A recent study conducted at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University [34.3°N, 109.0°E] reveals an innovative bioprocess that produces single-cell protein (SCP) using carbon dioxide (CO₂) and electricity. This groundbreaking method not only offers a sustainable solution to feed a growing global population but also addresses climate change by directly utilising CO₂ emissions as a resource.
How It Works
The process integrates microbial electrosynthesis (MES) with a recirculating anaerobic-aerobic bioreactor. Here’s a simplified explanation of the key steps:
- CO₂ Conversion:
- MES uses electricity to convert CO₂ into acetate, a simple organic compound.
- Electroactive microbes drive this conversion, acting as natural catalysts.
- Protein Production:
- The acetate feeds aerobic microbes in a connected bioreactor, which grow and multiply, forming protein-rich biomass.
- This biomass serves as single-cell protein, suitable for use in animal feed or even human nutrition.
- Energy Efficiency:
- The system is highly efficient, recycling water and nutrients between the anaerobic and aerobic phases, minimising waste.
Key Benefits
- Climate Mitigation:
- By capturing CO₂ from industrial emissions, this method reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Sustainable Protein Production:
- SCP offers an alternative to traditional protein sources, reducing reliance on land and water-intensive farming practices.
- Energy-Efficient Recycling:
- The closed-loop design minimises resource inputs, making the system economically and environmentally viable.
- Adaptable Applications:
- SCP can be tailored for various uses, from aquaculture feed to high-protein food ingredients, addressing global food security challenges.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
This innovative technology demonstrates how science can turn environmental challenges into opportunities. By transforming CO₂ emissions into valuable protein, it paves the way for sustainable food systems that support both human and planetary health.
Investing in and scaling up such technologies is critical to building a future where carbon emissions are a resource, not a burden.
Source
Single-cell Protein Production from CO₂ and Electricity with a Recirculating Anaerobic-Aerobic Bioprocess, Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 2025-03
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