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Blue-green algae collecting device based on magnetic carrier and collecting method of blue-green algae collecting device

Resumen de: CN121203807A

The invention discloses a blue-green algae collecting device based on a magnetic carrier and a collecting method of the blue-green algae collecting device, and belongs to the technical field of blue-green algae treatment. The device comprises a liquid storage unit, a magnetic separation unit and a collection unit, the magnetic separation unit is matched with the liquid storage unit, the magnetic separation unit generates a directional magnetic field and acts on mixed liquid in the liquid storage unit, so that magnetic carriers combined with blue-green algae in the mixed liquid are gathered in the acting direction of magnetic field force, and the blue-green algae-magnetic carrier compound is formed. The magnetic carrier is prepared, and polydopamine (PDA) is rich in active groups, so that the affinity and binding force to cyanobacteria cells are enhanced; meanwhile, a buffer solution is used for accurately regulating and controlling pH, the optimal environment for carrier synthesis and blue-green algae combination is guaranteed, and compared with an unmodified carrier, the blue-green algae capture rate is remarkably increased.

Ultrasound-controllable multifunctional microneedle patch as well as preparation method and application thereof

Resumen de: CN121197013A

The invention discloses an ultrasonic controllable multifunctional microneedle patch as well as a preparation method and application thereof, and belongs to the technical field of biological materials. The preparation method comprises the following steps: preparing crystalline CoW-LDH nanosheets from Co (NO3) 2.6 H2O, Na2WO4. 2H2O and NaOH, dispersing the crystalline CoW-LDH nanosheets in PBS (Phosphate Buffer Solution), centrifuging and collecting the crystalline CoW-LDH nanosheets, and re-dispersing the crystalline CoW-LDH nanosheets in ultrapure water to obtain amorphous CoW-LDH nanosheets; adding PEG (Polyethylene Glycol), ultrasonically dispersing, stirring at room temperature, centrifuging, collecting and centrifugally washing with ultrapure water to obtain a PEG modified amorphous CoW-LDH nanosheet; and adding microalgae and an amorphous CoW-LDH nanosheet modified by PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) to prepare the ultrasonic controllable multifunctional microneedle patch. The multifunctional microneedle patch disclosed by the invention is high in biological safety, can realize ultrasonic controllability, has a sonodynamic treatment effect and an oxygen supply effect, remarkably inhibits melanoma recurrence and remarkably promotes wound healing, and has a wide application prospect.

Fucoxanthin synthesis optimization method and system based on reinforcement learning

Resumen de: CN121215064A

The invention relates to the technical field of biological environment engineering, and provides a fucoxanthin synthesis optimization method and system based on reinforcement learning, and the method comprises the following steps: a real-time data acquisition system; constructing a state space; a deep reinforcement learning decision network; optimizing a dynamic strategy; and strategy verification is linked with the process. Through a light quality-stimulant collaborative reinforcement learning regulation strategy, the static operation limitation of a traditional process is broken through, the photosynthetic physiological state of microalgae is perceived in real time, the light environment and chemical signals are dynamically optimized, the fucoxanthin synthesis efficiency is remarkably improved, and a multi-omics closed-loop verification mechanism is combined, so that the fucoxanthin synthesis efficiency is improved. The molecular cascade effect of a light signal driving pigment synthesis pathway is illuminated, and a precise target spot is provided for metabolic engineering transformation.

Method for improving orientated conversion of perigord truffle fatty acid into EPA and application of method

Resumen de: CN121204175A

The invention relates to the technical field of bioengineering and food engineering, in particular to a method for improving directional conversion of perigord truffle fatty acid into EPA and application of the perigord truffle fatty acid into the EPA. According to the system, a natural enzyme system and active ingredients in a nannochloropsis oculata lysate are fully utilized as biological catalytic components, and the physical strengthening effect of multi-frequency ultrasound is combined; under mild conditions, the unsaturated efficiency of fatty acid and the generation rate of EPA in a reaction system are remarkably improved. According to the method, perigord truffle is subjected to ethanol extraction, lipid components of perigord truffle are fully released, and the perigord truffle and a microalgae lysate have a synergistic effect, so that a composite reaction system with biological catalysis and physical promotion functions is constructed. The method is simple and controllable in process, has the advantages of being short in reaction time, low in energy consumption, environmentally friendly and the like, and meanwhile achieves the dual purposes of high-value utilization of perigord truffle resources and sustainable production of EPA. According to the method, an innovative solution is provided for high-value utilization of perigord truffle resources.

ENHANCED TRIACYLGLYCEROL PRODUCTIVITY AND EXTRACTABILITY IN AN ENGINEERED MICROALGA

Resumen de: US2025388850A1

The present invention relates to an engineered unicellular Stramenopile microalga comprising a loss of function of the homologous Seipin gene, an in vitro method of producing triacylglycerols (TAG), and uses thereof.

ALGAE CULTIVATION AND HARVESTING FROM CARRIERS

Resumen de: US2025388844A1

Microalgae are grown in a biofilm on carriers. The carriers may have surfaces with a small angle to the vertical, optionally forming a cone. A surface of the carrier may be flexible and optionally include a porous material. Algae are harvested from the carriers using a water jet, which may provide a substantially solid stream of water. A nozzle for producing the water jet may spin while being moved laterally over a carrier bed. The water jet may dislodge algae from a surface of the carriers in the form of large agglomerates or blobs. The dislodged algae may have a high concentration of solids or readily settle. The algae may be collected from a floor below the carriers, optionally with a moving collection device. A moving harvesting device may treat a portion of a carrier bed such that harvesting of the entire bed is distributed over time.

ANIMAL PROTEINS IN CYANOBACTERIA

Resumen de: WO2024170959A2

In some embodiments, the gene is integrated into the genome of the cyanobacteria. In some of these embodiments, the gene is integrated into an NS1 site of the cell. The sequence encoding an animal protein is optimized for expression in the cyanobacteria. In some embodiments, the animal protein is a muscle protein. In some of these embodiments, the muscle protein is a myosin subunit, myoglobin, or alpha-actin. In other embodiments, the animal protein is a subunit of a complex. In some of these embodiments, the complex is a myosin complex. The production of proteins by modified cells may be performed in multiple different cells, in some embodiments, the cyanobacteria cell is S. elongatus is PCC7942 or UTEX2973 or PCC7002, or Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. In some embodiments, multiple genes are incorporated into a cell. In some embodiments, each gene comprises a myosin complex subunit. The myosin complex subunits are MLC1, MLC2, and MYH2.

Open shallow water microalgae adherent culture device

Resumen de: CN223705560U

The utility model relates to the technical field of algae culture devices, in particular to an open shallow-water microalgae adherent culture device which comprises a transverse rectangular supporting frame, a plurality of culture substrates are sequentially and flatly laid on the supporting frame from top to bottom at equal intervals, and the section of each culture substrate is in a groove shape. One end of the culture substrate is provided with an integrated blocking plate, and the other end is open and hermetically connected with a funnel; the funnel is embedded into one side of the blocking plate of the adjacent culture substrate; a plurality of incandescent lamps are arranged between every two adjacent culture substrates in the transverse direction at equal intervals, and the incandescent lamps are fixedly arranged on the supporting frame in the longitudinal direction. The diatom growth is promoted through natural light and an incandescent lamp, and a thin culture solution is formed on the bottom surface of the culture substrate, so that the diatom can statically grow on the bottom surface of the culture substrate and finally form a biological membrane with a certain thickness, and the biological membrane can be directly observed and collected.

Fishery breeding tail water treatment and nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture device

Resumen de: CN223705378U

The utility model belongs to the technical field of fishpond breeding tail water treatment, and particularly relates to a fishpond breeding tail water treatment and nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture device. The algae culture device for fishery breeding tail water treatment and nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization comprises a front-end biological treatment unit, a nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture unit, an effluent oxygenation unit and a device chamber, the front-end biological treatment unit comprises a first-echelon biological treatment device and a second-echelon biological treatment device, the first-echelon biological treatment device, the second-echelon biological treatment device and the nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture unit are sequentially connected, and the nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture unit is provided with an LED lighting system and a stirring device. The effluent oxygenation unit is connected with the nitrogen and phosphorus resource utilization algae culture unit and is provided with a stepped oxygenation device. According to the device, the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus treatment of the fishpond culture tail water is realized, and the effluent rich in microalgae flows back into the fishpond, so that the culture tail water is recycled, and the feed feeding is reduced. In addition, the equipment also has the advantages of high integration level, small

Method for verifying function of Cre in oil-producing microalgae and application of Cre in enhancing biosynthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid

Resumen de: CN121160751A

The invention provides a method for verifying functions of Cre in oil-producing microalgae and application of the method in enhancing biosynthesis of eicosapentaenoic acid, and belongs to the technical field of genetic modification. According to the invention, functional verification of Cre in oil-producing microalgae is completed by a method of inserting an intron from an endogenous Phatr3J51169 gene of phaeodactylum tricornutum into a Cre gene, that is, a selection marker located between two loxP sequences can be removed, and a free plasmid transformation method more suitable for Cre removal is further developed. Based on a Cre/loxP system, the expression of EPA synthetic pathway genes in the oil-producing microalgae is enhanced to obtain an engineering algal strain with high yield of EPA, and compared with a wild type, the relative content of EPA can be increased by 24.7%.

Light-wind-heat coupling enhanced hot spring thermophilic cyanobacteria culture photobioreactor

Resumen de: CN121160439A

The invention discloses a light-wind-heat coupling enhanced hot spring cyanobacteria culture photobioreactor. The photobioreactor comprises a reactor main body, a light source system, a floating type supply device, an attachment device, a control system and an energy supply system, wherein the reactor main body is connected with the energy supply system, and energy supply to the reactor main body is completed by utilizing light energy and wind energy; a floating type supply device is arranged at the bottom of the reactor main body and is used for providing sufficient CO2 and other nutrient substances for the thermophilic cyanobacteria; the thermal insulation cylinder is arranged in the reactor main body, so that heat dissipation in the bioreactor is remarkably reduced; an adhesion system is arranged in the reactor, so that the adhesion habitat environment of the thermophilic cyanobacteria in the hot spring is reduced, and later recovery is facilitated. According to the invention, environmental conditions required by growth and reproduction of thermophilic cyanobacteria in the hot spring can be automatically controlled in a low-carbon clean state, and a reliable scheme is provided for ectopic large-scale culture of thermophilic microorganisms.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii metabolic enzyme protein nuclear localization method based on BCCP fusion targeting

Resumen de: CN121160750A

The invention discloses a BCCP fusion targeting-based chlamydomonas reinhardtii metabolic enzyme protein nuclear localization method, which comprises the following steps: carrying out fusion expression on acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP) subunit and target protein, and realizing specific enrichment of fusion protein on the periphery of a protein nucleus by utilizing the natural protein nucleus targeting characteristic of BCCP. The invention provides a novel method for constructing a chlamydomonas reinhardtii engineering strain capable of efficiently utilizing inorganic carbon; the method has important application value in the fields of microalgae carbon capture, biofuel production, high-added-value compound synthesis and the like.

Long-term operation and resourceful treatment method of phycomycete

Resumen de: CN121158966A

The invention belongs to the technical field of phycomycete sewage recycling, and particularly relates to a phycomycete symbiotic system long-term operation and resourceful treatment method which comprises the following steps: constructing a phycomycete symbiotic system containing microalgae and activated sludge; the phycomycete symbiotic system is placed in an optical sequencing batch reactor to operate, the chitosan-diatomite composite material is added in the operation process, and the chitosan-diatomite composite material is added after each time of drainage; the method comprises the following steps: preparing a phycomycete suspension, carrying out vacuum freeze drying on the phycomycete suspension to obtain freeze-dried phycomycete mud, grinding the phycomycete mud into powder, and extracting lipids in the powder. The method provided by the invention can stably operate for a long time, not only improves the removal effect of pollutants, but also remarkably enhances the flocculation performance and lipid productivity of a phycomycete system, has the characteristics of pollutant removal and efficient recycling of resource products, and has wide application prospects of sewage resource utilization and biological energy development.

Aluminum electrolysis flue gas treatment and recovery method based on microalgae staged culture

Resumen de: CN121155338A

The invention provides an aluminum electrolysis flue gas treatment and recovery method based on microalgae staged culture, and belongs to the field of biological purification and recycling of industrial flue gas. The method comprises the following steps: pretreating the aluminum electrolysis flue gas to obtain purified flue gas; introducing the purified flue gas into a photobioreactor inoculated with fluorine-resistant microalgae, and carrying out I-stage tolerance period culture to obtain an algae solution; transferring the algae liquid into a photobioreactor, adding CaCl2 into the algae liquid and limiting the supply of a nitrogen source, and introducing purified flue gas into a second photobioreactor to carry out II-stage accumulation period culture, so as to obtain algae slurry; carrying out solid-liquid separation on the algae slurry to obtain algae mud and algae-containing filtrate; the algae mud is subjected to wall breaking treatment and supercritical extraction, and algae oil and algae residues are obtained. According to the application, the pollutant tolerance mechanism and the product synthesis path of the microalgae are triggered by regulating and controlling environmental factors, so that efficient purification of flue gas, fixation of fluorine in the form of biominerals, step-by-step extraction of high-value products from algae and cyclic utilization of algae residues can be synchronously realized.

Method for promoting microalgae growth by using pharmaceutical product

Resumen de: CN121160592A

The invention belongs to the technical field of microalgae biology and culture, and particularly relates to a method for promoting microalgae growth by using a pharmaceutical product, which comprises the following steps: activating microalgae on a solid flat plate, inoculating the activated microalgae into a liquid culture medium, adding the pharmaceutical product at the initial stage of microalgae growth, placing in a constant-temperature shaking table, and carrying out illumination culture. According to the method, different types of pharmaceutical products with different concentrations are added into the microalgae, the influence of the addition of the different types of pharmaceutical products with different concentrations on the growth promotion of the microalgae is analyzed, the biomass of the chlorella can be rapidly increased, and the method has important significance on the large-scale production of the microalgae.

A PLANKTONIC STRAIN OF THE UNICELLULAR GREEN MICROALGAE CHLORELLA VULGARIS KD BCF, INTENDED FOR BIOMASS PRODUCTION

Resumen de: WO2025257611A1

The invention relates to biotechnology and represents a new planktonic strain of the unicellular green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, intended for biomass production. The planktonic strain of the unicellular green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris KD BCF, deposited in CCAP under number 211/144, is intended for biomass production. It meets the requirements for industrial cultivation and can be used for a wide range of applications: as a food product, for the production of beverages, as a raw material for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, as animal feed, as an algolisant for biological rehabilitation of water bodies, and for wastewater treatment. 1 example.

A METHOD OF PRODUCING SINGLE CELL PROTEIN FROM WHEY

Resumen de: WO2025256873A1

The present invention is generally concerned with the field of microbial fermentation of dairy or dairy alterative industry waste material and microbial protein production such as single cell protein (SCP). In particular the present invention is directed to microbial fermentation of dairy derived or dairy alternative derived whey for production of single cell proteins (SCP) or microbial biomass. More in particular, the present invention relates to a method of producing a single cell protein or biomass, comprising propagating a microbial culture in a large scale setting under suitable conditions and growth medium comprising dairy-derived whey to produce a single cell protein, where the microbial culture comprises microalgae, yeast and bacterial species (Figure 1). The present invention also relates to method of identifying a strain of microorganism, or mixture of strains of microorganisms, capable of efficiently using dairy-derived whey waste as a food source to produce biomass as a source of single cell protein. The present invention also relates to a propagated microbial culture or a composition and use of the culture in microbial fermentation. The present invention further provides a product or supplement comprising the composition of the present invention.

UV A method for screening microalgae with thin cell walls using UV and a new chlorella strain isolated using the same

Resumen de: KR20250176100A

본 발명은 UV를 이용한 세포벽이 얇은 미세조류 선별방법 및 이를 이용하여 분리한 새로운 클로렐라 균주에 관한 것이다. 본 발명을 이용하면 세포벽이 얇은 미세조류 균주를 효과적으로 선별할 수 있고, 상기 선별방법으로 분리된 클로렐라 소로키니아나 UTEX2744 (Chlorella Sorokiniana UTEX2744)는 야생형과 비교하였을 때 생장속도, 지질 함량, 전분 함량과 바이오매스 함량에서 유의한 차이가 없으면서도 세포벽이 얇아 더 많은 바이오 생산물을 얻을 수 있고 유전자 조작이 쉬운 우수한 생물자원으로 사용할 수 있다.

A method of producing single cell protein from whey

Resumen de: GB2641793A

A method of producing single cell protein SCP or biomass comprises culturing microbial inoculum in a growth medium comprising dairy-derived whey. The method may comprise (i) inoculating growth medium comprising dairy-derived whey with a microbial inoculum to form an inoculated microbial mixture, (ii) incubating the inoculated microbial mixture at a first incubation temperature to generate a propagated starter culture, (iii) adding the starter culture to a growth medium comprising dairy-derived whey to form a fermentation mixture and incubating the fermentation mixture, and (iv) treating the fermentation mixture to produce a SCP. The fermentation mixture may be incubated at a second incubation temperature for at least 24 hrs. At least one of the strains in the microbial inoculum may be a microalga, a yeast, a fungi or a bacteria. The propagated starter culture preferably comprises a mixture of at least two strains of microalgae, at least two strains of fungi, at least two strains of yeast, and at least two strains of bacteria. A product or supplement comprising the biomass, a propagated microbial culture and use of the culture in microbial fermentation, and a method of identifying microorganisms capable of efficiently producing biomass using dairy-derived whey are also claimed.

PROCESS FOR OPTIMIZING THE PRODUCTION OF MICROALGAL LIPIDS IN A PLANT USED FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS TREATMENT OF LIQUID AND GAS EFFLUENTS FROM ANAEROBIC DIGESTION, AND RELATED PLANT

Resumen de: EP4663740A1

A process and a plant for the production of microalgal lipids with simultaneous treatment of the liquid and gaseous effluents of anaerobic digestion are described; the process includes the steps of: collecting the digestate and separating the liquid fraction from the dry fraction; mixing, within a loading step, the liquid fraction with water and with the reagents necessary to obtain a culture medium suitable for microalgal growth; continuously feeding the culture medium to the mixing step; simultaneously extracting the effluent from the mixing step to the discharge step; activating a recirculation between the mixing step and the absorption step, maintained in the absence of light; simultaneously extracting the effluent as treated biogas; separating the microalgal biomass from the effluent, for subsequent extraction of the lipids; collecting the digestate and separating the liquid fraction from the dry fraction, wherein this step must be implemented upstream of the process.

Microalgae biological culture device and method

Resumen de: CN121136792A

The invention discloses a microalgae biological culture device and method. The culture device comprises a support and a funnel-shaped round cylinder arranged on the support, a pointed cone is arranged in the center of the funnel-shaped round cylinder, flow guide twisted lines are arranged on the pointed cone, a circulating water injection pipe is arranged on the side wall of the funnel-shaped round cylinder, and a culture water input pipe and a microalgae output pipe are arranged at the bottom of the funnel-shaped round cylinder. The culture method comprises the following steps: pumping culture water into a funnel-shaped cylinder through a culture water input pipe until a target volume is reached, inoculating microalgae, and circularly injecting the culture water into the top of the funnel-shaped cylinder from the bottom of the funnel-shaped cylinder through a circulating water injection pipe to form an inward vortex, so that the microalgae grow; and after the growth is finished, closing the circulating water injection pipe, naturally standing, gathering the microalgae concentrated solution to the central position of the funnel-shaped cylinder, and collecting from the microalgae output pipe. According to the invention, through the funnel-shaped cylinder, the circulating water injection pipe and the flow guide twisted lines, the algae-water mixed liquid forms an inward vortex in the funnel-shaped cylinder, no additional energy waste for stirring is needed, and the cost is redu

Method for improving dark fermentation level of microalgae astaxanthin by utilizing plant hormone pretreatment

Resumen de: CN121137109A

The invention discloses a method for improving the fermentation level of microalgae astaxanthin through plant hormone pretreatment, and belongs to the technical field of microalgae biology. According to the method, firstly, under the dark condition, two plant hormones including brassinolide and cytokinin are utilized to conduct pretreatment on a Chromococcus zoffii seed solution so as to increase the number of plastids, and then through shake-flask culture and fermentation tank fed-batch fermentation, it is proved that the strategy can promote accumulation of astaxanthin of Chromococcus zoffii under the nitrogen deficiency condition. The appropriate concentrations of the two plant hormones are both low, high light stress is not needed, the step operation is simple and convenient, and the production cost is reduced.

Device for resourcefully treating aquaculture wastewater by using microalgae

Resumen de: CN223674443U

The utility model relates to the technical field of aquaculture wastewater, and discloses a microalgae resourceful treatment aquaculture wastewater device, which is used for aquaculture tail water treatment and comprises a treatment pond, support legs are arranged at the bottom of the treatment pond, a water inlet pipe for introducing tail water into the treatment pond is arranged in the treatment pond, and a water outlet pipe for introducing the tail water into the treatment pond is arranged in the treatment pond. A microalgae treatment mechanism for treating the aquaculture tail water is arranged in the treatment pond. By culturing the green algae terrace, pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water body are consumed by utilizing the biological activity of the green algae terrace, so that the efficient nitrogen-reducing and phosphorus-removing effects are realized. The biological treatment method not only is environment-friendly, but also can effectively remove harmful substances in the wastewater. Meanwhile, the position of the mounting framework can be adjusted according to the water level in the treatment pond, and it is ensured that the green alga apron is always in the optimal treatment state. When the abundance of green alga cells reaches a peak value and enters a decline stage, the green alga terrace can be easily taken out by simply adjusting the fixing assembly, and subsequent treatment or replacement is facilitated.

Center kitchen emission reduction system and emission reduction method

Resumen de: CN121135023A

The invention discloses a central kitchen emission reduction system which comprises a wastewater treatment module and a tail gas treatment module, the wastewater treatment module comprises an oil-water separator, a coagulation precipitator, a microalgae photoreactor and a cyclone separator which are connected in sequence, and a water inlet pipe of the oil-water separator is connected with a water outlet of a central kitchen; the tail gas treatment module comprises a condenser and a purification tower, a gas inlet of the condenser is connected with an exhaust port of the central kitchen, a second exhaust pipe of the purification tower is connected with a gas inlet of the microalgae photoreactor, and a water outlet of the microalgae photoreactor is connected with a third water inlet of the cyclone separator. Grease and particles in wastewater of a central kitchen are purified through an oil-water separator and a coagulation precipitator, VOCs and particles in waste gas of the central kitchen are removed through a condenser and a purification tower, and the wastewater and the waste gas are treated through a microalgae photoreactor at the same time. The emission reduction system can reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in the tail gas of the central kitchen while cooperatively utilizing nutritional ingredients in the domestic wastewater of the central kitchen.

Method for preparing deuterated compound by microalgae fermentation

Nº publicación: CN121137084A 16/12/2025

Solicitante:

QINGDAO HUAHE BAIAO BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
\u9752\u5C9B\u534E\u5408\u62DC\u5965\u751F\u7269\u79D1\u6280\u6709\u9650\u516C\u53F8

Resumen de: CN121137084A

The method comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a domestication culture medium by taking deuterium water as a solvent, carrying out illumination culture by taking CO2 or CO2 mixed gas as a carbon source, and domesticating the microalgae for multiple times to obtain deuterium water-resistant microalgae; (2) transferring the deuterium-water-resistant microalgae into a growth culture medium taking deuterium water as a solvent, and continuously carrying out illumination culture on the microalgae by taking CO2 or CO2 mixed gas as a carbon source, so as to obtain the deuterium-water-resistant microalgae with high carbohydrate content; (3) hydrolyzing the deuterium-water-resistant microalgae with high carbohydrate content by using an acid hydrolysis method to obtain a deuterium-water-resistant microalgae hydrolysate; and (4) putting the deuterium-resistant water microalgae hydrolysate into a fermentation container, and adding fermentation microorganisms to obtain the deuterated compound. According to the method disclosed by the invention, various deuterated compounds can be prepared by taking the microalgae biomass as a substrate and combining a fermentation process, so that the production cost is reduced, the sustainable development is promoted, the production process is simplified, and the production efficiency is improved.