Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in coal-to-protein technology to address global demand

CHINA- Scientists from the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reportedly achieved a breakthrough in coal-to-protein technology. 

This advancement is expected to significantly enhance the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of feed production, addressing the growing global demand for protein due to a surging population.

Facing a notable protein resource shortage despite being a global leader in pig and aquaculture production, China has been actively seeking alternative and cost-effective approaches to secure a stable protein supply. 

Led by Professor Wu Xin, the Chinese research team turned to biotechnological synthesis to tackle this challenge.

The innovative method focuses on industrial fermentation using methanol derived from coal as a raw material, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional protein biosynthesis. 

Professor Wu Xin’s team claims to have developed a protein production technology that surpasses the cost-effectiveness of conventional methods.

The process begins with the conversion of coal into methanol through gasification. Subsequently, a specific strain of Pichia pastoris yeast is employed to ferment the methanol, resulting in the production of a single-cell protein. 

This method boasts a dry cell weight and crude protein content of 120g/liter and 67.2%, respectively.

The microbial proteins produced through this method reportedly exhibit a robust amino acid profile, along with essential vitamins, inorganic salts, fats, and carbohydrates. 

According to the researchers, this nutritional richness positions the proteins as viable partial replacements for fishmeal, soybeans, meat, and skimmed milk powder in various applications.

The research team has allegedly initiated industrial-scale demonstrations, producing thousands of tons of protein in an undisclosed plant. This breakthrough holds promise in addressing China’s protein resource shortage and contributes to the global effort to meet the rising demand for protein sustainably.

Looking ahead, Professor Wu Xin emphasizes the need to enhance the physiological functions and nutritional value of methanol-derived proteins. This strategic approach aims to further reduce production costs and increase the value of methanol protein, promoting its large-scale production.

As China pioneers this coal-to-protein breakthrough, the global community is likely to witness a significant stride toward meeting the challenges posed by a growing population and the subsequent surge in protein demand. 

The development opens new avenues for sustainable and cost-effective protein production, aligning with the urgent need for innovative solutions to secure food resources for the future.

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