Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production
from left: PhD student Vivian Willers und Prof. Volker Sieber
Agriculture 2.0: TUM researchers produce important amino acid from greenhouse gas CO2
Ensuring the supply of food to the constantly growing world population and protecting the environment at the same time are often conflicting objectives. Now researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have successfully developed a method for the synthetic manufacture of nutritional protein using a type of artificial photosynthesis. The animal feed industry is the primary driver of high demand for large volumes of nutritional protein, which is also suitable for use in meat substitute products.
A group led by Prof. Volker Sieber at the TUM Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability (TUMCS) has succeeded in producing the amino acid L-alanine, an essential building block in proteins, from the environmentally harmful gas CO2. Their indirect biotechnological process involves methanol as an intermediate. Until now, protein for animal feed has been typically produced in the southern hemisphere with large-scale agricultural space requirements and negative consequences for biodiversity.
The CO2, which is removed from the atmosphere, is first turned into methanol using green electricity and hydrogen. The new method converts this intermediate into L-alanine in a multi-stage process using synthetic enzymes; the method is extremely effective and generates very high yields. L-alanine is one of the most important components of protein, which is essential to the nutrition of both humans and animals.
Prof. Sieber, of the TUM Professorship for Chemistry of Biogenic Resources, explains: “Compared to growing plants, this method requires far less space to create the same amount of L-alanine, when the energy used comes from solar or wind power sources. The more efficient use of space means a kind of artificial photosynthesis can be used to produce the same amount of foodstuffs on significantly fewer acres. This paves the way for a smaller ecological footprint in agriculture.”
Bioeconomy and hydrogen economy in combination
The manufacture of L-alanine is only the first step for the scientists. “We also want to produce other amino acids from CO2 using renewable energy and to further increase efficiency in the realization process,” says co-author Vivian Willers, who developed the process as a doctoral candidate at the TUM Campus Straubing. The researchers add that the project is a good example of how bioeconomy and hydrogen economy in combination can make it possible to achieve more sustainability.
Original Article: Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production
More from: Technical University of Munich
The Latest Updates from Bing News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Artificial photosynthesis
- Toward artificial leaves that float on water, bubbling fuel
Researchers have now made such an artificial leaf device using an organic photovoltaic (OPV) material. Depending on the catalyst used, the device either splits water to make hydrogen fuel or splits ...
- Hard Tech for Early-Stage Founders: HAX Invests in Startups Solving the Hardest Problems in Climate, Industrial Independence, and Healthcare
TechCrunch was proud to host HAX at Early Stage in Boston on April 25, 2024. Here’s an overview of their breakout session. There’s no tougher, early stage startup category than hard tech, and no one ...
- The 8 Best Grow Lights for Countertop Herbs, Small Gardens, and Helping Indoor Plants Thrive
Narrow spectrum lights are noted for serious gardeners and plant nerds who need to support different stages of development. Blue-light spectrum (450-490 nm) grow lights are used for early-stage growth ...
- The Advantages of Going Solar
This article explores the numerous advantages of adopting solar energy, both from an environmental standpoint and its capacity to influence economic and personal development.
- Artificial Photosynthesis: A Game Changer for Clean Energy
that brings us a step closer to the day carbon dioxide could be used as a resource.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Agriculture 2.0
- Much-needed rain keeps farmers out of the fields
Fifty-seven percent of Iowa’s expected corn crop has been planted, one week behind last year. Twenty-six percent has emerged. Thirty-nine percent of Iowa’s expected soybean crop has been planted, one ...
- BSP seen pausing up to 3rd quarter
MONETARY authorities are expected to keep key interest rates steady up to the third quarter before finally easing policy in a bid to shore up growth, a Moody's economist said.Delays, however, remain ...
- Field Notes: Slowing farmland value growth Down Under; UBS on Green Revolution 2.0; UK asset owners all-in on natural capital
Growth in Australian farmland values slowed in 2023 to 6.4 percent; goFarm to launch new fund with A$350 million ($232 million; €215 million) target; UBS wants governments in driver’s seat for Green ...
- ABC 27 obtains FAMU gift agreement for $237 million donation; see what's inside
ABC 27 has obtained the gift agreement between Florida A&M University and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust following a $237 million donation announced at commencement.
- Philippine agriculture sector saw minimal growth in Q1
The Philippine agriculture and fisheries sector saw a minimal growth in the first quarter of 2024, according to data released Wednesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA reported a ...