Atmospheric Carbon-to-Protein

Atmospheric Carbon-to-Protein technology involves using microorganisms, specifically hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into proteins through electrochemical gas fermentation. This process leverages electricity and hydrogen as inputs to generate a sustainable protein source from CO2.

The technology addresses food security challenges by providing an alternative method of protein production that does not rely on traditional agricultural practices and can be implemented in areas with limited land or water resources.

Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria are introduced to an environment where they can access CO2 and electricity. The bacteria use the electrical current to oxidize hydrogen, producing formate or acetate, which serves as a carbon source for protein synthesis. This process effectively converts atmospheric CO2 into proteins without requiring additional organic substrates.

• bacteria
• CO2
• electrical energy

Manufacturing involves cultivating hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, setting up electrochemical reactors, and ensuring a steady supply of CO2 and electrical energy. The process requires precise control over environmental conditions to optimize bacterial growth and protein production efficiency.

The build process includes selecting suitable bacterial strains, designing the reactor system, and integrating it with an external power source. Initial trials focus on optimizing these components for maximum yield and minimal resource consumption.

Field units draw low hundreds of watts; fabrication is energy-intensive due to vacuum baking and other processing steps required for bioreactor assembly.

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Electrochemical gas fermentation

A process where microorganisms use electrical current along with hydrogen to produce organic compounds such as formate or acetate, which can then be converted into proteins.

Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria

Bacteria capable of oxidizing hydrogen in the presence of carbon dioxide to synthesize proteins without the need for additional organic substrates.

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