Scientists to Use Microbes and Methane to Create Sustainable Omega 3
06 May 2016 --- Scientists are trying to find a new way to produce omega 3 fatty acids that are currently sourced from fish oil from the world’s declining natural fish stocks.
In a groundbreaking branch of new science – synthetic biology – the team at The University of Nottingham’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre are working with biotechnology company CHAIN Biotech and industry partner Calysta, Inc. to develop microbial technology that uses microorganisms to ferment methane gas into valuable nutritional supplements.
Leading the research at Nottingham’s Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Professor Nigel Minton said: “We specialize in the use of fermentation of certain gases to produce sustainable industrial chemicals and biofuels, and now through this project to produce vital feedstock ingredients like Omega 3 fatty acids.“
Fish farming is growing in response to increased global demand for seafood and Calysta has developed and is commercializing a new patented product called FeedKind protein to provide a sustainable fish food ingredient for the fish farming industry. The company will offer a fast track to scaling up of the PUFA manufacturing process. Calysta is based in California and will open a market introduction facility for FeedKind in Teesside, England, later this year. A commercial-scale plant in the US is expected to come online in 2018.
“FeedKind protein is a natural, safe, high-quality, non-GMO protein source produced by a single cell organism, using a natural, proprietary fermentation process. By replacing fishmeal, fish oil and soy protein concentrate with a nutritious naturally occurring protein, the aquaculture industry can reduce its impact on the environment and on wild fisheries while continuing to grow to feed the world’s population.”
“Successful completion of this research will result in a step-change in sustainable human nutrition and will be welcomed by the food industry, retailers and consumers globally.”
CHAIN Biotechnology Ltd. (CHAIN) was founded in 2014 by Dr Edward Green and Dr Basil Omar and is based at Imperial College, London and the University of Nottingham. The principle aim is to develop and exploit Clostridium bacteria for a wide range of biotech applications. CHAIN has recruited a team of experts and assembled world class partners to build an advanced technology platform for Clostridium.
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