Photoconversion of organic materials into single-cell protein
OwnerPaul F. Weaverinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A process is described for converting organic materials (such as biomass wastes) into sterile, high-grade bacterial protein suitable for use an animal feed or human food supplements. In a preferred embodiment the process involves thermally gasifying the organic material into primarily carbon monoxide, hydrogen and nitrogen products, followed by photosynthetic bacterial assimilation of the gases into cell material, which can be as high as 65% protein. The process is ideally suited for waste recycling and for food production under zero-gravity or extra-terrestrial conditions.
Claims19
A process for producing single-cell protein, comprising the steps of:
- (a) combusting organic materials in limited oxygen or air to produce gaseous nutrients consisting essentially of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen;
- (b) contacting said gaseous nutrients with photosynthetic bacteria selected from the group consisting of the Rhodospirillales order of phototrophic bacteria;
- wherein said bacteria is of a type which is capable of metabolizing carbon monoxide in light;
- and
- (c) exposing said bacteria to radiant energy in a manner such that said nutrients are assimilated by said bacteria into bacterial cell mass.
A process for producing single-cell protein, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing gaseous nutrients consisting essentially of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide;
- and hydrogen, and nitrogen;
- (b) contacting said nutrients and nitrogen with photosynthetic bacteria selected from the group consisting of the Rhodospirillales order of phototrophic bacteria;
- wherein said bacteria is of a type which is capable of metabolizing carbon monoxide in light;
- and
- (c) exposing said bacteria to radiant energy in a manner such that said nutrients are assimilated by said bacteria into bacterial cell mass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.