Energy efficient and resilient food production system: using hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria to convert CO2 to protein

Food production is responsible for approximately 25-35% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is recognized as one of the central domains that must urgently adopt the concept of Green Transition. The need for energy-efficient and resilient solutions for the production of food is undisputable, and some microbes, such as Knallgas bacteria, can convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) into protein, offering a possibility for a transformative food system. The HERO-Protein project aims to convert the hydrogen-oxidizing Knallgas bacterium species Rhodococcus opacus into a cellular factory that produces different food proteins for human consumption. The microbe will be modified to both secrete food proteins and to serve as edible single-cell protein. The University of Tartu will use its state-of-the-art gas fermentation facility and engineering expertise to improve the fermentation performance of the engineered strains. The project will directly contribute to the ambitions of the Nordic-Baltic region towards carbon neutrality and sustainable food production by establishing a carbon-negative food production system: process input H2 is generated through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy and input CO2 is captured from air or industrial side streams.