plurality of cartridges 425 may be filled with a material that is different in one or more of the type and odor type of the first microorganism 7, in particular with two or more types of the first microorganism 7.

In further embodiments, the microbial dispenser device 400 may comprise a spray dispenser, in particular wherein the spray dispenser is configured to dispense the first microorganisms 7.

In an embodiment, the first beam 115 of the first device radiation 111 may have a first direction V1 parallel to a first optical axis O1 of the first beam 115 and the second beam 125 of the sterilizing radiation 121 may have a second direction V2 parallel to a second optical axis O2 of the second beam 125, in particular in a second direction indicated by O2", wherein the first direction V1 and the second direction V2 have a mutual angle α selected from the range of 90-180 ° _M . In the depicted embodiment, α _M And in particular may be about 180.

In further embodiments, the illumination system 1000 may be configured to provide one or more of the disinfecting radiation 121 and charged particles in a disinfecting mode (of the illumination system 1000). In particular, in further embodiments, the disinfecting radiation 121 may comprise one or more of the following: (i) UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 100-380nm, (ii) visible near UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 380-495nm, and (iii) IR radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 750-950 nm.

In further embodiments, the system 1000 may comprise an ionizer device 130, wherein the ionizer device 130 is configured to provide charged particles.

In an embodiment, the control system 300 may have access to a predefined target microbiota composition, in particular for (at least a part of) the animal home, wherein the control system 300 is configured to control the light generating device 100 depending on the microbiota influencing parameters and the target microbiota composition. In further embodiments, the control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of the microbial lighting mode, the microbial application mode, and the disinfection mode depending on the microbiota impact parameter and the target microbiota composition. In particular, the control system 300 may be configured to direct the microbiota composition in (at least a portion of) the animal home 200 to a target microbiota composition.

Fig. 2A further schematically depicts an embodiment of a lighting device 1200 comprising the system 1000. In an embodiment, the lighting device 1200 may further comprise a housing 1250, which may in particular enclose at least a portion of the light generating device 100. In further embodiments, the housing may (also) enclose at least a portion of the microbial dispenser device 400.

In a further embodiment, the lighting device may be selected from the group comprising a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device and an optical wireless communication device, in particular may be a luminaire.

Fig. 1A and 2A further schematically depict an embodiment of an animal accommodation system 2000. In the depicted embodiment, the animal accommodation system includes an animal accommodation 200 and a lighting system 1000. In particular, the lighting system 1000 may be configured to control indoor microbiota in the animal home 200.

In a further embodiment, the animal accommodation 200 may comprise a feeding space 13, wherein the light generating device 100 of the lighting system 1000 is configured to provide the first device radiation 111 to the feeding space 13.

Fig. 2A further schematically depicts an embodiment of a method for indoor microbiota management in an animal home. The method may comprise providing (the indoor space 3 of) the animal accommodation 200 with a first device radiation 111, wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation 111 is selected for promoting persistence, in particular growth, of the first microorganism 7 relative to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism 7, wherein the method further comprises: the microbiota influencing parameter is received and/or sensed (in particular received, or in particular sensed) and (the spectral power distribution of) the first device radiation 111 is controlled in dependence of the microbiota influencing parameter.

In further embodiments, the method may comprise selecting a spectral power distribution for one or more of the following depending on the microbiota influencing parameter: (i) promote the growth of the first microorganism 7, (ii) inactivate a second microorganism different from the first microorganism 7, and (iii) inactivate the second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism 7.

In the depicted embodiment, the method may comprise providing a first beam 115 of first device radiation 111 in a microorganism illumination mode and providing an emission 407, in particular a spray 410, of first microorganisms 7 in a microorganism emission zone 415 in a microorganism application mode. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, the first light beam 115 and the microorganism discharge zone 415 at least partially spatially overlap. In further embodiments, the microorganism lighting pattern may overlap in time with the microorganism application pattern, or may follow the microorganism application pattern in time.

In a further embodiment, the method may comprise directing at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation 121 towards the ceiling 4 in the disinfecting mode, in particular wherein the disinfecting radiation 121 comprises UV radiation.

In a further embodiment, the method may comprise directing at least a portion of the first beam 115 of the first device radiation 111 towards the floor 5 in the microorganism lighting mode, and in particular directing at least a portion of the discharge 407 of the first microorganism 7 towards the floor 5 in the microorganism applying mode.

Fig. 2B schematically depicts an embodiment of the method and an embodiment of the operational modes of the system, wherein the variation of the radiation intensity I with time T employed in the different modes is very schematically depicted. In particular, M1 may refer to a microbial illumination mode, M2 to a microbial application mode, M3 to an illumination mode, and M4 to a disinfection mode. For example, several scenarios are depicted over time, which do not necessarily occur one after the other, but are depicted in a single figure by way of comparison only.

The figure starts on the left with a standard illumination mode M3 (e.g. white light), but also with a disinfection mode M4. Due to the latter, microorganisms may be harmfully treated. No microorganisms have been applied yet.

Then, in the second phase, the standard illumination pattern M3 is changed to the microbial illumination pattern M1, for example by increasing the intensity in the desired spectral range. If desired, the spectral power distribution may be further altered by a point to obtain substantially the same color point and/or CRI even if the intensity in the desired spectral range is increased. At about the same time, the microorganism application mode M2 is started. Thus, the room is now substantially treated in the first state to reduce microorganisms (first and second microorganisms), and now desired microorganisms are added together with the beneficial light. Thus, the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation is selected to promote persistence of the first microorganism relative to the second microorganism.

When the desired situation is reached, the microorganism applying pattern M2 may be terminated in the next stage, and the microorganism lighting pattern M1 may also be changed to the standard lighting pattern M3.

In a fourth, longer phase, it is suggested to apply both the microbial application mode M2 and the disinfection mode M4. Thus, the desired first microorganism may be relatively promoted when the undesired second microorganism may be harmfully treated. For example, the microorganism illumination pattern M1 is plotted at a higher intensity level than in the second stage, but for example, due to the disinfection pattern M4, it may be desirable to promote more intense first microorganisms over second microorganisms by the microorganism light in the microorganism illumination pattern M1. Further, for example, in this first phase, some intensity levels change over time. Also, when a desired situation is reached, the microorganism applying mode M2 may be terminated, and the microorganism lighting mode M1 may be changed to the standard lighting mode M3.

Fig. 3A-3B schematically depict the relative spectral sensitivity S versus wavelength λ (in nm). In particular, line L1 corresponds to MS2, line L2 corresponds to QB, line L3 corresponds to T1UV, line L4 corresponds to T7m, line L5 corresponds to T7 coliphage, line L6 corresponds to clostridium minutissimum, line L7 and the crossover corresponds to bacillus pumilus, line L8 corresponds to MS2, and line L9 corresponds to adenovirus. Data points at 200 and 300nm were extrapolated.

The term "spectral sensitivity" may in particular refer herein to the relative absorption of photons at a given wavelength, which photons may damage microorganisms. As indicated above, microorganisms may further differ in their ability to repair UV-induced damage (such as via DNA repair mechanisms). Thus, in an embodiment, the control system may select the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation and/or the disinfection radiation, and in particular also the irradiance, based on the spectral sensitivity and the repair mechanism of the first microorganism and the second microorganism.

Thus, as shown in fig. 3A-3B, different microorganisms may have different spectral sensitivities to different wavelengths, which may help provide first device radiation that provides a first microorganism with a competitive advantage over a second microorganism that is different than the first microorganism. In particular, the difference in relative spectral sensitivity between different microorganisms is in the range of 260nm-280nm (with the difference being greatest at 270 nm) and may be most pronounced for UV wavelengths below 240 nm.

The term "plurality" refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms "plurality" and "a number" may be used interchangeably.

Those skilled in the art will understand the terms "substantially" or "essentially" and the like herein. The term "substantially" or "essentially" may also include embodiments having "completely," "entirely," "all," etc. Thus, in an embodiment, adjectives may be substantially or essentially removed as well. Where applicable, the term "substantially" or the term "substantially" may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, particularly 99% or more, even more particularly 99.5% or more, including 100%. Furthermore, the terms "about" and "approximately" may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, particularly 99% or more, even more particularly 99.5% or more, including 100%. With respect to values, it is to be understood that the terms "generally", "substantially", "about" and "approximately" may also relate to a range of 90% -110%, such as 95% -105%, and especially 99% -101% of the value(s) to which it refers.

The term "comprising" also includes embodiments wherein the term "comprising" means "consisting of … …".

The term "and/or" particularly relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after "and/or". For example, the phrase "project 1 and/or project 2" and similar phrases may relate to one or more of project 1 and project 2. The term "comprising" may in one embodiment mean "consisting of … …", but may in another embodiment also mean "comprising at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species".

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

During operation, an apparatus, device, or system may be described herein (among others). As will be clear to one of skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to the method of operation, or the apparatus, device, or system in operation.

The term "additional embodiments" and similar terms may refer to embodiments that include features of previously discussed embodiments, but may also refer to alternative embodiments.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising", "includes", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim or apparatus claim or system claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The present invention also provides a control system that may control a device, apparatus, or system, or may perform the methods or processes described herein. Still further, the present invention provides a computer program product that, when functionally coupled to or run on a computer comprised by a device, apparatus or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus or system.

The invention is further applicable to an apparatus, device or system comprising one or more features described in the specification and/or shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention further relates to a method or process comprising one or more of the features described in the description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, if a method or an embodiment of the method is described as being performed in a device, apparatus, or system, it will be understood that the device, apparatus, or system, respectively, is suitable for or configured to (perform) the method or an embodiment of the method.

The various aspects discussed in this patent may be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be combined, and that more than two embodiments may also be combined. Furthermore, some features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

Claims

1. A lighting system (1000) for indoor microbiota management in an animal home (200), wherein the lighting system (1000) comprises a light generating device (100), a control system (300), a microbial dispenser device (400) and an input system (305), wherein:

-the microbial dispenser device (400) is configured to (i) provide a discharge (407) of a first microorganism (7) in a microbial discharge mode;

-the light generating device (100) is configured to generate a first device radiation (111), wherein a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation (111) is selected for promoting persistence of a first microorganism (7) with respect to a second microorganism different from the first microorganism (7);

-the input system (305) is configured to receive and/or sense microbiota influencing parameters and to provide related input signals to the control system (300); and is also provided with

-the control system (300) is configured to control the light generating device (100) in dependence of the relevant input signal.

2. The lighting system (1000) of claim 1, wherein the input system (305) comprises a sensor (310), wherein the sensor (310) is configured to sense the microbiota affecting parameter, and wherein the related input signal comprises a related sensor signal.

3. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spectral power distribution of the first device radiation (111) is selected for one or more of: (i) promote the growth of the first microorganism (7), (ii) inactivate a second microorganism different from the first microorganism (7), and (iii) inactivate a second microorganism more strongly than the first microorganism (7).

4. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (300) is configured to control one or more of a spectral power distribution of the first device radiation (111), a duty cycle of the first device radiation (111), a dynamic lighting effect of the first device radiation (111), a spatial direction of the first device radiation (111), and an intensity of the first device radiation (111) depending on the relevant input signal.

5. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microbiota influencing parameter is selected from one or more of (a) the presence of a first microorganism (7) and (b) the presence of a second microorganism.

6. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microbiota influencing parameter is selected from the group of: temperature, relative humidity, humidity level of the floor surface, light from a source other than the light generating device (100), ventilation, and floor covering material in the animal home (200).

7. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microbiota influencing parameter is selected from the group of: the type of animal (2), the feeding stage of the animal (2), the condition of the animal (2), the feed of the animal (2), the spatial density of the animal (2), the activity of the animal (2), the cleanliness of the animal's residence, the treatment of the animal (2), the addition/replacement of animals, the activity of humans in the animal's residence, the stress level of the animal, and the fear behavior of the animal.

8. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first microorganism (7) is selected from the group comprising: acinetobacter, alcaligenes, arthrobacter, azotobacter, bacillus, bei Shilin, thermomyces, archaea, exomonas, enterobacter, erwinia, flavobacterium, lactobacillus, nitrosomyces, nitrosoxypyrus, nitrosomonas, nitrosoxydwarf, nitrosoxyspirobacteria, rhizobium and Serratia.

9. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spectral power has an intensity at one or more wavelengths selected from a first wavelength range of 405nm +/-5nm or a second wavelength range of 460+/-5 nm.

10. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a microbiological lighting pattern is temporally subsequent to the microbiological emission pattern.

11. The lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting system (1000) is configured to provide one or more of the following in a disinfection mode: (a) Disinfecting radiation (121), and (b) charged particles, wherein the disinfecting radiation (121) comprises one or more of (i) UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 100-380nm, (ii) visible near UV radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 380-495nm, and (iii) IR radiation having one or more wavelengths selected from the wavelength range of 750-950 nm.

12. The lighting system (1000) according to claim 11, wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the microbial dispenser device (400) according to any of the preceding claims 10-11 depending on the disinfection mode.

13. The lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system (300) has access to a predefined target microbiota composition, and wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the light generating device (100) depending on the microbiota influencing parameter and the target microbiota composition.

14. A lighting device (1200) selected from the group of a lamp, a luminaire, a projector device, a disinfection device and an optical wireless communication device, the lighting device (1200) comprising a lighting system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. An animal accommodation system (2000) comprising (i) an animal accommodation (200) and (ii) a lighting system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting system (1000) is configured to control indoor microbiota in the animal accommodation (200).