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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Generating Controlled, Dynamic Chemical Landscapes to Study Microbial Behavior
Published on: January 31, 2020
Sustained performance and microbial succession in novel artificial rumen system coupling dynamic membrane with
Xiang-Lin Chang1, Bao-Shan Xing2, Yu Qin3
1School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, China.
Abstract:
Artificial rumen systems promise for converting lignocellulosic biomass into renewable products but face challenges in long-term operation. This study developed a novel artificial rumen system combined fermentation with acid absorption using methanogenic granules and a dynamic membrane. Over 480 days, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were effectively separated by the dynamic membrane and immediately absorbed by granules, simulating natural ruminant acid absorption. Despite increasing the organic loading rate from 3.27 to 8.18 g-VS/L/day, stable VFA yields of 0.21-0.24 g-COD/g-VS were maintained. After 440 days, removal efficiencies for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin reached 62.7 %, 52.1 %, and 40.7 %, respectively. The acid absorption unit efficiently converted VFAs into biomethane (302-304 mL/g COD), showing high bioenergy potential. Metagenomic analysis confirmed key rumen microbes (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes) were dominant, with enrichment of low-abundance species like Prevotella and Solobacterium that secreted lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. The system enables long-term biomass conversion and supports future high-load artificial rumen engineering.
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