Development of smart pill for elucidation of fermentation dynamics
Background
The strategy of the project is to reduce methane production by stimulating propionate fermentation in the rumen, but this requires a sensor to measure the amount of propionate produced in the rumen. If a “smart pill,” a device that can be placed in the rumen to measure the amount (percentage) of propionic acid in volatile fatty acids (VFA) and monitor it in real time via wireless communication, can be realized, it might contribute to elucidating the dynamics of fermentation in the rumen and significant reduction of methane production.
Research content
(1) Development of VFA sensor modules
Prototype VFA total amount sensors were developed by using a three-layered VFA pervaporation membrane. We will further develop sensor modules for VFA composition by optimizing sensor materials, sensing methods, measurement conditions, and digital conversion circuits.
(2) Development of Smart Pill Integration Technology and VFA Monitoring System
We will develop a “smart pill” that is placed in the rumen and continuously transmits rumen VFA concentration measurement data wirelessly, and a “VFA monitoring system” that reliably receives VFA data and stores it in the cloud. The following technologies are developed.
– Long-life technologies for elemental devices and power supply and control technologies to ensure stable operation of the smart pill in the rumen over a long period of time
– Ultra-low power (ULP) wireless communication technology for reliable wireless communication between the smart pill inside the rumen and the base station.
Subprojects
Subproject 1: Understanding of rumen microbiome and metabolic hydrogen flow
Subproject 2: Development of “smart pill” for real-time monitoring of rumen fermentation
Subproject 3: Establishment of optimal feeding system for reducing rumen methane