Lanzatech, a company known for its development of industrial waste processing technologies and chemicals, has now set its sights on the food market. The company is working on creating alternative protein sources using microorganisms, a strategy that is gaining popularity in the quest to reduce the harmful effects of the food system on the climate.
Currently, the production of food products is responsible for 25-35% of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, with a significant portion coming from livestock. Developing alternative protein sources can help mitigate environmental damage while addressing food security challenges in the face of climate change, which is impacting traditional agriculture.
Lanzatech uses microorganisms to produce ethanol by processing industrial gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. During this process, excess bacteria mass is produced. Dried bacterial powder, which is rich in protein, is already being used in China as feed for fish, poultry, and pigs.
The company is now exploring a new approach using bacteria called *Cupriavidus Necator*, which naturally occur in soil and water. These microorganisms are referred to as “protein machines,” with dried powder from them containing over 85% protein. This protein powder can be incorporated into animal feed as well as food for human consumption.
Lanzatech is currently collaborating with Mattson, a company specializing in food technologies, to develop prototypes of products. For instance, bread has been baked using the protein powder. However, commercial production is pending certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
Large-scale production of protein products derived from bacteria is still in the developmental stages. A pilot plant in Illinois is currently producing around a kilogram of the product per day. By 2026, a plant is expected to launch that will produce half a ton of protein powder daily, meeting the needs of approximately 10,000 people. Ultimately, a commercial facility could generate about 45,000 tons of products annually.
The use of microbes in food production has the potential to lower land and water usage as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when compared to resource-intensive products like beef. Technologies centered around microbes could play a critical role in establishing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.