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Project Code [23/NCF/FF/11724]
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Project title
A sustainable climate-proof waste-to-protein system for developing feed-grade protein solutions [SC-Protein]
Primary Funding Agency
Science Foundation Ireland
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
University College Cork
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
There is an urgent need of sustainable solutions to overcome contemporary food challenges. Namely, how can a growing world population be fed when agricultural land per capita is decreasing? How to transform biological resources into value-added products to make agriculture more circular? How to produce more protein in a sustainable way without destroying the planet? The SC-Protein project proposes a potential solution for these challenges by developing an integrated waste-to-protein biorefinery system for producing alternative single cell proteins (SCPs), using microbial fermentation. SC-Protein is built on the prior state-of-the and aims to advance pre-treatment technologies/processes and cost-effective bioreactor designs for SCP production. SC-Protein will transform locally available agri-food industry waste/side streams (from dairy processing, brewery, mushroom and food processing) into cost-effective alternative growth substrates. These substrates will then be used as sole carbon source for cultivating high protein containing microorganisms (bacteria, yeast and fungi) in a bioreactor using precision fermentation. By decoupling protein production from fishing and farming, SC-Protein will provide sufficient feed-grade proteins for pig, poultry and aquaculture, without using arable land and water. Leveraging partners� trans-disciplinary knowledge, prior experience in delivering outputs, available resources and infrastructure, the proposed solution will be developed within requested time and budget.
Grant Approved
�320,250.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
28/02/2025