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
- Highlights From Milan Design Week 2024
At Fuorisalone during Milan Design Week designers and exhibitors explored themes around high and low tech, the environment, and the importance of injecting a touch of magic to design.
- Imperial Academic Secures €2.4m European Funding to Enhance Solar Harvesting Technology
Professor Jenny Nelson has won a prestigious European Research Council grant to learn lessons from plants and apply them to solar technologies.She will use the grant to unpick how plants convert ...
- 2024 Inno Under 25
These young innovators — all 25 or younger — are already making a mark on Greater Philadelphia, from fashion to environmental solutions.
- This Swedish startup made the tech behind the world’s first solar-powered headphones – here’s how it works
This article is part of a series of sustainability-themed content we're running to observe Earth Day and promote more sustainable practices. Check out all of our Sustainability Week 2024 content.
- The Business School Entrepreneurs Tackling Sustainable Development
Meeting the climate challenge will require new leaders who understand the scale and urgency of the challenges, and bring practical solutions to addressing the problems.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Agriculture 2.0
- With 73% ownership, Australian Agricultural Company Limited (ASX:AAC) insiders have a lot at stake
Key Insights Significant insider control over Australian Agricultural implies vested interests in company growth 52% ...
- How Indian Dairytech Startups Are Spearheading White Revolution 2.0 In India
Indian dairytech startups are combating age-old issues of poor quality feed, substandard animal healthcare, and poor disease management.
- Suspend implementation of Planting for Food and Jobs 2.0 – Stakeholders to government
Participants at a day’s stakeholders’ workshop on phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ 2.0) programme, have called on the government to suspend its implementation for this year to prevent ...
- UAE announces $50 million commitment to Lives and Livelihoods Fund 2.0
LLF 2.0 will deploy the funding to support critical projects in health and infectious diseases, agriculture, and social infrastructure in low-and lower-middle-income IsDB member countries.
- UAE announces $50-million pledge to major initiative that can lift millions out of poverty
The UAE has committed $50 million to a major multi-donor initiative that seeks to lift millions out of poverty. It will be the second phase of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund 2.0 (LLF 2.0), a ...