New sustainable proteins for food, feed and non-food bio-based applications

Project Information

InnoProtein

Grant agreement ID: 101112072

DOI

10.3030/101112072

EC signature date 8 May 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 31 May 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 5 042 574,73

EU contribution

€ 4 592 391,64

Coordinated by

FUNDACION TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - InnoProtein (New sustainable proteins for food, feed and non-food bio-based applications)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In 2050, there will be up to 10 billion inhabitants worldwide, presenting one of the greatest environmental, economic, and social challenges: producing sufficient quality protein sustainably while reducing the current pressure on natural resources. In this context, the EU is vulnerable due to its “protein gap” (importing 70% of protein-rich crops and 90% of soybeans). There is an urgent need for new sustainable protein sources with high nutritional quality, health benefits, and functional properties that meet the needs and expectations of end-users across food, feed, and non-food biobased markets. It is critical to raise awareness among consumers and industries to successfully implement new protein value chains.
The InnoProtein project directly addresses this challenge and aligns with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the priorities of the European Green Deal by targeting unexploited and sustainable (environmental, technological, economic, and social) protein sources to enhance Europe’s protein self-sufficiency.
The project aims to provide single-cell proteins (SCP) derived from microalgae, bacteria, and fungi, as well as alternative high-quality proteins from entomological sources. This initiative focuses on food, feed, and non-food biobased applications, all from a circular and zero-waste perspective in their production.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the first period of the project, several species of microalgae (Haemoatococcus pluvialis, Euglena gracilis, Euglena gracilis var. Saccharophila and Schizochytrium limacinum), bacteria (Methylorubrum extorquens and Methylophilus methylotrophus), fungal (Aspergillus orizae, Aspergillus sojae and Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus) and insect (Hermetia illucens and
Tenebrio molitor) has been screened to produce rich-protein biomass.
Several culture and growth conditions have been tested to increase the protein content of SCP and insect biomass at the laboratory scale. Regarding protein recovery from biomass, three-phase partitioning (TPP), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), shear forces (rotor-stator system Ultra-Turrax) (UT), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have all been examined. So far, the best results have been obtained with UAE and UT. To date, the protein extraction yield has increased to close to or more than 20% with UAE and UT for microalgae and fungal biomass. The protein content and profile of amino acids have been characterised. The protein content is now reaching the KPIs set in the project. All the alternative sources considered in the InnoProtein project have content of all 20 amino acids. The toxicological analysis of fungal biomass has been carried out.
Regarding the optimisation of the SCP and insect protein processes from a sustainable point of view, several raw materials based on food by-products (e.g. biscuit flour, biscuit crumbs, brewer's yeast, Lactum-Feed B, Lactal, molasses and liquid food) has been characterised. Their viability as co-substract has begun for insect and fungal growth testing.
The residual biomass and streams from protein recovery processes have been characterised (e.g. oil, frass, etc.). Additionally, the valorisation of biomass residues through the production of bioplastics, employing advanced processes such as compounding to create cutlery products, has started. The formulation of a new foliar biostimulant prototype based on chitosan obtained in the project has started. The nutrient analysis of frass confirmed its suitability in terms of NPK content, making it appropriate for use, later in the project, in tests to evaluate its agronomic efficacy as a solid biofertilizer.
The US-based methodology for monitoring culture growth has completed the design of the sensing topology and the ultrasonic configuration. The specifications of the final transducer holder are already defined. Work is also underway on the electronic prototype that will facilitate the digitalisation of ultrasonic signals. The main components have already been selected, and the design of the electronic board is advancing well.
Progress has also been made satisfactorily on the software that will serve as a tool for the end user. Methods and possible digital architecture applied to the project conditions have been analysed to define the software requirements, and technology partners have been asked essential questions necessary to advance in developing the digital solution.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The InnoProtein project employs a multi-actor approach with 14 partners and an affiliated entity, including technology providers (4 RTDs – 27%), industrial partners (10 SME – 67%), and a consumer-oriented partner (1 NGO – 6%) from 9 different European countries. InnoProtein focuses on market-oriented initiatives. The SMEs within the InnoProtein Consortium will ensure the swift exploitation of breakthrough results. The key outcomes anticipated by the end of the project are: i) biomass for alternative proteins; ii) proteins from alternative sources; iii) value-added compounds from protein side-stream processes; iv) an ultrasound system to monitor and enhance protein-rich biomass production; v) digital tools for unconventional protein recovery; and vi) market applications incorporating unconventional proteins.
InnoProtein is a framework for fostering new collaborations and interconnections between actors from various sectors, establishing the basis for sustainable consumption and production (SCP) using unexploited sources of proteins such as microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and insects for food, feed, and non-food applications. The new business model for InnoProtein will rely on a circular and zero-waste approach, integrating the entire value chain. Within InnoProtein, we will maintain close contact with technology providers (four research and technology developers) and industrial partners (identified as 10 SME from various industrial sectors), along with a consumer-oriented partner (1 NGO), to create new cross-sectional interconnections. Conventional protein production significantly impacts the environment, and sustainable alternatives are crucial. InnoProtein aims to reduce EU consumption of conventional proteins, thereby leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions without increasing land use. InnoProtein will also contribute to enhancing protein availability within the EU and reducing dependence on imports. The InnoProtein project includes preliminary co-location opportunities and decentralised production in smaller units to facilitate further replication across the EU.

Figure 1. The overall concept of the INNOPROTEIN project