Valorization of Spent Microbial Biomass from Precision Fermentation

ABSTRACT

Precision fermentation utilizes genetic engineering to transform microbes into factories that produce large quantities of a specific protein or high-value substance. Following a purification process, the spent microbial biomass may be used for livestock feed and fertilizer or is otherwise disposed of as waste. The Seeker is looking for new applications for better and more creative ways of reclaiming the value of the spent biomass.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

 

OVERVIEW

Many foods such as yogurt, cheese, beer, and wine are products of a fermentation process. However, precision fermentation is different, in that microorganisms are engineered to produce something specific (e.g. protein, enzyme), which is concentrated and filtered from the growth media to yield a high-quality, purified product. The Seeker desires new methods to optimize the disposal of the remaining nutrient-rich microbial biomass in a way that reduces waste, while being sustainable and scalable.

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will not have to transfer their exclusive IP rights to the Seeker. Instead, Solvers will grant to the Seeker a non-exclusive license to practice their solutions. 

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on January 16, 2023. 

Late submissions will not be considered.

 

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A Wazoku Crowd Theoretical Challenge builds upon an idea but is not yet a proof of concept. A solution to a Theoretical Challenge will solidify the Solver’s concept with detailed descriptions, specifications and requirements necessary to bringing a good idea closer to becoming an actual product or service.

This Challenge is a Theoretical-Licensing Challenge, meaning that the Seeker is requesting non-exclusive rights to use the winning solution. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.