Herbicides as tool for selection of edible protein-rich mutants

Single cell proteins (SCPs) are a good alternative to replace agricultural proteins because SCP production is more environmentally friendly, consumes less water, requires less land and SCP can be produced from agro-industrial by-products. SCP-producing microorganisms are the basis of all SCP technological solutions, therefore improving the properties and productivity of these strains is vital for increasing the competitiveness of SCP technologies.

In this project, the authors propose a new technique to generate SCP-producing strains. This technique would use amino acid inhibitors (herbicides) to exert selective pressure on the resulting mutant strains. Mutants that grow fastest on selective media will show higher total protein concentrations and/or improved amino acid profiles.

The project will start with a multi-criteria analysis to identify the most suitable strains, mutagenesis methods, amino acid inhibitors and the composition of the culture medium made from agro-industrial by-products. The selected clusters will be tested in the laboratory, where the SCP yield and production efficiency of the generated mutant strains will be evaluated. Life cycle analysis will be performed on the group that has shown the best results in the experiments.

The results will be used to strengthen intellectual property rights, further develop the technology concept, prepare new project applications and scientific publications, introduce entrepreneurs, society and students to the developed technology and prepare recommendations for legislators.

PROJECT FUNDED BY:

Latvia’s state budget Fundamental and Applied Research Project

Project No. lzp-2022/1-0126

PROJECT DURATION:

April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2026

PROJECT BUDGET:

300 000.00 EUR

SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF THE PROJECT:

Valdis Vītoliņš

PUBLISHED:

01.05.2023.