Summary of an article published in Science Daily News on July 30, 2021 reads:
"An international research team has shown that using solar-panels to produce microbial protein -- which is rich not just in proteins but also in other nutrients -- is more sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly than growing conventional crops. This method uses solar energy, land, nutrients, and carbon dioxide from the air."
Can this be a reality in good time - may before the 2050? Could this help us comfortably feed the world? Your thoughts are appreciated.
It appeared in media recently. Electrochemical production of energy-rich substrate for the microbes is new area coming into limelight. But many aspects such as growth strategies for large scale cultivation and harvesting are to be ascertained from biosafety aspects. Acceptance by food regulatory authorities will need toxicity profile data. Another aspect relating to processing and value addition of the the protein-rich biomass to convert into palatable form, needs emphasis.
It is not a new concept, under the natural sunlight production of blue green algae, humic acid, fulvic acid is already happening and are being used in food & feed.
Thank you Suresh K Malhotra for the insightful addition to this discussion and the emerging technology. I think this kinds of alternative ways of calorie generation need to be explored in addition to the efforts of boosting crop production and productivity to be able to feed the ever increasing global population.
It is a relevant question needs further discussion on different related areas.
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