Breakthrough bioprocess turns CO2 and electricity into high-protein food

A pioneering study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology has unveiled a novel bioprocess that transforms carbon dioxide (CO2) and electricity into single-cell protein (SCP), a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source. Developed by researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University and the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, this innovative system combines anaerobic and aerobic microbial processes to efficiently produce SCP using acetate as a key intermediate.

The system consists of two interconnected reactors: the first uses microbial electrosynthesis (MES) to convert CO2 into acetate, while the second employs aerobic bacteria (*Alcaligenes*) to upgrade acetate into SCP. By recirculating the medium between the reactors, the team achieved a remarkable cell dry weight of 17.4 g/L, with a protein content of 74%—surpassing traditional protein sources like fish and soybean meal. The process also minimizes pH adjustment, reduces wastewater generation, and alleviates product inhibition, enhancing both sustainability and efficiency.

This breakthrough offers a promising solution to global food security and climate challenges by converting CO2 into valuable protein. The SCP produced is rich in essential amino acids, making it an excellent supplement for animal feed and a potential candidate for human nutrition.

As global food demand rises and climate change intensifies, this technology represents a significant step toward a circular carbon economy, turning greenhouse gases into nutritious food while reducing environmental impact. The study underscores the potential of biohybrid systems to revolutionize sustainable food production and address pressing environmental issues.