Bacteria

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1. Why bacteria for protein production?

  • Bacteria can produce up to 80% protein in their biomass.
  • They grow quickly and use simple, renewable carbon sources (e.g., green methanol).
  • Advantages:
    • No seasonality.
    • No need for arable land or large water volumes.
    • High-quality, sustainable protein production.

2. Why do we use methylotrophic bacteria in InnoProtein?

  • These bacteria can grow on C1 carbon substrates like methanol or methane.
  • Carbon sources come from:
    • Renewables (e.g., biogas, solid waste, or CO₂ that can be converted into methanol).
  • Methylotrophic bacteria are also microbial factories that can produce:
    • Proteins and amino acids.
    • Biodegradable plastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates).
    • Pigments with antioxidant properties (carotenoids).

3. The process: How bacterial proteins are produced

  • Step 1: Fermentation: Bacteria are grown using methanol + mineral compounds.
  • Step 2: Separation: The final fermentation broth contains biomass and a liquid fraction which get separated. The wet biomass is used for protein extraction and purification.
  • Step 3: Recycling: The liquid fraction is recycled to reduce waste and water consumption, following a circular strategy.

4. Protein extraction and purification

  • Greener technologies being tested include:
    • Alkaline Autolysis
    • Three-Phase Partitioning (TPP)
    • Homogenization
  • Extracted and purified bacterial proteins are ready for food applications.