Microbial Electrosynthesis of Single Cell Protein

This technology uses a microbial electrolysis cell to consume organic waste and produce high quality single cell protein

Background
As population growth continues, the world is increasingly deficient in high quality protein. Most protein is produced from an inefficient industrial agriculture system that depletes natural resources and stresses arable land while contributing to climate change. We are in need of technologies that produce protein more efficiently, with less water and arable land, while producing less waste and mitigating climate impacts. Single cell protein is an attractive solution for its high conversion efficiency, high production rate, and high protein content as a percent of dried biomass.

Technology Description
Single cell protein (SCP) is a promising alternative protein source, bypassing several of the disadvantages of animal protein production in industrial agriculture. Coupling a fast-growing hydrogen consuming organism with microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) is a viable method for SCP production. Under a small applied voltage, this system utilizes a co‑culture of multiple bacteria to consume organics in wastewater while simultaneously producing methane and high quality single cell protein (>60% protein dry weight biomass).

Further Details: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852423014530

Features & Benefits

• Produces high quality single cell protein with all amino acids, including as much as 35 wt.% essential amino acids.
• Bypasses high water, land, and other intense resource associated with conventional agriculture.
• Produces methane which be used for supplemental heat and power generation.
• Reduces carbon emissions and climate impacts of protein production.

Applications
This technology is broadly applicable in any agricultural or industrial process that produces an aqueous waste stream with high organic and nutrient content (i.e., dairy, food processing, fermentations, etc.). Initial applications are likely in the production of supplemental protein for animal feed, then progressing to protein suitable for human consumption.

Opportunity
Oregon State University is looking for partners to help scale MEC throughput and SCP output in specific industrial applications. Suitable applications have a high a volume of nutrient rich wastewater and/or a need for high quality protein to supplement animal feed.

Status
Patent application submitted 18/493,255