Protein manufactured from ……..  air????

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A startup called Solar Foods believes protein could be synthesized from the air, water, and electricity. This absolutely innovative approach allows producing eco-friendly substance full of nutrients (proteins  50%, carbohydrates 20-25%, fats 5-10%,) in laboratories. That means that Solein demands no connection with the agricultural sector to be manufactured.  

Production. The production of Solein could be compared with the production of wine. Manufacturers use sugar and carbon (they are needed for the fermentation process) to make wine. Afterward, yeast is used to transform sugar into alcohol. 

While manufacturing Solein, instead of yeast special bacteria is used. It consumes CO2 and hydrogen for its energy source. The bacteria is fed with special hydrogen bubbles which are made with water electrolysis. That allows the growth and the multiplication of the organism. As a result protein powder is produced. 

Is it eco-friendly? According to the study, the Solein is 100 times more eco-friendly than any other animal or plant-based substitution in terms of water and land use. Scientists affirm 1 kg of Solein requires only 10 liters of water to be manufactured, while 1 kg of beef requires 15000 liters. Besides, Solein production predicts no CO2 emissions. On the contrary, it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. It is worth mentioning that meat production plays a considerable role in global climate change. So Solein is a possible solution to the world’s climate issues. 

For what purposes? As I have mentioned above, Solein can substitute meat. Moreover, it can be added to various everyday products such as milk, cheese, yogurts, protein bars, etc. In addition, the implementation of Solein is also expected to be a small revolution in the space industry. Due to the fact that this powder is easy to produce it can be used during space trips. And of course, Solein can be consumed during long-distance expeditions to deserts and other uninhabited areas. 

 

The company planned tests to have been finished by 2020. They have already obtained financing and believe to generate 300 000 000 $ revenue till 2025. You are welcome to get acquainted with the detailed plan in the photo below. 

 

 

Sources:

https://solarfoods.fi/#solein   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Foods

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2020/09/02/Solar-Foods-prepares-to-commercialise-novel-protein-Solein-in-Q4-2022

https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2019/07/15/Solar-Foods-makes-protein-out-of-thin-air-This-is-the-most-environmentally-friendly-food-there-is

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