WO2012020425A1

WO2012020425A1 - A devise for large scale cell culture in a sea based bio reactor

Info

Publication number: WO2012020425A1
Application number: PCT/IN2011/000481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Panduranga Revankar Krishna Prasad
Original assignee: Panduranga Revankar Krishna Prasad
Priority date: 2010-07-20
Filing date: 2011-07-20
Publication date: 2012-02-16

Abstract

A device to produce bio-polymers and various enzymes is disclosed. The device comprises a bio reactor for the cultivation of cells and a biogas digester, both made of flexible plastic film and featuring multiple floats, to keep the digester and reactor afloat on a large body of water. In one embodiment, the device also comprises in- and outlet channels made of flexible plastic film and a floating platform carrying engines, pumps, a centrifuge, a sterilisation unit and a crane.

Description

INTERNATIONAL PCT APPLICATION

TITLE: A DEVISE FOR LARGE SCALE CELL CULTURE IN A SEA BASED BIO REACTOR .

NAME OF THE INVENTOR: PANDURANGA REVANKAR KRISHNA

PRASAD

NATIONALITY: INDIAN

ADDRESS: # 1826 (UPSTAIRS), 2^NU CROSS,

SAMPIGE ROAD, MALLESHWARAM,

BANGALORE, KARNATAKA

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

TITLE: A DEVISE FOR LARGE SCALE CELL CULTURE IN A SEA BASED BIO REACTOR .

CLAIMS OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims priority from the Provisional Patent Application No.2071 /CHE/2010 filed on 20 JULY 2010.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION.

The invention has been developed for a production of polymers on very large scale needed as a structural material as plastics at a low cost in a renewable manner for a sustainable world Several enzyme , drugs and compounds are secreated in small quantities needing large amount of cells to be cultured to extract the enzyme and drags. The use of a sea based bio reactor enables large volumes at a low costs per unit volume with the cost of maintainance coming down on increased scales.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to technical fields of Bio Technology of Large Scale Cell culture for production of Enzymes ,Bio Polymers and crop protection chemicals and pharmaceuticals. , and in one embodiment to a device to culture cells to produce Enzymes ,Bio Polymers , Crop protection chemicals and pharmaceuticals with the devise comprising of a plastic separator barrier based flexible Bio reactor in the sea, with floating Solar energy based water and media heater for heating media through heat exchanger and cooling using cold water from deep sea and a with vacuum assist, A floating photoreactor to culture algae and photobacteria, a floating platform to carry out sterilization, product separation and storage and media pre treatment, a Bio gas digestor to treat spent media , a floating water treatment unit, open and closed type flexible film based channels with Isolator connector to transfer media , fresh water and spent matter as fertilizer back to coast , a coast based transmitter set to give position on the sea.

[0003] A device, system, and method to culture cells to produce Enzymes ,Bio Polymers and crop protection chemicals and pharmaceuticals using a plastic separator barrier based flexible Bio Reactor in the sea. In one aspect, a device includes a Bio Reactor coupled to a inlet channel made of plastic film separator based channels to convey fresh water and media , the Bio Reactor chamber is held by multi-chambered floats forming the upper periphery with a rigid frame with flexible joints ,covered with plastic film , a protection jacket being multi-chambered made from plastic film encloses the Bio reactor to enable detection of leakage for taking up'repair, an occurrence of leakage is detected through electrodes as sensors. A layer of netting is provided for protection from fish and other aquatic animals

[0004] In another aspect, the Media and fresh water are conveyed by channel made of plastic component , an open type channel, and a closed type channel and the open type channel may be formed of flexible plastic film reinforced by fiber threads and polymeric fabric coated with plastic and of rubber sheet reinforced with fiber thread and metal cable for strength , held by multi-chambered floats with Isolator Connector being rigid having directional valve, and points for fixing plastic ropes for anchorage, and stabilization, and floats with detachable weights for wave management which may be reattached later and till that time held by separate floats. The plastic flexible film surrounded by leakage detection chambers with sensors, and the closed type channels is formed of flexible plastic film reinforced with fiber threads ,with Isolator Connector being rigid having directional valve, and points for fixing plastic ropes for anchorage, and stabilization, and floats with detachable weights for wave management which may be reattached later and till that time held by separate floats, and the plastic flexible film surrounded by leakage detection chambers with sensors. The open type, and closed type channel to have 'U' shaped connecting chamber made of rigid material with swivel joints, to allow the ships to cross the channel.

[0005] The Bio Reactor chamber may be held by multi-chambered plastic floats embedded with plastic ropes to provide hold for strong anchorage, and stabilization, and the Bio Reactor chamber to rest on sea bed where it is shallow. The Bio Reactor chamber may be made of plastic flexible film with reinforcing fiber thread and polymeric fabric coated with plastic. The plastic film is made of two layers including a strong thick outer layer made of recycled plastic, and an inner thin layer made of much thinner newly synthesized plastic to give better sealing.

[0006] In yet another aspect, stainless steel electrodes may be used in the multi- chambered wall which are connected by at least metallic wive embedded in plastic film and of conductive plastic to detect salt water leakage which leads to increased electrical conductivity detected by electronic system and thereby enable repair at the needed place.

[0007] The suction channel may be provided to the Bio Reactor to remove remaining spent media which is treated in a Bio gas Digestor coupled through a inlet channel made of plastic film separator to Bio Reactor the a spent media containing fresh water, which is allowed to decompose releasing methane, the digester chamber is held by multi- chambered floats forming the upper periphery, a protection jacket being multi-chambered made from plastic film encloses the storage chamber to enable detection of leakage for taking up repair, an occurrence of leakage is detected through electrodes as sensors, a plastic sheet is used to cover the digestor chamber to collect methane gas, the plastic sheets slides over the floats, weights are weights are attached to the plastic sheet to hold in tight position, and to apply pressure to allow the flow of methane gas, the methane gas is burnt on the floating Platform in a engine to which is coupled a electric generator to generate power and operate pumps ,and vacuum pump, . a suction channel coupled to the Bio Gas digestion chamber is provided to remove digested organic matter which is pumped out and sent to coast for use as fertilizer, the channel runs parallel to supply channels [0008] In yet another aspect , a floating platform having engine and pumps, a

sterilization unit with steam generated using hot water from solar distillation unit with supplimentory heating using one of bio gas from bio gas generator and a tank for chemical sterilization and UV radiation source , a storage tank for products and media , a centrifuge to separate products from the media , a crane to help in deployment .and a resting place for workers.

[0009] The device, systems, and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in any means for achieving various aspects, and may be executed in a form of a machine- readable medium embodying a set of instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any of the operations disclosed herein. Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] Example embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0002] Figure 1 is a system view of entire devise illustrating culture of cells in aqueous media in a Bio Reactor ,the media being conveyed through separator barrier based channel, platform for sterilization , separation of products , storage and control , Solar energy base heater and vacuum assist , a floating Photo Reactor, bio gas digestor, a water treatment unit according to one embodiment.

[0003] Figure 2 is a cross section view of the Bio Reactor and its components, according to one embodiment.

[0004] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of Photo reactor , according to one embodiment.

[0005] Figure 4 is a cross section view of the open channel, according to one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 5 is a cross section view of the closed channel, according to one embodiment. [0007] Figure 6 is a cross section view of a towing boat, according to one

embodiment.

[0008] Figure 7 is a system view of bellow chamber with isolator to cross ships, according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 8 is a system view of a 'U' shaped connectivity chamber, according to one embodiment.

[0010] Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A device, system and method to culture cells to produce enzymes, biopolymers and other compounds in a sea based Bio Reactor . Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 1 is a system view of the entire devise with floating units on the sea illustrating, Cell culture in Bio Reactor, heating of fresh water in the solar based floating heater and processing of spent waste in Bio gas digestor to produce methane, Platform to carry out sterilization .product separation, storage and control of the entire process according to one embodiment. . Particularly, Figure 1 illustrates a media and fresh water conveyed by channel 101 from coast with Isolater connector with attached damper 102, Bio Reactor 103 with stirrer 1 4, heat exchanger 105 ,the Bio Reactor chamber held by floats 106 and ancourage line 108, the Bio Reactor having a framework on top 107. a channel to transfer spent media to the Bio gas Digestor 109, with methane collector film held by weights 1 10, methane gas outlet channel to the floating platform 1 1 1 , spent media after digestion removed for use as fertilizer through outlet channel 1 12, the solar heater 1 13 with glass tubes held by frame , a photo reactor 1 14, a floating platform 1 15 having pump 1 16 to pump cold water from deep sea by pipe 1 17, having engine 120 , supplied methane gas by outlet channel 1 11 connected to the biogas units , a sterilization unit with steam source 1 18 and centrifuge 1 19 for separating products from media , and crane 121 to help in lifting and deployment of sterilized layers , according to one embodiment.

[0013] The Media and Fresh water channel 101 (e.g., the open type channel, and the closed type channel) may be used to convey the Media and fresh water to Bio Reactor chamber. The multi -chambered wall 104 (e.g., made by plastic film) of the Bio reactor e enables detection of salt water leakage thereby enabling repair.

[0014] In example embodiment, Figure 1 illustrates the Bio reactor having multi- chambered wall with electrodes, and leak protection chamber to detect the leakage, the channels to supply media and fresh water from coast , the Biogas digestor to treat the spent media , the associated photoreactor , the solar based floating water heaters and the floating platform with engine ,pumps, sterilization unit, centrifuge and crane.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross section view of the Bio Reactor chamber according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 2 illustrates the Bio Reactor 201 ,held by floats 202, having multichamber outer jacket with electrodes 203 to detect leakage, attachable and detachable weights 204, with inner removable layer which is sterilized 206, the top of the Bio Reactor having a rigid frame with flexible hinged joints 205 and covered by plastic film providing attachment to inlet pipes , pulley of cables to stirrer 207 .a heat exchanger 208. a aeriator pipe 209 is provided , a camera 210 for monitoring flow and turbidity , a outlet channel 21 1 to transfer media to floating platform for extracting products, the media with fresh water is feed to the Bio Reactor by channel 212 , a anchorage 213, a outlet channel 215 to transfer spent waste to Bio gas digestor .

[0016j The Bio Reactor is also surrounded by a Netting 214 for protection from fish and aquatic animals.

[0017] In example embodiment, Figure 2 illustrates the Bio Reactor chamber and its components to enable large scale cell culture, having protective outer layer with leak detection and surrounded by netting, the provision for sterring , aeration , heat exchange for temperature regulation, camera and sensors for monitoring the process.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross section view of a Photo Reactor according to one embodiment. Particularly Figure 3 illustrates the Photo Reactor 301 formed of multi chamber layer with electrodes 302 to detect leakage, held by floats 304. having heat exchange channels 303, covered on top by UV resistant plastic film 305, and having culture media 306.

[0019] In example embodiment, Figure 3 illustrates the Photo Reactor chamber arid its heat exchange channels required for temperature regulation to enable large scale cell culture of algae and photosynthetic bacteria. [0020] Figure 4 is a cross section view of the open channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 4 illustrates a leak protection chamber 401 , media and fresh water 402. a float 406, electrodes 404, and a netting 405, according to one embodiment.

[0021] The leak protection chamber 401 may be used to detecting the leakages of fresh water in the channel (e.g., may be open type, and closed type channel). The media and fresh water 402 may be transferred from the coast. The float 403 (e.g., flexible, and made of plastic film component) may be connected at the end of the flexible film which may be used to float the channels on the surface of the sea. The electrodes 404 attached in the channel is used to sense the salt water leakage in the channel. The netting 405 may be spread over to protect the channel from the fish, and sharks.

[0022] In example embodiment, the Bio Reactor may be connected to channel. The open channel may be held by the float 403 at both the ends of the channel. The netting 405 is used to protect the channel.

[0023] Figure 5 is a top view of the open channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 5 illustrates the float 403, the media fresh water 402, a tow line 406, and a isolator 407, according to one embodiment.

[0024] The towing line 406 made of plastic may be used tow the channels, based on eiTor signal to generated through the microprocessor from triangulation signal transmitted by three antennas on the coast for correct designated position of the floating channel. The isolator connector 407 (e.g., may be made of rigid plastic frame with latch) with a drop down valve may be used to connect a channel section with a lift up floats with detachable weights. The isolator connector 407 may also be used to detach, and attached back the floating channel during severe storm, to pass wave energy, to prevent damage to the device, and accidental collusion with ships.

[0025] In example embodiment, the top of the isolator connector 407 may be attached with a tow line 406.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross section view of the closed channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 6 illustrates the leak detection chamber 401 , media and fresh water 402, and the electrodes 404, according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates another type channel called the closed type channel to collect and transfer the sewage containing the fresh water 404 along with the electrodes 408 and the leak detection chamber 401 which may be used to detect the salt water leakage in the channel. The functionality of the open type channel and the closed type channel is similar.

[0028] Figure 7 is a side view of the closed channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 7 illustrates the media with fresh water 402, a drop down valve 408, and the latching connector to drop down valve , according to one embodiment.

[0029] The drop down valve 408 (e.g., the drop down valve, the butterfly valve, and the flap valve) may be connected to the isolator connector may be directional to take advantage of wave to enable forward flow, and to prevent back flow of the fresh water. There may be drop down valve used during detaching, and for the re attachment of the channel.

[0030] Figure 7 illustrates the drop down valve 408 with latching connector of the isolator of the closed channel. [0031] Figure 8 is a side view of the open channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 8 illustrates the isolator connector 407, media and the fresh water 402. the float 403, the tow line 406, the drop down valve 408, a signal board with blinking LED 412, a damper film structure 410, an anchorage to sea floor 409, and a detachable weight 41 1 , according to one embodiment.

[0032] The signal board with blinking LED 412 is carried on the isolator connector to warm ships, and fishing boat from approaching the channel. The damper film structure 410 may be suspended in deeper part of sea, is attached to the Isolator Connector 407. The anchorage to sea floor 409 may be taken wherever necessary by anchor hooks connected to the plastic ropes for stabilization of the floating channel. The detachable weight 41 1 may be. provided to the isolator connector 407 of the floating channel for use during severe storm.

[0033] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the open channel having isolator connector 407 connected upwardly to the signal board with blinking LED 412, the drop down valve 408. The anchorage to sea floor 409 and the damper film structure 410 are also provided to the isolator connector 407 for stabilization of the device.

[0034] Figure 9 is a side view of the closed channel, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 9 illustrates the media and fresh water 402, the tow line 406, the drop down valve 408, the signal board with blinking LED 412, and electrodes for shark repulsion 413, according to one embodiment.

[0035] The electrodes 413 (e.g., may be stainless steel) attached to the isolator connector 407 downwardly may be used to repel sharks from the device. [0036] Figure 10 is a cross section view of a towing boat, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 10 illustrates the tow line 406, an antenna 505A-C, an antenna 504, and a microprocessor 501 , according to one embodiment.

[0037] The antenna 505A-C may be mounted on the coast to transmit triangulation signal for the corrected designated position of the floating channel. The antenna 504 is mounted in the towing boat to receive signals from coast based transmitter and enable keep the channel in correct position when drifted by waves. The microprocessor 501 may be used to generate error signal that may be used by the towing boat with plastic tow line to place the floating channel in correct designated position when drifted by waves. Motor driven spools having plastic cables enable to provide force for keeping the channels in designated position.

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates the towing boat with plastic tow line along with the antenna 504 and the microprocessors 501 using the error signal generated through the microprocessor 501 from the triangulation signal transmitted by the three antennas on the coast, and by GPS signal tow the channel into correct designated position when drifted by waves.

[0039] Figure 11 is a system view of bellow chamber with isolator to cross ships, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 11 illustrates a bellow chamber 506. The bellow chamber 506 may be pulled in by a pair of cables that may be driven by motor to allow large ships. The open type, and the closed type channels may have bellow chambers 506.

[0040] Figure 12 is a system view of a 'U' shaped connectivity chamber, according to one embodiment. Particularly, Figure 12 illustrates the floating channel having 'U' shape connecting chamber 508 (e.g., made of rigid material with swivel joints) may be used to allow the ships to cross the channel without damaging the device. The 'U' shaped connecting chamber 508 may be in horizontal position which may dip down to vertical position using the ships force allowing ships to cross and return to horizontal position after the crossing of ships. .

[0041] Although the present embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

[0042] In addition, it will be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system (e.g., a computer system), and may be performed in any order (e.g., including using means for achieving the various operations). Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

CLAIMS: I Claim;

1 . A device, system, and method to enable large scale cell culture in a cost effective manner to produce Enzymes ,Bio Polymers and crop protection chemicals and pharmaceuticals on the Sea comprising of

A bio reactor made of flexible plastic film as separator barrier between sea water and media, held by floats near sea surface, coupled to a inlet channel open and closed type made of flexible plastic film to convey media and fresh water with closed type channel , a solar based heater unit , a Bio gas digestor made of flexible plastic film as separator between sea water and organic waste matter to be digested to generate methane used as fuel,a Floating platform with engine ,pumps, sterilisation unit , a crane, centrifuge and microprocessor for control:

2 The devise as in claim 1

wherein Bio reactoror of large volume at low cost per unit volume , is held by multi- chambered plastic floats embedded with plastic ropes to provide hold for strong anchorage, and stabilization, and the bio reactor to rest on sea bed where it is shallow, a protection jacket being multi-chambered made from plastic film encloses the Bio reactoror ,to enable detection of leakage for taking up repair, occurrence of leakage is detected through electrodes as sensors;

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

Wherein the Bio reactor is made of at least plastic flexible film with reinforcing fiber thread and polymeric fabric coated with plastic and of rubber sheet reinforced with fiber thread and metal cable for strength , and Wherein the plastic film is made of two layers including a strong thick outer layer made of recycled plastic, and an inner thin layer made of much thinner newly synthesized plastic to give better sealing, the plastic film exposed to sunlight is incorporated with ultraviolet protective chemicals to protect from ultra violet radiation, the chamber is enclosed by the multi-chambered wall, and an extra inner lining thin plastic film is provided inside the digestion chamber to enable separate removal, cleaning and sterilisation. The outside of the chamber is provided a additional layer of thin plastic film covering to manage and clean barnacles where it is a problem.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

Wherein the Bio reactor is provided with a stirring mechanism powered by one of fluid pressure pneumatically and one of sealed electric motor ,the stirrer being moved by means of cables pulled by a set of motors, a heat exchanger to maintain required temperature, an aeriator pipe to pump air when required, a camera for monitoring flow and turbidity and sensors for process parameters pH, temperator ,and other parameters required with provision for taking samples for testing

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

Wherein stainless steel electrodes are used in the multi-chambered wall jacket enclosing The Bio reactor which are connected by at least metallic wire embedded in plastic film and of conductive plastic , to detect salt water leakage which leads to increased electrical conductivity detected by electronic system having microprocessor with dedicated software and thereby enable repair at the needed place.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1 : Wherein the media and fresh water made or plastic component is ai least one ui mi uptu type channel, and a closed type channel used to transfer the media containing fresh water, and wherein the open type channel is formed of at least flexible plastic film reinforced by fiber threads and polymeric fabric coated with plastic and of rubber sheet reinforced with fiber thread and metal cable for strength, held by multi-chambered floats with Isolator Connector being rigid having directional valve, and points for fixing plastic ropes for anchorage, and stabilization, and floats with detachable weights for wave management which are reattached later and till that time held by separate floats, a signal board with blinking light emitting diode and wherein the plastic flexible film surrounded by leakage detection chambers with sensors, and wherein the closed type channels is formed of flexible plastic film reinforced with fiber threads ,with Isolator Connector being rigid having directional valve, and points for fixing plastic ropes for anchorage, and stabilization, and floats with detachable weights for wave management which are reattached later and till that time held by separate floats, and wherein the plastic flexible film surrounded by leakage detection chambers with sensors.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

wherein the open type, and closed type channel to have 'U' shaped connecting chamber made of rigid material with swivel joints, to allow the ships to cross the channel, and wherein the 'U' shaped connecting chamber can be in horizontal position which dip down to vertical position using the ships force thereby allowing ships to cross and return to horizontal position after the crossing the ships, and wherein the open type, and closed type channel have Bellow chambers pulled in by a pair of cables driven by motor to allow large ships.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

where in a floating solar based heater one of glass tube having heat exchanger surrounded by vaccum enclosed in a floating plastic container with glass sheet cover on top to trap solar radiation and prevent heat from escaping and one of heat exchanger enclosed in a floating plastic container with glass sheet cover on top to trap solar radiation and prevent heat from escaping , the solar powered heater unit is used to generate hot water for generating steam for sterilization.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 :

where in a Floating Platform having engine and pumps, a sterilization unit with steam generated using hot water from solar distillation unit with supplimentory heating using one of bio gas from bio gas generator and a tank for chemical sterilization and UV radiation source , a storage tank for products and media , a centrifuge to separate products from the media , a crane to lift solid state Bio reactor to remove pretreated

media„disintergrate for sending it to Bio reactor for breakdown to alcohol., a

Microprocessor based control system connected to sensor and camera signal outputs from Bio reactor and distillation unit for interpretation of the process and provide signal for actuation of motors and valves by means of dedicated software, and provide a resting place for workers.

10. The device as claimed in claim i :

Wherein the Bio gas digester is made of at least plastic flexible film with reinforcing fiber thread and polymeric fabric coated with plastic and of rubber sheet reinforced with fiber thread and metal cable for strength , and Wherein the plastic film is made of two layers including a strong thick outer layer made of recycled plastic, and an inner thin layer made of much thinner newly synthesized plastic to give better sealing. The plastic film exposed to sunlight is incorporated with ultraviolet protective chemicals to protect from ultra violet radiation. The chamber is enclosed by the multi -chambered wall, and an extra inner lining thin plastic film is provided inside the digestion chamber to enable separate removal, and cleaning. The outside of the chamber is provided a additional layer of thin plastic film covering to manage and clean barnacles where it is a problem.

1 1 . The device as claimed in claim 1 :

Wherein a Photoreactor held by floats surrounded at bottom by plastic film based multi chambers to detect leakage with help of electrodes, covered on top by transparent plastic film with UV protection and channels for cooling acting as heat exchanger is used to culture algae and photo bacteria

12 The device as claimed in claim 1 :

Wherein the remaining fresh water from BioGas digestor is pumped into storage and water treatment unit formed of flexible plastic film reinforced by fiber thread, held by floats for water treatment with at least chlorine, with sedimentation and filtration and then pumped back to coast

Dated this 19^tn day of July 201 1

(REVANKAR KRISHNA PRASAD.Panduranga)

APPLICANT and INVENTOR