Atmospheric Carbon-to-Protein Synthesis is a process that converts atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and electricity into edible protein using microbial electrolysis, specifically employing hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria.
This technology addresses the dual challenges of food security and carbon dioxide emissions by providing a sustainable method for producing edible protein without requiring agricultural land or feedstocks, thus reducing environmental impact while ensuring a stable supply of nutrients.
The process involves the use of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria as catalysts for fixing CO2. These bacteria are electrochemically stimulated to reduce CO2 directly into organic compounds, which can then be further metabolized and converted into proteins by other microorganisms or directly harvested as protein-rich biomass.
Manufacturing involves setting up bioreactors that can house the bacteria and provide the necessary conditions for microbial electrolysis. This includes maintaining optimal pH levels, temperature, and electrical current to maximize efficiency and yield.
The build process begins with selecting and optimizing bacterial strains capable of efficient CO2 fixation under electrochemical conditions. The bioreactor design must ensure adequate mixing of gases and electricity while providing a suitable environment for microbial growth and protein production.
Field units draw low hundreds of watts; fabrication is energy-intensive due to vacuum baking and initial setup processes.
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