Your next meal could come from thin air — literally: A team of engineers in China has developed a low-cost, dual-reactor system that converts CO2 into single-cell protein, according to a study (pdf) published in the Environmental Science and Ecotechnology Journal. The system addresses both climate change and food security by repurposing CO2 into an edible and highly nutritious protein source.

How does it work? The process involves two stages; a microbial electrosynthesis that transforms CO2 into acetate, a form of salt, which is then fed aerobic bacteria to produce protein with a concentration of 74% higher than soybean and fish. The system’s efficiency was measured at 17.4 g/L dry cell weight, with applications for both human and animal consumption.

The design has high potential: Unlike traditional protein production methods, the system requires minimal pH adjustments during operations, significantly lowering costs and complexity. It also produces less wastewater, reducing the environmental footprint and minimizing cleanup expenses. The system’s streamlined design could make large-scale protein production cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

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