So the challenge is really, how do you get enough carbon dioxide or methane in one place to feed your fermenters at the scale we’re talking about? It’s a bit like wind turbines; you can’t put them everywhere because there’s not enough wind everywhere. It’s the same with gas fermentation; you can’t just put a fermenter in the middle of a city and expect to feed it with the gases that are there.

So, in reality, you need to concentrate the gas somehow. In our case, we’re looking at feedstocks that are essentially off-gases from industrial processes, but that have to be concentrated to make them viable feedstocks for us.

There’s a lot of interest in capturing flue gases, for example, from power plants, cement plants, or steel plants, because these have a high concentration of methane or carbon dioxide that could be used as feedstocks. So it’s about finding those concentrated sources and then it can work quite well.

AFN: What advantages does gas fermentation offer over conventional feedstocks?

GB: The infrastructure is very different. If you look at the entire supply chain of growing crops, extracting crops, fermenting crops, it’s a very different infrastructure to just taking gas, concentrating it, and putting it into fermenters. So the capex [capital expenditure] and the opex [operational expenditure] are very different.

Also, you have a very low cost of feedstock, so that’s always an advantage. The cost of methane is not a lot. And whilst the metals we add are expensive, they’re in very low concentrations in the feedstock.

It’s also very sustainable; there’s no need to grow arable crops, so there’s no land use, no water use, and no pesticide use. And there’s no waste; everything you make is protein. So it’s a very sustainable process in that sense.

AFN: What’s the potential for gas fermentation in the food and feed markets?

GB: There’s a lot of interest in alternative proteins, and I think that’s where the value will be for us. I think there’s a lot of value in the animal feed market, too, because the amount of animal protein that’s needed in the world is growing exponentially.

Also, if you look at the petfood market, people are spending more and more on their pets, and they want to feed them well. So I think it’s a very exciting space to be in.

Overall, gas fermentation has a lot of potential in biomanufacturing, particularly in the food and feed sectors. While there are challenges to overcome, the advantages in terms of cost, sustainability, and scalability make it an attractive option for the future of biomanufacturing.

With more research and development, we may see gas fermentation become a mainstream technology in the coming years, revolutionizing the way we produce food and feed.

Only time will tell if gas fermentation truly is the next big thing in biomanufacturing, but the potential is certainly there for this innovative technology to make a significant impact.

The Challenges of Obtaining Renewable Methane for Protein Production

One of the key challenges facing the production of protein from microbial sources is the availability of renewable methane. The cost to obtain, concentrate, and push methane into the fermenter at the necessary scale is currently prohibitive. While biogas can provide methane, the challenge lies in securing a local source of renewable methane at a cost-effective rate. This issue revolves around scale, cost, and logistics rather than technical limitations.

Another crucial factor is the acquisition of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the fermentation process. Cleaning up waste CO2 is an expensive endeavor, making it crucial to find a cost-effective and clean source of CO2. This is a common challenge faced by industries requiring bulk quantities of CO2 for various processes.

While methane is preferred due to its ease of management and unique properties, the long-term solution lies in producing synthetic methane. In the interim, natural gas can be utilized, with carbon emissions still significantly lower than those from traditional animal agriculture methods.

The Downstream Process

For applications in aquaculture and pet food, the protein-rich biomass harvested from the fermentation process undergoes several steps. Initially at 2% solids in the fermenter, the biomass is centrifuged to increase the concentration to 12-15%, similar to milk. Subsequently, the water is evaporated, and the protein-rich biomass is spray-dried for storage and distribution.

Target Markets and Expansion Plans

The initial focus of protein production from microbial sources was in the Chinese aquaculture market, in collaboration with Adisseo. This venture aimed to cater to the massive Chinese aquaculture sector, providing a sustainable protein source for fish and shrimp. With successful operations and approvals in place, the next phase involves targeting the pet food markets in Europe and the US.

FeedKind, the brand name for the microbial protein, offers a viable alternative to traditional feed ingredients for aquaculture and pet food. The amino-acid profile of FeedKind makes it particularly suitable for finfish and shrimp, with potential health benefits observed in feeding trials.

Expansion into human food markets is also on the horizon, with plans to integrate the protein-rich biomass into high-carbohydrate, low-protein products such as bread and pasta. The protein source offers essential nutrients and can serve as a sustainable alternative to animal-derived proteins.

Investor Perspective and Future Plans

As Calysta seeks to scale up its production capacity, investors are showing interest in the innovative approach to protein production. With successful operations in China and proven performance metrics, future investments are poised to support the expansion into new markets and the construction of larger production facilities.

The journey towards sustainable protein production from microbial sources continues, with Calysta at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for the food and feed industries.

the title “The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise for Physical and Mental Health”

In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to find time to prioritize their physical and mental health. However, one simple solution that can have a profound impact is incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine. Not only does outdoor exercise provide a change of scenery from the confines of a gym, but it also offers a host of benefits for both your body and mind.

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Furthermore, outdoor exercise provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Whether you’re going for a hike in the mountains, biking along a scenic trail, or practicing yoga in a peaceful park, being surrounded by nature can have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the mind. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and enhance feelings of happiness and well-being.

In addition to the mental health benefits, outdoor exercise also offers unique physical challenges that can help improve fitness levels and overall health. For example, running on uneven terrain or cycling against the wind can engage different muscle groups and improve balance and coordination. Outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking provide a fun and challenging way to stay active and build strength and endurance.

Overall, incorporating outdoor exercise into your routine can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk in the park or an intense workout in the great outdoors, spending time outside can help you feel more energized, focused, and balanced. So lace up your sneakers, grab your water bottle, and head outside to enjoy the many benefits of outdoor exercise. Your body and mind will thank you.