Yang, Y.; Zeng, X.; Luo, Y.; Zhao, W.; Guo, J.; Ma, R.; Cui, W.

Functional microbial agents played a crucial role in various fields such as cultivation, feed fermentation, aquaculture and environmental protection. However, traditional microbial agents confronted with critical challenges such as limited shelf-life, reduced activity, and inconsistent efficacy. In this case, we innovatively proposed the concept of Directed Microbial Ecology (DME) and developed its application system, including a core module named DME intelligent fermentor (DME25). Over 40 functional strains, including Gram-negative strains, Gram-positive strains and fungus strains, were successfully cultured to 10-50 x 108 CFU/mL within 20-48 h and maintained a relative low contamination rate (<2.5%). Finally, the stability and effectiveness of these DME fermented strains were validated in three different application area, all of which exhibited perfect functional characteristics. Firstly, the bacillus strains inhibited the progression of wilt disease and significantly improved the growth of tomatoes. Secondly, all tested lactobacillus strains improved the nutrition and quality of fermented feed, complying feed industry standards. Lastly, the ammonia concentration, nitrate concentration of aquaculture water and the phosphate concentration, COD of aquaculture tail water were significantly reduced within 1-4 d. The successful application of DME and its intelligent fermentor in different fields marks a pivotal breakthrough in technological innovation of the microbial on-site one-step fermentation. This technological advancement opens new avenues for enhancing the stability and effectiveness of microbial agents, infusing powerful impetus to the development of the microbial application.