HardwareⅠ

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Microbial embedding device

In the current traditional field of wastewater treatment, common wastewater treatment methods include physical treatment and chemical treatment. However, these methods suffer from high cost, high energy consumption, and susceptibility to secondary pollution. In order to solve these problems, the team considered the use of microbial embedding technology to develop an efficient and sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.

The microbial embedding device was then born. In the process of research and development, the team found that the traditional microbial immobilization treatment device has the following problems:

  First, the embedding effect is unstable,the choice and concentration of the embedding agent has a great influence on the microbial embedding effect. Traditional embedding devices often cannot precisely control the amount and concentration of the embedding agent added, resulting in unstable embedding effect;

  Secondly, the microbial activity is low,and the maintenance of microbial activity during the embedding process is an important issue. Traditional embedding devices are prone to cause damage to microorganisms and reduce their activity during operation;

  Third, the processing cost is high, and the traditional embedding device has a cumbersome operation process that requires manual operation, making it difficult to realize automation and large-scale production. In order to solve the above problems, we designed an embedding device that can batch customize microbial spheres, as shown in Figure 1:

Figure 1 Left: Physical diagram Right: Dynamic 3D model The device has the following features:

  • more applicable to the laboratory embedding device: current laboratory bench can not be operated by one person automated microbial embedding device, the device can effectively fill the current market vacancy.
  • Customised microbial spheres: immobilised microbial spheres of different sizes are developed according to requirements, which can meet microbiological reactions of different sizes and needs.
  • Automation and high efficiency: automated operation settings of the embedding device can save labour costs and enhance the efficiency of the industry.
  • Low-cost sustainability: Microbial embedding devices are less expensive and less susceptible to external influences than traditional physico-chemical treatments.
Figure 2 Hardware advantage presentation

Structural overview

Microbial embedding device overall main periphery is covered by an acrylic plate cover, so that the whole is divided into key operation area and internal work area. Its overall support bracket by the European standard 2020l aluminum profiles and acrylic flat plate together, the internal including arduino development board, four-way relay, motor drive module, xkc-y26-v level sensor, DC 12V three-way and two-way solenoid valves, silicone hoses, needles, and cleaning air pump. The device contains a cleaning air pump, can be used when the air is continuously compressed by the power, resulting in air pressure, drive the air pump valve, water as a medium to complete the internal cleaning of the hose.

Design process

Algal wastewater treatment technology is flexible, as different algae species have varying efficiency in treating diverse chemical substances found in wastewater. To determine the most effective water purification methods, tests with different combinations of algae and wastewater systems are necessary. Chlorella and Spirulina are commonly recommended for wastewater treatment, and a microbial embedding device can be used to create gel beads of different sizes and forms for screening algal species and determining optimal concentration. The proposed automated conceptual model in Figure 1 provides a theoretical framework for microbial sphere preparation, mixing culture, and anaerobic culture. The goal is to develop a compact and accessible preparation device for ultra-clean benches. The Microbial Embedding Device 1.0, consisting of a holder, beaker, microbial embedding device body, stepper motor, and other components, has been developed based on this model. However, further improvement is needed to address some issues with the device.

Figure 3 Schematic diagram of microbial embedding device 1.0

The initial version of the Microbial Embedding Device 1.0 had some drawbacks, including high operating voltage, high power consumption, non-environmentally friendly pipeline layout, and difficulty in getting started. The design team addressed these issues and developed the Microbial Embedding Device 2.0 after multiple iterations. The device now features a safer 12V low-voltage power supply, improved piping layout that reduces tubing usage by 60%, and upgraded operation logic that simplifies the assembly process for beginners. This updated version provides a systematic theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the development of microbial embedding devices, offering an efficient, precise, and sustainable solution for microbial culture research and application.


Figure 4 Schematic diagram of microbial embedding device 2.0

Feedback and Testing

Through the microbial embedding device in Fujian Shenliu Group and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University College of Life Sciences Center for Molecular Cellular and Systems Biology, Hangzhou Xiuchuan Technology Co., Ltd. put, the users of the microbial embedding device to give a strong affirmation, because it solves the traditional methods can not be solved, the size of the microbial sphere is not controllable , the efficiency of the manual preparation is not high, the cost of a single preparation is high, and can not be batch preparation.

After the deployment, firstly, the microbial encapsulation device, compared to the traditional method, requires only 45% of the cost for preparing the same quantity of microbial spheres. Moreover, in terms of time, the flow-type immobilized microbial wastewater treatment device is approximately 77% faster than the traditional concentrated wastewater treatment device. Additionally, the automated processing of the microbial encapsulation device also effectively reduces labor costs.

Figure 5 Comparison of traditional methods and hardware

However, through the feedback of the experimenters, the device still has the following problems, high voltage, fast power consumption, piping layout is not very environmentally friendly, the difficulty of getting started, etc., so the design team has carried out a number of iterations, updated the microbial embedding device version 2.0, the use of a safer 12V low-voltage power supply, the operational efficiency has been improved; the device piping layout has been upgraded compared to the 1.0 to reduce the use of 60% of the pipe , more environmentally friendly and save the embedded material; the equipment piping layout has been upgraded compared to the 1.0 reduce the use of pipe.

The operation logic has also been upgraded to further reduce the difficulty for beginners to get started, and several similar functional programs have been combined into a single operation mode. This design process provides a systematic theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the development of microbial embedding devices, and provides an efficient, precise and sustainable solution for microbial culture research and application.

Finally, through testing and placement, we have received strong support from users that the microbial embedding device greatly facilitates research on immobilization of different microorganisms and their effluent treatment in the laboratory and provides a sustainable solution for future bioenergy and green chemistry.

Summary

Microbial embedding device is an efficient and sustainable technical solution for wastewater treatment. Compared with the traditional physicochemical treatment methods, it has the following advantages:1. Customized microbial spheres, according to the market demand for different sizes of immobilized microbial spheres, to meet the different scales and needs of microbial reaction.2. Automation and high efficiency, the device has the ability to automate the operation, to save manpower costs, and enhance the efficiency of the industry.3. Low-cost and sustainable development, compared with the traditional physicochemical treatment methods Compared with the traditional physical and chemical treatment methods, the microbial embedding device has lower cost and is less susceptible to external influences. At the same time, microalgae as a green renewable resource has a broad application prospect. In conclusion, microbial embedding device provides the possibility of sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment program, and provides a sustainable solution for future bioenergy and green chemical industry.